Subaru’s Razor-Thin Inventories And How It Affects Customers This Fall

What is going on with the 2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Outback, and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek? See why two models are delayed, and one is thriving.

If you’ve been shopping for a new 2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Outback, or 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, you know it’s been a challenge. Subaru has razor-thin inventory, and things aren’t going to change much this fall. Automotive News reports Subaru is not the only automaker with a tight supply of new cars. Most car brand’s new car inventories remain at record lows.

What is going on with the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

The new 2022 Forester won’t arrive until early next year because of more plant shutdowns this month. Subaru of America has not announced the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, and customers may not see the model change until next spring.

2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Crosstrek will remain hard to find, as most new models arriving from Japan have already been sold before they reach Subaru retailers.

What should customers do during the car shortage?

Many customers who can wait are ordering the new Subaru Forester and Crosstrek in the color and trim level they want. A source close to Subaru told us this week, a new 2022 Forester ordered now will arrive in January. Wait times are less for the Subaru Crosstrek and BRZ sport coupe.

What is going on with the 2022 Subaru Outback?

The Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana, has continued to operate and has adjusted most of its production to keep the 2022 Subaru Outback assembly lines running. Craig Coven, Communications and External Relations Manager at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, told us, ”Our production lines remain in operation. However, we continue to make adjustments based on parts availability.”

A Subaru retailer near Denver, Colorado, told us they have two new Outback models on their lot, and all other new vehicles are in transit and are already pre-sold. Many Subaru retailers across the U.S. have very few 2022 Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and WRX STI models on their lot. There are no BRZ sport coupes, and new 2022 BRZ models should arrive in December.

How long will Subaru’s inventory levels remain low?

A new report from IHS Markit says the chip famine won’t be solved quickly. The automotive team at IHS Markit Automotive calculates that semiconductor supply won’t catch up with industry demand until late 2022, and shortfalls of some advanced-function chips will likely persist into 2023.

The 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV are both delayed. Customers looking for a 2022 Subaru Outback can find one, but you still need to act quickly.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA