Severe Issues

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.

65
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
13
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

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.

#1
31
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:2
Injuries:2
#2
9
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:1
#3
8
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1

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.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions312β€”β€”
Brake System91β€”β€”
Engine Problems8β€”1β€”
Structural Problems5β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic3β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”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. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 65 most recent complaints

Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 31, 2025

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 house…

Brake SystemAug 31, 2024

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 are…

Electrical FaultsAug 25, 2024

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 the…

Brake SystemOct 26, 2023

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 brake…

Brake SystemJan 3, 2023

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 terrif…

Brake SystemπŸ’₯ CrashNov 4, 2021

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 l…

Brake SystemJul 24, 2021

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. …

Brake SystemJun 15, 2021

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 wit…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 13, 2021

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).

Uncategorized IssuesMar 13, 2021

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.

Brake SystemSep 30, 2020

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 03…

Steering DefectsAug 22, 2020

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.

Uncategorized IssuesAug 21, 2020

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 …

Engine ProblemsJul 17, 2020

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. NEITHER…

Structural ProblemsMay 20, 2020

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 13, 2020

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 W…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 26, 2020

2009 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG ISSUE, THE AIRGBAG LIGHT CAME ON. *AS *JS

Visibility/WiperDec 20, 2019

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 L…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 30, 2019

I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL IN THE MAIL, INTERNATIONAL SUBARU IN ORLAND PARK WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS RECALL.

Brake SystemJul 10, 2019

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 INDEPEN…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Subaru Legacy.

Recalls for 2009 Subaru Legacy

13 campaigns

NHTSA 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.

20V002000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V001000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V003000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V297000Nov 4, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

18V014000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V013000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V012000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V014000Oct 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V026000Nov 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V738000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14V311000Oct 6, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

16V358000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

13V110000Invalid Date
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Subaru Legacy?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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.