2009 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 110 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Subaru Outback has 110 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 110
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Subaru Outback?
The 2009 Subaru Outback looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for reported components: airbag, electrical, and engine systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system, electrical wiring, and engine before purchase.
- Check for any prior repairs related to transmission/drivetrain or brake system issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for reported components: airbag, electrical, and engine systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system, electrical wiring, and engine before purchase.
- Check for any prior repairs related to transmission/drivetrain or brake system issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 110 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Subaru Outback, issues are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, electrical faults, and engine problems. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, though the confidence level is low due to limited sample size.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints (31).
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue (23 complaints).
- Engine Problems are the third most common complaint (19 complaints).
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2009 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2009 Subaru Outback Recalls
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Subaru Outback. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 110 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Subaru Outback looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 110 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2009 Subaru Outback looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.