How common are engine problems in the 2022 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 26 engine complaints for the 2022 Outback, which is 6% of the 463 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2022 Subaru Outback engine?

Yes. Recall 22V473000 covers a damaged engine wiring harness that can cause a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit; dealers replace the harness and ECU free of charge.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2022 Outback?

The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 17,000 miles.

Have engine problems in the 2022 Outback caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury associated with complaints filed in the engine problem area for this model year.

How does the 2022 Outback compare to other model years for engine complaints?

The 2022 Outback's 6% share of complaints tied to the engine is lower than most earlier years, such as 2013 at 30% and 2010 at 22%, though 2021 was closer at 13%.

2022 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 26 engine complaints for the 2022 Subaru Outback, 6% of its 463 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 17,000. A related recall (22V473000) covers a damaged engine wiring harness affecting the ECU.

Engine complaints: 26; 6% of 463
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 17,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or hesitation at low speed while parking, sometimes ending in a collision with a wall, pole, or tree.
Some vehicles reportedly caught fire under the hood, in one case while parked after dealer maintenance and in another while driving on the highway with white smoke and a rattling engine noise.
Several owners describe the engine losing power or stalling unexpectedly at speed, sometimes accompanied by a loud sound from the front of the vehicle and complete loss of electrical power.
Owners report the vehicle shuddering violently before lurching forward into a stone wall while pulling into a parking space.
Some complaints describe oil pan leaks, with owners suspecting a factory quality-control issue that dealers did not catch during inspection.
One report describes multiple safety systems disabling in sequence on the highway, including cruise control, lane assist, and collision avoidance, alongside a check engine light.

When 2022 Subaru Outback engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 14, 2021, latest Aug 18, 2026.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Nov 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 22V473000Jul 1, 2022Engine15 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Risk: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

Engine complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201077 (22%)
2011113 (17%)
201259 (20%)
201388 (30%)
201449 (24%)
201574 (15%)
201674 (12%)
201769 (8%)
201857 (7%)
201964 (6%)
202061 (7%)
202137 (13%)
202226 (6%)
20233 (3%)
202410 (10%)
20258 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2022 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 26 engine complaints for the 2022 Outback, which is 6% of the 463 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2022 Subaru Outback engine?: Yes. Recall 22V473000 covers a damaged engine wiring harness that can cause a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit; dealers replace the harness and ECU free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2022 Outback?: The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 17,000 miles.
Have engine problems in the 2022 Outback caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury associated with complaints filed in the engine problem area for this model year.
How does the 2022 Outback compare to other model years for engine complaints?: The 2022 Outback's 6% share of complaints tied to the engine is lower than most earlier years, such as 2013 at 30% and 2010 at 22%, though 2021 was closer at 13%.