2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback is a popular wagon/SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and off-road capability. It comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Owners often praise the Outback for its safety features, comfortable ride, and cargo capacity. However, some common complaints include the infotainment system’s responsiveness and complexity, as well as occasional issues with the CVT.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and visible exhaust smoke in severe cases.
  • Solution: Subaru recommends closely monitoring oil levels and performing an oil consumption test to determine the severity. In some cases, piston ring replacement has been necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Turbocharged Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT (Both Engines)

• Hesitation/Jerking During Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hesitation or jerky movements during acceleration, particularly from a stop or at low speeds.
  • Solution: A software update from Subaru may address the issue. In some cases, CVT replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Rear Wheel Bearings
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported premature wear of the rear wheel bearings, leading to a humming or grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle, which increases with speed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wheel bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per bearing
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, including the touchscreen display and associated functions (navigation, audio, climate control), may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset, software update (if available), or in some cases, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (reset) to $1,500+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dead Battery
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure. Vehicle does not start, requires jump start.
  • Solution: Battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report that their windshields crack easily, potentially from minor impacts or temperature changes.
  • Solution: Replacement of windshield
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Subaru Outback, while generally reliable, does have some reported issues. The most concerning issues relate to potential engine oil consumption in the 2.5L engine, CVT hesitation, infotainment glitches, and premature wear of rear wheel bearings. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to costly repairs. The infotainment glitches can often be resolved with software updates, but engine and transmission repairs are generally much more expensive. Potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and factor them into their purchasing decision.