This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Subaru Outback electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback have filed 46 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 25,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Outback | 254 |
| 2019 Outback | 358 |
| 2020 Outback | 245 |
| 2021 Outback | 71 |
| 2022 Outback (this page) | 46 |
| 2023 Outback | 16 |
| 2025 Outback | 5 |
| 2026 Outback | 3 |
1crash
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 46 electrical complaints filed for the 2022 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 46 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces availability of new Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) & Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) module reprogramming files developed to address cases of a cracking-type noise heard under the dashboard in the brake pedal area when the brake pedal is released. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4 Denso CP1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Subaru Outback has generated widespread complaints across three overlapping electrical problems that create genuine safety hazards.
Infotainment system failures are the most frequently reported issue. Owners describe the center touchscreen freezing, lagging, crashing, and going completely blank while driving. When it fails, critical safety systems—EyeSight lane-keeping assistance, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and reverse automatic braking—simultaneously disable. Climate controls (heat, AC, defroster) become inaccessible. One owner reported the screen remains on after shutting down the engine. Software updates have been inconsistent; dealers acknowledge the updates fix only about 20% of affected vehicles, and some suggest full screen replacement is necessary. The failure occurs randomly during operation and can last minutes before the system reboots.
Battery drain and starting failures are the second major complaint pattern. Vehicles fail to start after sitting unused for a few days to a week with all accessories off. Some owners report parasitic drain cycling every 4–5 hours; others describe the battery dying overnight in cold weather below 15°F. Jump-starting temporarily fixes the problem, but it recurs. Dealers have replaced batteries multiple times on the same vehicle without resolving the underlying drain. Subaru attributes some cases to owner error (dome light left on, door ajar, key fob in cabin), but owners note these explanations don't account for the drain magnitude.
Stalling and total power loss form the third serious failure mode. Vehicles stall unexpectedly at intersections, red lights, or during Auto Stop/Start activation with no warning lights or restart capability until jump-started. Some owners experienced simultaneous loss of power steering, brakes, and transmission control, forcing them to wait hours stranded on highways. A few narratives describe smoke or fire in the engine compartment with minimal warning.
All three issues occur on low-mileage vehicles (under 50,000 miles) within the first few years of ownership, often within months of purchase.
Same Subaru Outback electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Center Infotainment System Freezing and Crashing
The touchscreen display freezes, lags severely, crashes completely, or goes blank while the vehicle is in operation. When this occurs, safety systems including EyeSight lane-keeping assistance, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and reverse automatic braking are disabled. Climate controls become inaccessible. Screen may remain on after engine shutdown and requires a full power cycle to recover.
When: Occurs within 2 months to 2 years of purchase; frequency varies from a few times per quarter to every 2–3 minutes in severe cases. Affects vehicles with as few as 3,000 miles and as many as 45,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen freezing or becoming unresponsive; Long lag time between screen touches and system response; Screen goes completely blank or black; Safety features (EyeSight, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, RAB) disable simultaneously; Unable to control climate system (heat, AC, defroster); Screen reboots spontaneously; Screen remains on after vehicle is shut off; Audio system randomly blasts at high volume; Odometer and speedometer displays fail
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed multiple software updates with inconsistent results. One dealer stated software updates fix approximately 20% of affected vehicles. Several owners report dealers recommended replacement of the entire center console Cockpit Control Unit Assembly–Navigation and Display Assembly. Full screen replacement has been ordered by dealers but parts availability is limited, and corporate approval is required in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru offers over-the-air updates, but owners report the system claims to be up to date even when service bulletins indicate newer versions are available. Some dealers denied that newest updates can be installed. Multiple software update attempts failed to resolve the issue. One owner reports EyeSight-related email and text notifications from Subaru regarding system malfunction.
Battery Drain and Starting Failure
Vehicle battery becomes depleted and the car will not start after the vehicle sits unused for a few days to over a week with all lights and accessories off. The battery drains even when parked in a garage with no active systems. Jump-starting temporarily restores function, but the problem recurs. In cold weather (below 15°F), the battery drains more rapidly. One owner with a battery monitor documented voltage dropping to low levels every 4–5 hours, then recovering.
When: First occurrence as early as 831 miles; subsequent occurrences at 4,620, 9,322, and up to 40,000+ miles. Cold weather exacerbates the problem. Fails after vehicle sits unused overnight to one week.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after parking for 2 days to 1 week; Weak clicking from starter or no response when attempting to start; Dashboard lights and radio illuminate but engine will not turn over; Dashboard warning lights illuminate after jump-start; EyeSight and safety features disabled after jump-start until system is reset; Battery failure in cold weather below 15°F; Parasitic electrical drain detectable via OBD-II monitor showing 4–5 hour voltage cycles; All accessories off but battery still drains; Door ajar or key fob in cabin can trigger accelerated drain
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced batteries multiple times on the same vehicle without resolving the drain. Battery tray and battery holder replacement mentioned in one case. One owner's maintenance record stated 'no problem found' after battery was recharged, despite recurrence. No permanent repair has been documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru manufactures told one owner that leaving the vehicle idle for more than a week is problematic and that the battery voltage is low but normal. One owner was told a software fix exists but has not been confirmed. No official recall or TSB addressing parasitic drain has been mentioned in the narratives.
Stalling and Loss of Electrical Power While Driving
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving or stopped at traffic lights with little to no warning. In some cases, the engine shuts down during Auto Stop/Start activation. The vehicle becomes unable to restart without external jump-start assistance. Power steering, brakes, and transmission control may fail simultaneously. Dashboard warning lights illuminate erratically or flashing hazard lights do not illuminate externally despite appearing on display.
When: Occurs at various mileages from 17,000 to 40,000 miles. Can happen after jump-start within minutes of leaving the dealer. Occurs regardless of vehicle speed (slow speed, traffic light, highway speeds) and whether vehicle is in motion or stopped.
Symptoms owners cite: Unexplained engine stall at stop lights or intersections; Stall during Auto Stop/Start activation; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminate erratically; Total loss of electrical power while vehicle is in motion; Dashboard flickering and dimming; Power steering becomes inoperable; Power brakes fail; Gear shifter locks and cannot be moved; Vehicle will not restart on battery; requires jump-start; Hazard lights do not illuminate externally despite appearing on internal display; Loss of all instrument cluster and warning light display; Message 'Shift to Park and Restart' displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have been unable to diagnose or reproduce the failure in most cases. One dealer charged the battery and performed alternator and starter testing, all of which returned normal, yet the problem recurred. No repairs have been documented as successful. The vehicle must be jump-started to regain operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified in several cases. In one case, Subaru roadside assistance provided jump-starts but the vehicle continued to lose power. No recalls, service bulletins, or repair procedures are mentioned in the narratives.
Engine Fires and Smoke
Vehicle develops smoke or fire in the engine compartment with minimal or no warning. In some cases, smoke or flames were observed within minutes of recognizing an electrical issue. One vehicle caught fire while unattended in a parking lot; another caught fire while actively being driven.
When: Occurred at mileages of 3,042, 4,260, and 23,000 miles. One fire began while the vehicle was parked in a garage; another during highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible from engine compartment or battery; Burning odor inside cabin; Smoke odor coming from underneath vehicle; Loss of electrical power preceding fire; Loud popping noise before fire starts; Fire spreads rapidly under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were not repaired; they were towed to yards or insurance pending inspection. No diagnosis has been documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified in most fire cases. No recalls or technical service bulletins are mentioned.
Auto Stop/Start System Failure
The automatic engine stop/start feature fails to restart the engine after shutting down at traffic lights or during stop-and-go driving. Battery becomes depleted after Auto Stop/Start activates and the vehicle is unable to restart without external jump-start assistance.
When: Occurs within the first year of ownership; one case at approximately 1 year of use.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not restart after Auto Stop/Start feature deactivates; Battery is dead after Auto Stop/Start activation; Vehicle stalls during stop-and-go traffic; Owner must disable Auto Stop/Start feature manually at each startup to avoid problem
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs have been documented. Owners disable the Auto Stop/Start feature manually at each startup as a workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or fix is mentioned in the narratives.
Secondary Electrical and Control System Failures
Various additional electrical failures reported including inability to shift out of park without manual override, power window failures (reversing partway through raising), main wiring harness malfunction, and sensor failures in cold weather.
When: Occurs at various mileages and ownership durations.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift out of park without manual override; Power windows reverse partway through raising, requiring multiple attempts; All dashboard warning lights constantly illuminated; ADAS functions disabled due to wiring harness malfunction; Unknown sensor failure in cold weather requiring replacement; Main electrical system / wiring harness malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported main wiring harness was replaced at dealer cost, then replaced again at insurance cost, but the problem remained unfixed.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Main Wiring harness / Main Electrical system malfunction, causing all dash lights to consistently be on. which in turn prevents all of the ADAS functions to no longer work. Vehicle has now been in 2 accidents which could have been prevented by these safety features. vehicle had had main harness replaced at dealers cost at dealership , and one at cost of insurance, problem remains…
Subarus forward looking eyesight and rear auto braking functions will stop working periodically also the stereo/infotainment system will go blank causing you to no longer access the the safety features of the car or any controls for the heating/AC system.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to drive off from a stop light, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and unknown messages were displayed, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. During the failure, an audible alarm was activated and the message "Shift to Park and Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local…
Had electrical trouble with your 2022 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2022 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 46 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,322 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,322; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.