2009 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Subaru Outback. This model year has 110 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2009 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Considering a 2009 Subaru Outback?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — 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 Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 31 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 19 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
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 Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 110 most recent complaints
The airbag light stays on all the time.
airbag light is on.
The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle had failed to accelerate above 60 MPH without warning. The contact soon began to notice heavy white smoke in her rear-view mirror as the smoke quickly spread to the front end of …
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely soft. The contact stated that the vehicle required an extended distance to slow down or come to a complete stop,…
When I parked my vehicle in the garage, I smelled an odor coming from the engine compartment. I found that the front right inner axle boot had leaked grease. I then saw that the grease covered the catalytic converter. I am not sure when this started to be a problem, but my main c…
The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact swerved to avoid a crash and moved over to the median. The contact stated that the vehic…
The rear hatch on this Outback won't lock. As a woman on her own, my safety is at risk. I have read of other people who have this issue and has been able to fix this on their own. This is a safety issue if your vehicle won't lock completely because the wires in the hatch are comp…
The dashboard becomes sticky and shiny and therefore makes it difficult to see. Subaru offered a limited recall but too many vehicles such as mine were overlooked. Also apparently the repair they offered only replaced the dashboard with one of the same caliber. So eventually more…
Passenger Side - rear brake line failed. Upon inspection the brake line rotted out at 4 way junction box - just in front of the rear tire- passenger side. Had to remove the plastic shield to get to the problem. I was driving at the time when it failed. Pretty scary as the car alm…
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after being parked. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery was charged to start the vehicle. The contact was infor…
Car stalling at stops. Received a report on all work done on this car stating issues with catalytic converter and that Subaru repaired before I bought the car. I also had loss of all brakes when the lines leaked out November 2022 . I had brakes repaired cost of $1000.so far since…
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that both the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts failed to retract upon release. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the parts to repair both seat belts were ordered. When the vehicle was returned …
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while attempting to come to a complete stop, the contact stated that the brake pedal depressed fully to the floor without applying the brakes. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle wa…
Both the head gasket and valve cover gasket are leaking oil. The head gasket started leaking at 52k miles and the valve cover at 65k miles. Both need to be replaced. Subaru has had issues with these gaskets for decades. There should be a recall for these issues.
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine, traction control and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On several occasions the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was …
While coming down a hill, I applied the brakes, and suddenly lost all brake pedal pressure, only being able to stop using a handbrake. This complete loss of the braking system put me and other drivers at risk. Had I been traveling at higher speeds, an accident could have occurred…
PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT REGARDING MY SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING. I WAS ASSIGNED COMPLAINT NUMBER 11414502 (ATTACHED) BUT WHEN I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE EMAIL, I CHECKED AND IT DIDN'T PULL UP SO I'M RESUBMITTING.
THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY BUCKS/CHUGS WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STALLS. ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH ON. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. IT ALSO IDLES VERY ROUGH WHEN AT STOPS OR IN PARK AND SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - SOMETIMES IT DOES. TH…
DASHBOARD IS VERY STICKY AS THOUGH MELTING. NOTICED FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND GETTING WORSE.
CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS AND IS HARD TO RESTART. HAPPENS RANDOMLY WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR CODE IN THE ECU. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT INTERSTATE SPEED AND WHILE STOPPED. WILL NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. ROUGH IDLE AT RESTART THEN BACK TO NORMAL. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REC…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Subaru Outback.
Recalls for 2009 Subaru Outback
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Subaru Outback. 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 Outback — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Minor Issues. The 2009 Subaru Outback has 110 NHTSA owner complaints, 1 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 Outback?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (31 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (23 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (19 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2009 Subaru Outback has 1 crash-related complaints and 4 fire reports out of 110 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Subaru Outback. 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 Outback?▾
The 2009 Subaru Outback has a relatively low complaint rate. 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 Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2009 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.