Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2022 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 31 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2021peak 4Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2022 Subaru Legacy
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20241905,870 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical component in the sensors for the occupant detection system (ODS) may not have been manufactured properly and could crack. Over time, moisture could enter the crack and cause a short circuit. If this happens, the passenger-front airbag may not deploy in a crash, even when a passenger is seated. Note: This problem would cause the SRS warning light to turn on in the instrument panel and the passenger airbag indicator light would display "OFF". Safety Risk: An airbag that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the ODS sensors in the front passenger seat. To reduce the safety risk, Subaru advises that you shouldn't use the front passenger seat if the SRS (airbag) warning light is on and the passenger airbag indicator light displays "OFF".
Recall 202360712,839 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, water could enter the inhibitor switch and cause it to fail. If this happens, the backup lamps may not turn on and the rearview camera image may not display when backing up. This could also cause the gear selection indicator in the instrument panel not to be displayed. Safety Risk: Backup lamps that don't work could cause others not to recognize when a vehicle is backing up. A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. These issues could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the inhibitor switch.
Driving my car at 39mph and approaching a vehicle stopped at an intersection perpendicular to my left, she accelerated into my path and Subaru eyesight provided no warning and did not attempt to break at all before the collision occurred. I was able to slow to maybe 15 mph but disappointed eyesight did not work as intended.
NHTSA complaint #11748634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of me, so no injuries occurred. This incident created a serious safety risk, as the sudden and uncontrolled acceleration could have resulted in harm to myself or others if anyone had been in the vehicle’s path. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It is also UNKNOWN if any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms were present before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11730321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MACrash
ENGINE
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of me, so no injuries occurred. This incident created a serious safety risk, as the sudden and uncontrolled acceleration could have resulted in harm to myself or others if anyone had been in the vehicle’s path. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It is also UNKNOWN if any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms were present before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11730321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesDayton, OHCrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While attempting to restart the battery, and upon opening the hood of the vehicle, an explosion occurred, causing a fire under the hood between what we believe to be the AC pipe and the battery/fuse box terminals. The car was not on, but we did notice that there appears to be a hole in the pipe that is leaking what we presume to be Freon. Reporting on behalf of GSA Fleet. Not expecting any actions, just reporting for your records.
NHTSA complaint #11422097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Driving my car at 39mph and approaching a vehicle stopped at an intersection perpendicular to my left, she accelerated into my path and Subaru eyesight provided no warning and did not attempt to break at all before the collision occurred. I was able to slow to maybe 15 mph but disappointed eyesight did not work as intended.
NHTSA complaint #11748634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of me, so no injuries occurred. This incident created a serious safety risk, as the sudden and uncontrolled acceleration could have resulted in harm to myself or others if anyone had been in the vehicle’s path. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It is also UNKNOWN if any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms were present before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11730321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MACrash
ENGINE
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of me, so no injuries occurred. This incident created a serious safety risk, as the sudden and uncontrolled acceleration could have resulted in harm to myself or others if anyone had been in the vehicle’s path. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It is also UNKNOWN if any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms were present before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11730321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgewood, NJ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Safety Hazard: Subaru Sun Visor I own a 2022 Subaru Legacy, the first new car I've ever owned. The visor (to protect eyes from the sun) is too short and not wide enough. The seat is raised as high as it will go. I CAN'T position myself to protect my eyes from the Sun. On 1/8/26, I left my home at 7:45 a.m. Around the corner from my home, local road, I approached an intersection with a Traffic Light. As I approached the intersection to turn left, the Sun (dead ahead) totally blinded me. It was a complete WHITE OUT. The Visor did NOTHING to protect my eyes from the sun. IT'S TOO SMALL and useless. I used one hand to shield my eyes from the Sun. It didn't help. I was helpless. I stopped my car, prayed I wouldn't get hit When my vision returned, I maneuvered my way into my left hand turn It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I was BLINDED and HELPLESS. There needs to be a RECALL on Subaru visors. I could have been killed. PLEASE do a thorough and complete Subaru investigation. This issue is all over the internet and not just with Subaru car owners. Friends who own a Subaru complain about this dangerous visor. RECALL the VISORS. Thank you. P.S. I called the dealership on 1/9/26. They have no remedy. I will drive over there and ask the manager to DO SOMETHING to fix the problem
NHTSA complaint #11710841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, KS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11641535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homer Glen, IL
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 can’t use advertised features without causing damage to my car.
NHTSA complaint #11628325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bentonville, AR
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 wouldn’t work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic
NHTSA complaint #11627822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bentonville, AR
STEERING
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 wouldn’t work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic
NHTSA complaint #11627822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bentonville, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 wouldn’t work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic
NHTSA complaint #11627822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11603654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Normal, IL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
In April 2024 a small rock hit my windshield and it immediately cracked. I’ve 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.
NHTSA complaint #11601230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield cracked when I wasn’t 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.
NHTSA complaint #11596037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlisle, IA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11594327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, FL
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
NHTSA complaint #11591902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesDayton, OHCrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hixson, TN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11579646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Vehicles windshield appears to be defective. Small rock hit windshield I. 2/18, got replaced immediately after for around 1000 dollars. Not even three weeks later on 3/14 a semi kick up a rock and my windshield has a crack that can not be patched up, it has to be repaired. I went immediately to Safelite after second rock hit and it had spread so much that it had to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11577278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield immediately chips and cracks upon any rock/pebble impact. My safety is affected because the cracks spread into my line of sight. This has happened 3 times on my car on three different windshields in 2 years, unknown if it’s been inspected by manufacturers.
NHTSA complaint #11561640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLevittown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact leased a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that condensation was leaking onto her foot. While driving, water entered the vehicle and caused the rugs, radio, and amplifier to become wet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that water had entered the vehicle, and the radio rugs and amplifier were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11559649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chugiak, AK
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle windshield developed a crack unknown reasons. Crack developed at the very bottom of the windshield below the trim. Nothing has impacted the windshield whatsoever.
NHTSA complaint #11539355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chugiak, AK
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Vehicle windshield developed a crack unknown reasons. Crack developed at the very bottom of the windshield below the trim. Nothing has impacted the windshield whatsoever.
NHTSA complaint #11539355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was sitting at a Walmart parking lot around 6:50 am waiting for the store to open. I decided to sit in the back seat of my new 2022 Legacy and work on my laptop while sipping on my coffee. It is a beautiful 71 degrees in small-town Georgia when I hear what I could describe as an ice cube going into a warm glass of water, followed by a "dragging" sound as if a tree branch was scratching my car; only I was near nothing, not even cars as the store hadn't yet opened. But I chose to park way from careless people who may ding my new car. It wasn't until I finished and came around to the driver's seat that I noticed what'd made the sounds. The windshield was cracked. No impact. The dealership tried to make it look like I was lying and Subaru advocacy refunded the $500 deductible "As a courtesy" (because I had to use my insurance). My car was around 4-5 months old.
NHTSA complaint #11538793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellington, CO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
After a small pebble hit my windshield, an extremely large crack appeared and grew within moments of the impact. It has spiderwebbed all over the windshield and obstructed the vehicle's EYESIGHT cameras. A second impact within a few days has done the same right in front of the driver's seat. The spiderwebbing of the cracks was near immediate and grew faster than 3 inches per minute.
NHTSA complaint #11518574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellington, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
After a small pebble hit my windshield, an extremely large crack appeared and grew within moments of the impact. It has spiderwebbed all over the windshield and obstructed the vehicle's EYESIGHT cameras. A second impact within a few days has done the same right in front of the driver's seat. The spiderwebbing of the cracks was near immediate and grew faster than 3 inches per minute.
NHTSA complaint #11518574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellington, CO
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
After a small pebble hit my windshield, an extremely large crack appeared and grew within moments of the impact. It has spiderwebbed all over the windshield and obstructed the vehicle's EYESIGHT cameras. A second impact within a few days has done the same right in front of the driver's seat. The spiderwebbing of the cracks was near immediate and grew faster than 3 inches per minute.
NHTSA complaint #11518574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.