Last updated: 2026-07-25
2022 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report
The 2022 Subaru Legacy scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
14.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$563
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (14)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 7th generation Legacy (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: Seventh generation (BW/BT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Should You Buy the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
At 77/100, the 2022 Subaru Legacy lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 3 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Owners log 32 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to visibility wiper (14). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Subaru Legacy, which scored the same. See also the 2021 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Cracks that appear spontaneously or after minor impacts from small rocks or... (14 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Windshield cracks and sunroof incidents (7 complaints)
Compare 2022 Subaru Legacy With
2022 Honda Accord
Reliability: 77/100
2022 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 84/100
2022 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 83/100
2022 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 65/100
2022 KIA K5
Reliability: 69/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (14)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2022 Subaru Legacy carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
14.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.8
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Subaru Legacy Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Buying a used 2022 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first
Every 2022 Subaru Legacy has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Subaru Legacy NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Subaru LegacyRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$563
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,550–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
24–27 city / 32–35 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Subaru Legacy.
Inspect windshield for cracks or signs of stress, especially near defroster elements
Test for unintended acceleration by slowly maneuvering in a parking lot
Check for water damage under carpets and near electrical components
Verify functionality of all safety features, including EyeSight and lane assistance
Test infotainment system for freezing or delayed response
Inspect sunroof for signs of damage or potential for spontaneous breakage
Check tires for manufacturer defects or unusual wear patterns
2022 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
14 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with windshield cracking, often describing cracks that appear spontaneously or after minor impacts from small rocks or pebbles. These cracks are commonly noted to spread quickly, sometimes obstructing the driver's view and the vehicle's safety cameras. Several complaints mention that cracks occur even when the vehicle is parked, or when the defroster is used during cold weather. The mileage at which these issues arise varies, but they are noted across different usage timelines. Additionally, one complaint highlights the sun visor's inadequate size, which fails to shield the driver from sun glare, posing a potential safety risk. These issues may impact visibility and safety, which are important considerations for potential buyers of used models.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2022 Subaru Legacy, primarily related to windshield cracks and sunroof incidents. Multiple complaints describe windshields cracking spontaneously or after minor impacts, often when the vehicle is stationary, with some owners noting this occurred within a few months of ownership. Another issue involves the sunroof exploding outward without prior impact or warning while driving. Additionally, a fire incident is reported involving an explosion under the hood when attempting to restart the battery, associated with a suspected leak in the AC pipe. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning visibility and structural integrity in the event of windshield failure.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Subaru Legacy report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system, specifically the Subaru EyeSight technology. One owner describes a crash situation where the system failed to provide any warning or braking intervention when another vehicle unexpectedly entered their path, resulting in a collision. Another complaint highlights a recurring problem with the touch screen freezing approximately twice a month, which disables multiple safety features, including emergency braking and lane assistance, until the system reboots. This issue is noted to occur randomly and can last from 30 seconds to several minutes, with delays also affecting other vehicle functions. These reports suggest potential safety implications due to the temporary loss of critical safety features, although specific mileage or timelines are not mentioned.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Subaru Legacy report incidents of unintended acceleration, primarily occurring at low speeds while maneuvering into parking spaces or driveways. In these complaints, drivers describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating forward without pressing the accelerator pedal, leading to collisions with stationary objects such as a light post and a garage. The incidents occurred at approximately 15,000 miles and resulted in significant vehicle damage, with one vehicle being declared totaled. No injuries were reported, but the sudden acceleration poses a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these reports, particularly if considering vehicles with similar mileage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Subaru Legacy report issues with water intrusion affecting the electrical system and repeated failures of the DCM/Telematics unit. One complaint describes water entering the vehicle, leading to wet rugs, radio, and amplifier at around 8,000 miles. Another owner highlights repeated failures of the telematics unit, impacting remote app controls and Starlink functionality, including critical safety features like "Automatic Collision Notification." These issues suggest potential safety implications due to the lack of clear failure indicators for essential systems. Buyers should be aware of these problems, particularly if considering a vehicle with similar mileage or telematics features.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintEmergency 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 wouldn’t work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe 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.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe lane assistance feature almost made me hit a semi truck that had drifted over its lane. I moved to the left to allow for space, the lane assist function tried to turn me back into the semi truck I was driving over the lane to avoid. It failed to recognize a major hazard and in fact created a more dangerous situation for me. I had to jerk the wheel back to the left, fortunately it shut off and I was able to maintain control.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintVehicle windshield developed a crack unknown reasons. Crack developed at the very bottom of the windshield below the trim. Nothing has impacted the windshield whatsoever.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while at a standstill the windshield cracked without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the windshield replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
When Do 2022 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru Legacy year is 2024 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (80/100) and 2023 (77/100).
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Legacy year is 2020 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (52) issues. Also avoid 2019 (69/100).
Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Legacy reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Subaru Legacy Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Subaru Legacy reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Legacy?
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Legacy have?
Is the 2022 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Legacy.
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