NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
The 2022 Subaru Outback scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 453 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Subaru Outback achieved excellent crash-test performance, augmented by a full suite of collision avoidance technology. This strong showing is reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it in the Strong band. However, four active recall campaigns temper this assessment. The vehicle's defect record sub-score consequently reduced its overall Safety Index.
The 2022 Subaru Outback holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based solely on federal 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 Outback ranks 61 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 453 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Subaru Outback?
The 2022 Subaru Outback's Safety Index of 86 out of 100 reflects a notable defect record, despite strong crash-test performance. This model year carries a defect sub-score of 10 out of 20, a primary contributor to its one-point drop from the 2021 model's 87. Four recall campaigns were issued. Of these, two pose direct safety hazards: a capacitor fault in the occupant-classification sensor that may prevent proper front-passenger airbag deployment, and an engine wiring harness defect specific to the 2022 Outback. A third recall addresses a park-neutral interlock issue, which can affect vehicle movement. These recalls, alongside 453 unverified owner complaints primarily concerning visibility and wiper operation, define the safety narrative for this vehicle. Its crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 indicates robust physical safety. A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, further underscores its protective measures. However, the defect record remains the critical factor for the 2022 Outback.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Subaru Outback achieved 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's overall safety rating. This strong performance included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance category earned 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA measured the Outback's rollover risk at 19 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16674
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-critical involve a front-passenger occupant-classification sensor capacitor fault that could affect air bag deployment, and an engine wiring harness defect that may cause engine damage. A park-neutral start interlock switch recall also affects 2022 Outbacks, raising an unintended-movement concern. A fourth recall addresses an incorrect windshield paint clearcoat. Shoppers should verify all four are resolved 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
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD22V712000
Risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
Reported 2022-09-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)22V473000
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.
Reported 2022-07-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has received 453 unverified owner allegations for the 2022 Outback. The dominant reported category is Visibility and Wipers, accounting for 253 of those allegations. Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance are also among the top reported components. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
453 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Subaru Outback?
The 2022 Outback was subject to four recall campaigns, a notable figure for its model year. Prospective owners should verify that all recall remedies have been completed for any specific vehicle they consider. Two recalls in particular, addressing the air bag sensor and the engine wiring harness, warrant confirmation of repair.
- The 2022 Outback carries four recall campaigns, two of which are specific safety concerns: a front-passenger occupant-classification sensor capacitor fault affecting air bag performance, and an engine wiring harness damage issue unique to 2022 Outback production.
- The defect-record sub-score of 10 out of 20 is the single reason the 2022 Index fell one point below the 2021 model's 87, despite identical or better crash-test star ratings.
- Unverified owner allegations to NHTSA are dominated by 253 Visibility and Wiper reports, a component-level pattern that is disproportionately large relative to total complaints and worth investigating on any specific used example.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on the 2022 Outback, earning a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10, which partially offsets the recall-driven defect-record penalty.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Subaru Outback places
The 2022 Subaru Outback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Subaru Outback safety questions
Was the 2022 Subaru Outback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Subaru Outback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Subaru Outback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Subaru Outback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Subaru Outback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 453 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Subaru Outback. 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 Outback 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 16674), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback 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 61 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.