YearToAvoid

2022 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Subaru Outback, 4% of its 463 total complaints. There is one related recall (23V755000) for a weld defect that can let water enter the inhibitor switch. Median mileage at failure across sampled complaints is 13,927 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
18
4% of 463
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
13,927 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unexpected or unintended acceleration while shifting into reverse or park, in one case leading to a crash into a tree and a fence.
  • Some describe the transmission making a high-pitch whining noise shortly after purchase, with dealers later determining the transmission needed replacement.
  • Multiple owners report the vehicle rolling on its own after being placed in park, sometimes caught on home security video.
  • Several describe jerking or rough shifting during deceleration or acceleration, along with the engine holding high RPM, that dealers were unable to reproduce.
  • One owner reports a metallic sound during acceleration followed by jerking and multiple dashboard warning lights, including a transmission oil temperature alert.
  • One owner reports being notified of the inhibitor switch recall (23V755000) but experiencing delays because replacement parts were unavailable.

When 2022 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 7, 2021, latest Aug 31, 2026.

2022 Subaru Outback transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2021Jan 2023Apr 2024Dec 2024Aug 2025Apr 2026Jun 2026
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Sep 2021 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback

  1. NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch

    Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

    Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Outback model year

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

  1. 200517 (6%)
  2. 200617 (6%)
  3. 20079 (7%)
  4. 200812 (5%)
  5. 20098 (8%)
  6. 201094 (26%)
  7. 2011216 (33%)
  8. 2012107 (37%)
  9. 201360 (20%)
  10. 201425 (12%)
  11. 201537 (7%)
  12. 201645 (7%)
  13. 201747 (5%)
  14. 201814 (2%)
  15. 201915 (1%)
  16. 202046 (5%)
  17. 202112 (4%)
  18. 202218 (4%)
  19. 20235 (6%)
  20. 20246 (6%)
  21. 20254 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Outback, which is 4% of the 463 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall on the 2022 Subaru Outback?
Yes. Recall 23V755000, reported November 9, 2023, covers an insufficient weld that can let water enter the inhibitor switch and cause it to fail. Dealers replace the inhibitor switch free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems appear on the 2022 Outback?
The median mileage at failure across sampled complaints is 13,927 miles, though some owners reported issues within the first few thousand miles.
Did any 2022 Outback transmission complaints involve a crash?
Yes. NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Outback, with no fires reported.
How does the 2022 Outback compare to other years for transmission complaints?
The 4% complaint share for 2022 is lower than earlier years like 2011 (33%) and 2012 (37%), but similar to 2021 (4%) and 2020 (5%).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.