2022 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems
10 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Transmission Recalls (1)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (10)
Your engine failed after the auto-restart function didn't work at a stop light. Following that event, you heard a knocking noise that got louder while driving. The dealership diagnosed engine damage from low oil, but your dipstick showed normal levels and you never received a low oil warning light. The engine will likely need to be replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine suddenly stopped while driving with no warning signs, and the dealership found that an intake valve broke, damaged a piston, and caused the engine to seize. When you tried to restart it, you only heard a knocking sound. Even though you maintained regular oil changes, the engine failure occurred unexpectedly at 52,000 miles. The repair will likely require engine rebuilding or replacement.
Parts you may need:
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I noticed a metal sound when I accelerated then the car jerked forward a few times. Shortly afterwards, ~5 min, the dashboard lights came on:Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature, Blind-Spot Detection, Check Engine, EyeSight System, Reverse Auto Braking and Vehicle Dynamic Control. I was able to drive slowly back home but not sure what is going on with this 3 year old car with 47,000 miles on it.
Was just driving when I noticed my car was sounding louder than usual. Then when I stared it after running some errands it sounds like a bad engine nock. So I took it in for an oil change and they told me it was a cracked exhaust manifold. Also told me it fine to drive and shouldn’t cause further problems. Then I started to smell heavy exhaust smells inside the cab of the car. Now I have to drive it with windows down or risk passing out or dying
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V755000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I purchased a 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness in August 2021. I've made several complaints to my dealership about issues of the vehicle jerking during deaccelartion, holding high RPM during acceleration, or rough acceleration. Everytime, I've taken the vehicle to the dealership to have to investigate the issue, I've been told the same response, "The technician was unable to replicate the issue." I know there is somethings wrong with my transmission, I've read several other Wilderness owners having the same issue, and their transmissions were replaced at 9,500 miles or less. My vehicle is currently at 15,000 miles, I've maintained it through the dealership in reference to servicing. I've owned a vehicle that previous had a similar issue, and the issue ended up being an issue with the transmission control unit and pressure mechanism inside. The transmission had to be rebuilt because of this issue. I would not recommend owning a 2022 Outback Wilderness to anyone.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing out of his garage, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and while the transmission was shifted into reverse (R), the vehicle rapidly accelerated, crashing into a tree. The contact stated the vehicle made the abnormal sound again and rapidly accelerated forward, crashing into a fence. The contact sustained injuries to his head and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated the vehicle changed gears and right foot wasn't close to the accelerator during the crash. Medical attention was not required because the head injury was not severe.
Pulled into my driveway, put the car in PARK, ran in the house for 5 seconds, car was rolling down the driveway when I came back to it. Got back in the car to leave (also checked to see that the gear shifter was in park which it was). I have several videos of this incident happening via cameras attached to my house. In the video you can see my wife (who is legally blind) jump out of the car because she didn't know what else to do.
The transmission in this NEW vehicle began making a high-pitch whining noise shortly after i bought it. After 3500 miles, I took it to the Subaru Dealer where i purchased the car. After 10 days of troubleshooting, they determined it requires a transmission replacement. There are multiple other owners that have experienced the SAME issue (some who have been told by their dealers that it is ‘just a noise’), info available via Subaru Forum. While i did not experience a transmission failure while driving — if i had, this could be a serious safety issue, and there appears to be no acknowledgement by Subaru that their Outback vehicle / transmissions may have a significant manufacturing defect. I am still in the process of determining what the repair / replacement plan is with the Dealer and Subaru of America.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The contact would be forced to place the vehicle into neutral to stop the acceleration. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and recently became more frequent. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle when the vehicle would independently accelerate. The contact called the dealer and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for almost two weeks and was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 700. The VIN was not available.