2022 Subaru Outback maintenance schedule

The 2022 Outback is part of the BT generation (2020-2026), sold as a wagon. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2022 Outback needs, and when

All 5 of these items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Ensure strict adherence for turbocharged FA24 to prevent bearing starvation.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

Turbocharged FA24 models stress plugs heavily; do not delay replacement.

60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L / 2.4L 4-cyl (FB25 / FA24), CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2022 Outback owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Thermo Control Valve

high severity

From about 40,000 mi · $900-$2,200 to fix

Erratic heater output, engine overheating, check engine light (P26A3)

Source: reddit.com

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

March 2024

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.

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

NHTSA 23V755000

November 2023

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.

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.

Visibility

NHTSA 22V712000

September 2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Remedy: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA 22V473000

July 2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$617

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Outback model years

BT (2020-2026)

BS (2015-2019)

BR (2014-2014)

Shopping new? The Subaru Outback guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Outback for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2022 Outback earns before you buy it.

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