The 2022 Subaru Legacy presents a mixed reliability profile, with two recalls addressing critical components such as the power train and air bags. Notably, the average mileage for complaints occurs at just over 8,400 miles, indicating that early ownership may present some issues.
Key Factor:Notable early failure trends
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (2) than the average SUBARU vehicle (1.3). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
2 recalls for this vehicle1.3 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
Recalls related to the power train and air bag systems highlight significant safety concerns that are paramount in any vehicle purchase. The power train interlock switch recall raises the risk of unintended vehicle movement, while the air bag defect could prevent proper deployment in an accident, both representing critical safety failures that could lead to serious injury. It is essential for consumers to be aware of these defects as they directly impact vehicle performance and passenger safety.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Crack
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
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Summary: Considering Subaru's historical reputation for durability and reliability, the presence of multiple recalls in the 2022 Legacy suggests a deviation from expected performance standards. The trend indicates potential vulnerabilities that should concern both current owners and prospective buyers alike, warranting further scrutiny into how these issues might evolve over time.
Safety & Reliability Score
83/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-1.45
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2022 SUBARU Legacy
Model Year2022
MakeSUBARU
ModelLegacy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jun21
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
18 complaints (62% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 29 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
2(7%)
π‘Medium
4(14%)
π’Low
23(79%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates an alarming concentration of issues early in ownership. This suggests that new owners should remain vigilant for any signs of malfunction during this period, as many initial problems may manifest shortly after purchase.
π Mileage data extracted from 4 of 29 complaints (14% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAINAIR BAGS
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Train
Issue: Potential failure due to insufficient weld allowing water ingress into the inhibitor switch.
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Schedule immediate inspection at an authorized dealer for recall compliance.
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Confirm whether all recalls have been addressed with service history documentation before purchasing.
Campaigns:21V-63122V-120
2
Air Bag System
Issue: Risk of front passenger air bag not deploying due to capacitor failure in occupant classification sensor.
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Ensure sensor checks are part of routine maintenance checks until fixed under recall.
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Verify if repairs or replacements have been completed on affected vehicles before making a purchase.
Campaign:21V-831
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (2)
Campaign: 23V755000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 24V227000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
29 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 Legacy.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Crack62%
Warning14%
Crash/Accident7%
Leak7%
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to lunch today and came out to a crack on my windshield. I've seen several issues online about defects with the legacy windshields.
Visibilityπ΅ Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have the touring model with defrosters under the windshield. This is the second time I have had my windshield cracked vertically in a year. Both scenarios include a cold snap to about 20 degrees. First one broke in the parking lot after warming up the car (windshield heat and defrosters on) This time was a similar case. Warmed up my car, started driving, and two min later heard a pop and saw the windshield split at the same spot,(windshield defroster element). So basically when it gets cold I canβt use advertised features without causing damage to my car.
ElectricalπΆ Medium
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Emergency breaking deployed during traffic where no indication of collision was about to take place; vehicle safety features disabled and enabled off and on automatically while driving, this led up to sudden stop of vehicle in heavy traffic and vehicle would never restart. Subaru starlink emergency services failed to work or respond after trying for several minutes. Steering wouldnβt work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic
Otherπ΅ Low
TIRES
The first tire had an air bubble and I brought it in. They said it was a manufacturer error. In September 2023 I had a blowout and Subaru declared that it was a manufacturer defect. I asked him to check all the tires and they kept the original set on. This month a third tire from the original set blew while being driven. Three tires out of four have had manufacturer defects.
Visibilityπ΅ Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER
In April 2024 a small rock hit my windshield and it immediately cracked. Iβve had rocks hit the windshield on other vehicles but usually nothing is visible or worse case it was a chip. The 3-4 inch crack grew to over a foot by the next day. I had it repaired at Safelite and had to pay the $500 deductible. The cost was even greater due to the need to recalibrate the safety cameras. My son just had a similar experience yesterday with his 2021 Subaru Legacy. From researching this, it appears this is a too common occurrence with Subarus.
Visibilityπ΅ Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield cracked when I wasnβt even driving, it cracked all the way up almost to the top of the windshield. I have heard of other Subaru owners having this same issue with the windshield cracking easily. This should not have cracked like this. It is cheaply made obviously and unsafe.
Otherβ οΈ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
driving home from work my sunroof exploded outward. No impact to the glass, I was not operating it. Glass mostly went out and behind but some fell onto me as I was driving at highway speeds. I have seen others posting on the internet with this issue. Dealership has the car now. No warning.
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown. Seat belt warning lights will start beeping very loudly while on the road while seat belts are buckled. This is an extremely noisy distraction and frightens my passengers. Dealer changed one seat belt but problem remains
OtherπΆ Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving into their driveway at unknown speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated forward. The contact placed the vehicle in reverse, however, the vehicle continued to accelerate independently, and the contact's rear bumper crashed into the neighbor's garage. No injuries were sustained. The neighbor's garage was damaged. The vehicle was towed to the tow company's lot. The vehicle was diagnosed as totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Visibilityπ΅ Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER
In 2022, a piece of small gravel fell off the back of a dump truck, bounced off the road, and struck the windshield of my 2022 Subaru Legacy. Based on past experience with other vehicles, this should have resulted in a round or star-shaped crack to the glass but this caused cracks that continue to grow and branch off. In 2024, I replaced the windshield at Flow Subaru in Charlottesville, VA at a cost of over $1000 and within 3-4 weeks there was a linear crack halfway across the windshield directly in front of the driver's seat, which somewhat interferes with the driver's view. Online research suggests this is a known problem with Subaru cars with their "Eyesight" system. Supposedly, Subaru has settled class-action lawsuits related to their windshields cracking. This is a safety hazard from the standpoint of driver's vision and windshield integrity. These windshields are fragile and inherently defective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common issues with the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
"Common issues primarily relate to two recalls concerning the power train and air bag systems. These defects raise important safety concerns that can affect performance and overall driver confidence, particularly within the first few thousand miles."
"Is it safe to buy a used 2022 Subaru Legacy?"
"While many appreciate Subaru's reliability reputation, potential buyers should ensure all recall work has been completed for any used models being considered. Awareness of reported complaints is crucial to understanding what challenges may lie ahead."
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your SUBARU dealer.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in SUBARU's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Legacy year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.