2009 SUBARU LEGACY Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. This model year has 65 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2009 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Engine Problems
Considering a 2009 Subaru Legacy?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 31 | 2 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | β | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 65 most recent complaints
Subaru puts on plastic fuel tanks, and overtime the connections that connected to the car that are metal will rub a hole into the fuel tank and caused leaking. If you park this in a garage a puddle will form any spark, such as a outlet will ignite the garage and blow up the houseβ¦
Under Subaru campaign WQK47, which supersedes an earlier campaign, 05-09 Legacy/Outback and other models are known to undergo accelerated brake line corrosion due to sub-par materials and design. Subaru of America's "fix" for this issue is to inspect the lines: if the lines areβ¦
2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5I Parasitic Drain If vehicle is not driven every 2-4 days in winter or every 6-8 days when is warmer it will need a jump start. I looked for a recall but there isn't one for the year of my car or for the Fourth Generation 2005-2009 series. I took it to theβ¦
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact activated the parking brakeβ¦
Passenger rear brake line corroded and burst causing loss of brake fluid. Due to the loss of brake fluid, I lost 95% of brake pressure making it very difficult to stop. Only reason I say 95% is because the brake system is designed to still function in limp mode, but still terrifβ¦
Following traffic and under heavy braking due to lead vehicle braking hard and making turn without turn signal, brake pedal went to floor and vehicle continued traveling forward resulting in rear end collision with vehicle in front. Upon inspection at dealership both rear brake lβ¦
While driving the brakelines were affected and brakes weren't working any longer. I see online there is a recall for my specific car. The recall is for corrosion of the brake lines in specific snow states and the use of salt. I live in CT and bought the car from a private owner. β¦
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the brake line ruptured with the brake pedal depressing to the floorboard. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed witβ¦
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).
I HAVE A STICKY DASH. IN THE SUMMER, IT GETS HOT AND EXTREMELY SHINY TO THE POINT IT REFLECTS INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND VERY HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TALKED WITH A SUBARU DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE IS UNAFFECTED BY THE RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ED REILLY SUBARU (150 MANCHESTER ST, CONCORD, NH 03β¦
EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE WHEEL WOULD GET STUCK. MAKING IT HARD TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT.
WHENEVER I PARK MY CAR AND MY WHEELS ARE NOT STRAGHT, THE KEY IS HAVING HARDTIME TAKEN OUT FROM THE LOCK CYLINDER. ALSO, IF I INSERT THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE KEY GETS STUCKED INSIDE AND I CAN'T TURN THE KEY, IT DOES NOT ROTATES. I GOT THE CAR IN THE MAY OF THE LAST YEAR β¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED A LOT OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHERβ¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN β¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FIRST WEEK HE BOUGHT IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. STEVE MOYER SUBARU (201 S CENTRE AVE, LEESPORT, PA 19533), WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE CONTACT Wβ¦
2009 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG ISSUE, THE AIRGBAG LIGHT CAME ON. *AS *JS
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN ON A RURAL HIGHWAY ON MY USUAL DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK. IT WAS DECEMBER 18, 2019 IN MONTANA, SO COLD, BUT NOT UNUSUALLY COLD, AND IT WAS SUNNY . I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 50 MINUTES, AND WAS PROBABLY GOING AROUND 65-70MPH, WHEN I HEARD A Lβ¦
I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL IN THE MAIL, INTERNATIONAL SUBARU IN ORLAND PARK WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACTED PUMPED THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A FUEL STATION AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Subaru Legacy.
Recalls for 2009 Subaru Legacy
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2009 Subaru Legacy β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2009 Subaru Legacy has 65 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 13 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (31 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (31 complaints). #2: Brake System (9 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
The 2009 Subaru Legacy has 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 65 total NHTSA complaints. 4 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Subaru Legacy. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
The 2009 Subaru Legacy has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2009 Subaru Legacy
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.