Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Subaru Legacy
The 2022 Subaru Legacy is generally a solid choice but has notable issues with airbag sensors and potential transmission water exposure. Buyers should also scrutinize the windshield wiper functionality, which has multiple complaints. Address recalls before purchase and evaluate reported concerns carefully during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Subaru Legacy has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 34 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V227000 Air Bag May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V755000 Switch Failure May Cause Loss of Rearview Image NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 16 complaints
- Unknown or Other 8 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 4 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Air Bags 2 complaints
- Lane Departure 2 complaints
Of the 34 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 34 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag sensor failure
How to check: Verify the airbag light functions properly on startup.
Water enters inhibitor switch
How to check: Inspect for any unusual gear shift issues while driving.
Multiple electrical complaints
How to check: Check all electrical features, especially dashboard lights and sensors.
Wiper malfunction
How to check: Test all wiper speed settings for smooth operation.
Minor steering complaint reported
How to check: Feel for any stiffness or noise during turns.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure no unusual warning lights stay on.
Red flag: Persistent airbag warning light
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for rough idling or engine sounds.
Red flag: Loud rattling or knocking noises
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test the wipers on all settings.
Red flag: Wipers fail to operate smoothly
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear changes at speed.
Red flag: Sluggish or jerky transmission feel
- 05
Rapid deceleration
What to check: Verify smooth braking without pulls.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 06
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Steering stiffness or delay
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag sensor recall been addressed?
- Any transmission issues you've noticed?
- Have there been electrical repairs?
- Are the windshield wipers fully functional?
- Has the car been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of recall repairs
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Ownership manual
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Subaru Legacy? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.