NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
The 2022 Subaru Legacy scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Subaru Legacy achieves an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, sweeping every crash-test category with a perfect score. This strong performance, combined with its federal recall record and owner complaint data, results in a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing the vehicle in our "Exceptional" band. Two federal recall campaigns were initiated for the 2022 model, a factor in its Safety Index score of one point below the prior model year.
The 2022 Subaru Legacy holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Subaru Legacy ranks 17 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
The 2022 Subaru Legacy posts a Safety Index of 96/100, a one-point slip from the 2021 model's 97/100, both within the Exceptional band. That single-point difference traces directly to the defect record sub-score of 16 out of 20, the only component short of a perfect mark. Crash protection is a clean 70/70, and avoidance technology scores the full 10/10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year. The two recall campaigns, one targeting the occupant classification sensor capacitor shared with 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles, and one targeting the park/neutral start interlock switch across a broader 2021-2023 Subaru lineup, are the concrete reason the defect record sub-score fell short. Thirty-one owner complaints are on file, a figure that should be read in the context of the unverified nature of NHTSA complaint data. The Visibility/Wiper category dominates at 16 alleged reports, a pattern worth noting but not a confirmed defect. Overall, the 2022 Legacy's safety numbers are among the strongest in its segment for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Subaru Legacy perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Subaru Legacy achieved a perfect overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top marks across all evaluated categories: frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and rollover resistance. The vehicle demonstrated a 10 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result. No specific crash-test category for this model year is unrated or shows a weak performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16673
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves the front-passenger occupant classification sensor, where a capacitor fault may affect air bag deployment. The second covers the park/neutral start interlock switch across several Subaru models including the 2021-2023 Legacy, citing an insufficient condition. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the available data, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Reported 2024-03-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
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.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 2 crashes and 1 fire. The most frequently alleged problem area is Visibility/Wiper with 16 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 8 and Electrical System at 3. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
The 2022 Subaru Legacy has two open recall campaigns that prospective owners should address. Before purchase, a VIN check via NHTSA's recall lookup tool is advisable to ensure remedies for the occupant classification sensor and the park/neutral interlock switch have been completed by a Subaru dealer.
- The 2022 Legacy's defect record sub-score of 16/20 is the sole reason its Safety Index fell one point below the 2021 model year's 97/100, directly reflecting the two active recall campaigns filed against this specific model year.
- A recall covering the front-passenger occupant classification sensor capacitor applies to 2020-2022 Legacy vehicles, meaning this exact model year is within scope and the air bag system may be affected if the remedy has not been completed.
- A second recall targeting the park/neutral start interlock switch covers 2021-2023 Legacy vehicles, making the 2022 model year subject to both campaigns simultaneously, an unusual double-recall exposure for an otherwise top-rated safety year.
- Visibility/Wiper components account for 16 of 31 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year, a concentration that stands out relative to the otherwise clean crash-test and avoidance-tech scores.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Subaru Legacy places
The 2022 Subaru Legacy qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Subaru Legacy safety questions
Was the 2022 Subaru Legacy crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Subaru Legacy, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Subaru Legacy crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Subaru Legacy earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Legacy have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Subaru Legacy. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Legacy years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16673), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Legacy 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 17 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.