This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Subaru Outback powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Outback | 14 |
| 2019 Outback | 14 |
| 2020 Outback | 45 |
| 2021 Outback | 10 |
| 2022 Outback (this page) | 14 |
| 2023 Outback | 4 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 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 a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings caused by O-ring leakage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used 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
Owners of 2022 Subaru Outbacks report engine failures with knocking noise and full-engine replacement at mileage as low as 700 miles and as high as 52,000 miles. One owner had an intake valve break, split a piston, and seize the engine. No warning lights preceded these failures, and dipsticks sometimes read normal despite alleged low-oil damage.
Transmission defects are widespread. Owners describe jerking during deacceleration, high-RPM holding, and rough acceleration starting within 15,000 miles. One owner learned that other Wilderness models needed transmission replacement by 9,500 miles. Another reports high-pitch whining requiring transmission replacement at 3,500 miles. Some dealers initially dismissed whining as normal noise.
Spontaneous acceleration occurs at complete stops and in reverse, sometimes with abnormal grinding noise. One incident caused a crash and head injury; another forced an owner to shift to neutral. A separate concern: at least one vehicle rolled backward downhill while parked and confirmed in park position.
A cracked exhaust manifold let heavy fumes into the cabin, creating a carbon-monoxide hazard. One pending recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V755000) has no parts available yet. Dealership diagnostics frequently fail to replicate issues owners describe as clear and reproducible.
Same Subaru Outback powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Engine knocking and failure
Engine develops knocking noise and seizes, requiring full engine replacement. Owners report no warning lights or low-oil alerts despite dealership diagnosing low-oil damage. One case involved intake valve breakage and piston damage at 52,000 miles.
When: Between 700 miles and 52,000 miles; incidents reported at traffic lights and during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise increasing with driving; Engine failure to restart after auto-off function; Heavy knocking sound on startup; No warning lights or messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; dealership diagnosed low-oil damage in one case despite dipstick reading normal and no warning alerts
Transmission jerking and rough acceleration
Transmission exhibits jerking during deacceleration, holding high RPM during acceleration, and rough acceleration. Multiple owners report identical symptoms; some had transmissions replaced by 9,500 miles.
When: Within first 15,000 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking during deacceleration; High RPM holding during acceleration; Rough acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Other owners report transmission replacement; owner's vehicle unable to be replicated by dealership at 15,000 miles
Unexpected rapid acceleration
Vehicle rapidly accelerates without driver input, forcing owners to shift to neutral to regain control. Occurs at complete stop and while reversing; sometimes accompanied by abnormal grinding or knocking noise. One incident resulted in crash and head injury.
When: Within 700-3,000 miles; intermittent becoming more frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without throttle input; Abnormal knocking or grinding noise during acceleration; Vehicle accelerates in reverse without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate in at least one case despite two-week diagnostic attempt
Transmission whining and failure
High-pitch whining noise from transmission, sometimes accompanied by jerking. Multiple owners report identical issue; dealership confirmed transmission replacement needed after 3,500 miles in one case.
When: Early ownership (3,500 miles and 45,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitch whining noise from transmission; Jerking while driving; Vehicle jerking with dashboard warning lights
Codes mentioned: Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement confirmed as needed after 3,500 miles; another case at 45,000 miles unable to determine root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers initially dismiss as 'just a noise'; no manufacturer acknowledgment of manufacturing defect noted
Vehicle rolling out of park
Vehicle rolls backward out of park position without driver input while parked on driveway. Gear shifter confirmed in park position during incident.
When: Within moments of parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls downhill while parked in park; Gear shifter confirmed in park position
Cracked exhaust manifold
Exhaust manifold develops crack causing increased engine noise and heavy exhaust smell entering cabin. Creates unsafe condition requiring windows down to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.
When: Not specified, discovered during oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Louder than usual engine noise; Engine knock sound; Heavy exhaust smell inside cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed cracked exhaust manifold and stated it safe to drive; owner reports ongoing hazard from exhaust fumes
Pending recall with unavailable parts
Owner notified of NHTSA Campaign 23V755000 (Power Train) but repair parts not available beyond reasonable timeframe. Dealer has not been contacted.
When: Not yet repaired; mileage at notification not specified
Symptoms owners cite: No failure experienced
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable; VIN tool confirms parts not yet in stock
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V755000 (Power Train) issued but parts not available
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2022 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 68,592 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.