Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Subaru Outback
The 2022 Subaru Outback has a moderate number of complaints and four recalls, mostly related to visibility issues and some serious recalls concerning airbag sensors and engine control modules. While the amount of complaint data is substantial, recall issues may have been addressed in many cases. Buyers should inspect thoroughly and verify recall completion.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 465 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
- NHTSA #22V712000 Windshield May Detach in a Crash/FMVSS 212 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V473000 Loose Electrical Connection May Cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 255 complaints
- Unknown or Other 87 complaints
- Electrical System 52 complaints
- Visibility 26 complaints
- Engine 23 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 23 complaints
Of the 465 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 465 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Faulty airbag sensor
How to check: Ensure airbag recall completion with documentation.
Wiring harness issues
How to check: Check for proper recall completion in documents.
Inhibitor switch water entry
How to check: Ask for recall documentation and test shifting.
Poor windshield bonding
How to check: Inspect windshield for proper seal and bonding.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or irregular sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Any persistent warning lights.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe transmission smoothness.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor power response and noise.
Red flag: Lag in acceleration.
- 05
Straight braking
What to check: Feel for brake responsiveness and smoothness.
Red flag: Vibration or pulling to one side.
- 06
Turn signal use
What to check: Check for proper functioning lights.
Red flag: Non-functioning or inconsistent signals.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag sensor recall been addressed?
- Can you provide documentation on recalls?
- Have there been any windshield issues?
- Are there any unresolved electrical problems?
- Was the inhibitor switch recall completed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documentation
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Subaru Outback at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Subaru Outback? 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.