2009 SUBARU Legacy Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
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65
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
27 complaints
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).
Mar 13, 2021
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 WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SENSOR WAS REPLACED AS PART OF A RECALL PREVIOUSLY BY AN UNKNOWN DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THEY COULD FIX IT BUT THE CONSUMER WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,800. *BF*JB
Apr 13, 2020
2009 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG ISSUE, THE AIRGBAG LIGHT CAME ON. *AS *JS
Mar 26, 2020
I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL IN THE MAIL, INTERNATIONAL SUBARU IN ORLAND PARK WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS RECALL.
Sep 30, 2019
TAKATA RECALL -- SUBARU WILL NOT TELL ME IF MY CAR HAS A TAKATA AIRBAG, BUT ONLY THAT I AM NOT CURRENTLY ON THE RECALL LIST.
Oct 11, 2017
+ 22 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
6 complaints
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 THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jul 17, 2020
CAR WAS KEPT UP WITH TIMELY, OIL CHANGES ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF. WARRANTY STILL ON THE CAR BUT DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO PAY SINCE CAR WASN'T SERVICED THERE. AT 90,000 MILES ON THE FOUR LANE, OUT OF NOWHERE, ROD BROKE AND I HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND SHUT OFF, HAD TO PULL OVER ON SIDE OF FOUR LANE GOING 55 MPH WHEN CAR SHUT OFF, AND CAR REFUSED TO START AGAIN. AT NO TIME WAS I GIVEN ANY FOREWARNING ABOUT THE ENGINE HAVING FAILURE. SINCE THE DEALERSHIP IS NO HELP, I STILL OWE 9,000 ON THE CAR SO I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE AT ABOUT 4,000 DOLLARS.. ALTHOUGH THE WARRANTY IS STILL GOOD. I'VE READ HOW MULTIPLE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM AROUND 90,000 MILES. IS THERE NO RECALL? NO INVESTIGATION? IS THERE A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE? I THINK IT'S TOO "COINCIDENTAL" THAT MINE HAPPENED TO GO AROUND THE SAME TIME THEIRS DID, WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THERE WAS ALSO TWO OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
Mar 18, 2016
CAR HAS BEEN OWNED FOR 2.5 YEARS AND HAS BEEN DRIVING WELL. THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY CEL OR OTHER WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM INDICATIONS. CAR HAS HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, RECALLS AND LAST SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AT VAN BORTEL SUBARU, VICTOR, NY ON 11/28/14 (67,433 MILES). ON 12/23/14 IN THE EVENING, FOLLOWING A 7 HOUR HIGHWAY TRIP, CAR ABRUPTLY DEVELOPED A LOUD ENGINE KNOCK WITH VIBRATIONS AND WAS CHOKING FOR GAS. ON 12/24/14, CAR WAS BROUGHT INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A MAJOR INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE AND THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE. VANBORTEL SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. WAS CONTACTED AND GAVE ME A QUOTE FOR A REBUILT SUBARU SHORT ENGINE BLOCK FOR $6,600. WITH ONLY A TWO YEAR WARRANTY. THEY ALSO SAID THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE IT HAD 68,000 MILES ON IT. NO " GOODWILL ASSISTANCE" FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR SOA WAS OFFERED EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SERVICED 7 OF MY FAMILY'S SUBARUS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. AND, THE '09 LEGACY HAS A HISTORY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS AS DOCUMENTED IN VARIOUS ONLINE OWNER FORUMS (EG. NASIOC) AND BY CONSUMER REPORTS WHO RATED THE '09 LEGACY AS BEING "WORSE THAN AVERAGE FOR MAJOR AND MINOR ENGINE PROBLEMS" I HAD THE SHORT BLOCK ENGINE SWAP PERFORMED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM TO TEAR DOWN THE OLD ENGINE. HE REPORTED THAT: "THE # 1 CONNECTING ROD BEARING COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS GRINDING INTO THE CRANKSHAFT. RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE." HE FURTHER NOTED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS FULL. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO VANBORTEL SUBARU AND SOA FOR THE DECLINE IN THEIR QUALITY, INTEGRITY, CUSTOMER SERVICES AND INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY OR BEING STRANDED ON A HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY PRIOR SYMPTOMS OR WARNINGS. *TR
Jan 13, 2015
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE'S OIL WAS CHANGED. THEN, ON SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE I-465N ONRAMP FROM I-70E IN INDIANAPOLIS AND UPON ACCELERATING EXPERIENCED ENGINE POWER LOSS AND A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS EXCEED 2,500. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DREYER & REINBOLD IN GREENWOOD WHERE I LEARNED THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 0.7 QUARTS OF OIL IN IT AND NOW NEEDS THE SHORT BLOCK, GASKET SET, AND OIL PUMP REPLACED. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE TECHNICIAN, I LEARNED THAT IN MY VEHICLE, INCLUDING OTHER SUBARU VEHICLES, THE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE AND VIRTUALLY OUT OF OIL, THUS CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE COMPONENT FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SOMETIMES ENGINE OIL NUTS OR FILTERS ARE NOT PLACED ON VEHICLES AND THE DASHBOARD'S "ENGINE OIL" LIGHT FAILS TO ILLUMINATE EVEN AFTER ALL THE OIL HAS BEEN DISPLACED. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS
Jul 08, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKING BEFORE DECELERATING. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO BOTH INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE PISTON THAT MALFUNCTIONED AND CREATED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Mar 05, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
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 terrifying while driving. The problem was discovered by myself as I was a certified technician for over 10 years for this brand. The vehicle hasn’t been looked at by anyone but myself. The brake lamp indicator did come on shortly before the line burst.
Jan 03, 2023
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 lines found to be corroded badly and sever leakage from both left and right rear brake lines. Corrosion & weeping also noted by dealership body shop on both lines coming out of vehicle from under rear seat above fuel tank. The corrosion and leakage matches with recall campaign ID: 14V311000.
Nov 04, 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. I looked to see if the car was ever serviced for the recall and I am finding nothing on it. Thr exact spot indicated in the recall is exactly where the brake lines corroded so much that there is a hole now. Thanks for your time.
Jul 24, 2021
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 03301) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES RECEIVED ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT AS PER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT COVER THE FENDER AS THE RECALL INDICATED, TO PREVENT THE LINE FROM CORRODING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 174,000.
Sep 30, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
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 to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the brake line was corroded and leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Oct 26, 2023
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 with the brake line needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14V311000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the recall repair was previously serviced in 2014. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Jun 15, 2021
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 INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND BEGAN TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME FAILURE FIVE YEARS AGO, WHICH WAS WHY SUBARU WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Jul 10, 2019
STRUCTURE
3 complaints
MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY'S DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY MELTED. NOW IT IS A GLOSSY SOFT MATERIAL AND EVERY TIME THE SUN GLARES FROM THE FRONT, IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW.
Jan 31, 2018
AFTER BEING PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, WE GOT IN THE CAR AND WERE DRIVING ON SIDE STREETS, WE HAD JUST TURNED ONTO A HIGHWAY AND WERE PICKING UP SPEED (ABOUT 30-40MPH) WHEN THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND GET ASSISTANCE. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT.
Jul 24, 2017
OPENED DRIVER SIDE DOOR ONE NIGHT AND AS I WAS PULLING DOOR OPEN I WAS TALKING TO SOMEONE WHO WAS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND HIT MY NECK ON THE WINDOW SINCE IT HAS NO FRAME. IT WAS DARK, COULDN'T SEE THE CLEAR GLASS AND NEVER GAVE IT A THOUGHT. THE WINDOW CAUGHT MY NECK AT AN ANGLE EXACTLY WHERE I HAD SURGERY IN '07. IT HURT AND SCARED ME A LOT AND I THOUGHT IT DID SOMETHING TO MY THROAT. THANK GOODNESS IT DIDN'T. IF IT HAPPENED JUST AFTER MY SURGERY, IT COULD HAVE RIPPED MY NECK OPEN. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH NO WINDOW FRAMES BEFORE. IF I HAD ANY IDEA THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT. I HAVE GONE TO TWO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS WITH MY CONCERNS AND HAVE TRIED TO TRADE IT, BUT OF COURSE, THE TRADE IN VALUE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE. SO FOR THE MOMENT I'M STUCK WITH IT, BUT IT MAKES ME NERVOUS. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE, BUT I SURE HOPE IT DOESNT HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN. THANK YOU. *TR
Jan 24, 2010
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
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.
Mar 13, 2021
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 AND IT IS HAPPENING EVERY MONTH. I SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON MANY SUBARU LINES BUT THE BRAND IS CHARGING $600 FOR THE REPAIR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FOR US. THANK YOU.
Aug 21, 2020
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DISPLAY AREA. ODOMETER WAS JUST OVER 83,000 MILES. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE NOISE AS THOUGH ACCELERATING BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN GEAR AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED AND ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING LEADING TO NEAR ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND TRANS CODE P0766 AND REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED WITH NORMAL FINDINGS AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH UP AND DOWN SHIFTS AND KICKDOWN ALL NORMAL. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION FLUID AFTER FINDING BROWN TRANSMISSION FLUID. THIS OCCURRED AFTER NO PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MI PRIOR. TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WAS REMOVED AND CLEANED. THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED. VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED AGAIN WITH NORMAL OPERATION WITH A NOTE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON (NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN BY DEALER). AIRBAG INDICATOR HAS ALTERNATED BETWEEN ON AND OFF FOLLOWING THIS BUT MOSTLY REMAINS ON.
Oct 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY.WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, SHE WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP TO THE VEHICLE AND APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
Sep 15, 2010
TIRES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA AVID ENVIGOR TIRES, SIZE: P205/50R17. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES BETWEEN THE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,300 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,800. MA 10/23/15
Jul 22, 2015
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM: THERE IS NO CUSTOMER RESET FOR THIS FEDERAL MANDATED DEVICE ON MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. I HAVE TO PAY $50.00 EACH TIME TO HAVE IT RESET AT THE DEALER WHEN I CHANGE TIRES IN THE SPRING AND FALL. THANKS A LOT FOR THIS FIX THAT WAS NOT THOUGHT OUT BY MY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES.... THIS NEEDS FIXED FOR ALL OF THE DRIVERS OUT THERE. *TR
Apr 28, 2009
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Jan 31, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
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 compromised, they replace them. If the lines are corroded but not yet compromised, the lines are coated with an anti-corrosion wax. This wax washes off the car and is ineffective. Subaru performed this recall work insufficiently on my vehicle, failing to identify the severity of the corrosion. They coated the lines, called it "fixed", and the brake lines later ruptured under normal driving conditions. This caused a highway near-miss at speed that could have impacted everyone on the road. Multiple Subaru dealerships in Connecticut have refused to re-inspect and repair the vehicle under the recall campaign, despite it being a known critical safety concern, and despite knowledge that the original parts and anti-corrosion application are sub-par. They insist that because the ineffective recall campaign was already "completed", they bear no further responsibility for the design compromises and sub-par materials that are the root cause of this issue. Additionally: Under Subaru bulletin 12-197-16R the dashboard of 05-09 Subaru Legacy/Outback models is known to become sticky and melt. While this might initially be considered a cosmetic issue, the melted surface is DRAMATICALLY reflective. The hump over the gauge cluster melts first, causing a huge, intense sun glare reflection in the windscreen directly ahead of the driver. I own two 05-09 Subaru Legacies; this issue is present in both. Subaru of America has rejected my replacement claims on both cars because the cutoff date for their open recall has expired. This is a major and constantly worsening safety issue that severely limits driver visibility. Because it developed slowly, it was not a safety concern until after closure of the recall.
Aug 31, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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 dealer 4 times and they said there was nothing wrong the first two times. On the 3rd time they said it was my problem was that the battery was old and to prove them wrong I got one of their Subaru brand/label batteries and the same problem kept happening. I took it to one more mechanic with the same results. I keep seeing this articles on blogs online about Subaru's from multiple years and series having Parasitic Drain issues. I do have the receipts pack in boxes if need it.
Aug 25, 2024
STEERING
1 complaint
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.
Aug 22, 2020
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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 INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE LEAKING DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
May 20, 2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
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 LOUD NOISE ABOVE ME LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I LOOKED UP AND SAW AN OBLONG, SOMEWHAT RECTANGULAR, HOLE IN MY SUNROOF THAT WAS PROBABLY AROUND 8-9 INCHES LONG AND PROBABLY ABOUT 4 INCHES WIDE AT ITS WIDEST. THE REST OF THE SUNROOF WAS ALSO SHATTERED, THOUGH STILL INTACT. LOOKING AT THE SUNROOF FROM OUTSIDE, HOWEVER, THE SHATTERING WAS LESS EVIDENT. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED AHEAD OF ME TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS A TRUCK OR SOMETHING FROM WHICH SOMETHING COULD HAVE FLOWN OFF AND HIT MY SUNROOF. THERE WAS A PASSENGER CAR THAT WAS MAYBE AROUND 100 FEET AHEAD OF ME, AND THEN, AHEAD OF THAT CAR, THERE WAS A LOGGING TRUCK (CARRYING TREE LOGS), THAT WAS PROBABLY AT LEAST AN 1/8 MILE AHEAD OF ME. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING FLY TOWARDS THE CAR BEFORE THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THERE WAS LITTLE GLASS IN THE CAR, AND I PULLED OVER AND COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FOREIGN OBJECT INSIDE THE CAR. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE SUNROOF. THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF GAVE AN APPEARANCE OF THE IMPACT COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAR AS THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE WAS PUFFED MILDLY, BUT DISTINCTLY, OUTWARD TOWARD THE SKY. I SAW NO EXTERNAL EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT BY A FOREIGN OBJECT. THE SUNROOF HOLE WAS ALSO SOMEWHAT UNDERNEATH ONE OF THE CROSS-BARS OF MY CAR-TOP KAYAK RACK, SO EVEN THOUGH THE HOLE LOOKED LIKE A DIRECT IMPACT (EVEN IF IT HAD BEEN CAUSED FROM ABOVE), IT APPEARED AS THOUGH THE KAYAK RACK CROSS-BAR WOULD HAVE DEFLECTED ANY FOREIGN OBJECT IF IT HAD COME FROM ABOVE. I EXITED THE CAR AND RETRACED MY PATH ALONG THE HIGHWAY, LOOKING FOR ANY FOREIGN OBJECTS ON THE ROAD, SHOULDER OR DITCH. I SAW NOTHING.
Dec 20, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V297000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
May 20, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I NOTICED AIRBAG SIGN COMES ON EVEN AFTER THE RECALL FOR AIRBAG WAS COMPLETED ON THE CAR WITHIN LAST 10 DAYS. THE DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST $350 DOLLARS TO INVESTIGATE AND REPAIR AS AN APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE FOR BUDGETING OVER THE PHONE. SO I DID INTERNET SEARCH ON SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND FOUND OUT VIA YOUTUBE VIDEOS AND CAR MECHANIC BLOGS THAT IT IS SUBARU'S ELECTRICAL SOLDER PROBLEM (ELECTRICAL CONNECTION) THAT TRIGGERS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGN TURNS RED. WHAT IS THE POINT OF DOING A RECALL WHEN THEY CANNOT CHECK THE ENTIRE SYSTEM ? NHTSA HAS ERRED BY NOT MANDATING MANUFACTURERS TO "TEST THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR NORMAL FUNCTIONING". THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY THING THE RECALL DOES IT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT, THATS IT. SO BASICALLY, THE SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, BUT THAT IS NOT COVERED BY SAFETY AIRBAG RECALL ? CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN ME THE LOGIC HERE? A LOT OF SUBARU CUSTOMERS ARE FACING THIS ELECTRICAL SOLDER SAFETY PROBLEM . SOME MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF THE WARNING LIGHT. IT IS MY STRONGEST OPINION THAT NHTSA TAKE THIS REQUEST VERY SERIOUSLY AND ISSUE AN ADDENDUM TO AIRBAG RECALLS TO TEST THE ENTIRE SAFETY SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL FUNCTIONING . YES, I INTENDED THE CAPS TO BE ON BECAUSE I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH. MEANWHILE, A BLANKET RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUES BY SUBARU TO FIX THE FAULTY AIRBAG INDICATOR CONNECTIONS THAT IS TRIGGERING THE WARNING SIGNS. CHECK THESE YOUTUBE LINKS TO UNDERSTAND THE EXACT ISSUE I AM FACING: 1) HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KJXEPANO_E8 2) HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PVIAHPEPJ9A ALSO, I AM NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY DOCUMENTATION THAT EXPLAINS IF THIS WARNING LIGHT MEANS THAT THE SYSTEM HAS DISABLED AIRBAGS ? IF THAT IS THE CASE, CAN GET SUBARU'S ATTENTION AND RESOLUTION ? OR HOW MANY PEOPLE'S LIVES DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE ATTENTION?
Aug 23, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND ONLY THE HIGH BEAMS HEADLIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Sep 09, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I HAD THE DEALERSHIP INSTALL A SUBARU REMOTE STARTER FOR MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. ABOUT A YEAR LATER I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH HAVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND STAY ON (WITH REMOTE STARTER, OR THE NORMAL WAY). SOMETIMES IT WOULD RE-SET IF I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. BUT RECENTLY IT JUST STAYS ON AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE OVER HEAD DISPLAY (FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG) DOES NOT LIGHT UP AT ALL . NOT SURE IF THE REMOTE STARTER WAS THE INSTIGATOR (PROBABLY NOT), BUT SUBARU HAD SAID THAT THE ISSUE IS A FAULTY SENSOR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR SINCE IT IS A SAFETY MATTER FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Apr 14, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. NO ACCIDENT. ON SMOOTH ROAD. IT HAS GONE OFF AND THAN COMES BACK ON. WILL GO OFF FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THAN STAY LIT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP THAT SERVICES SUBARU'S STATES THIS IS COMMON AND CAN SEND IT OUT TO SUBARU FOR SERVICE. CONTACTED SUBARU DEALER AND THEY STATED IT IS COMMON. THEY WILL TEST AND DIAGNOSIS, BUT MAY NEED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WILL NOT COVER DIAGNOSIS, ONLY FAILURE. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE AT NO CHARGE. 2ND. ITEM. TOOK CAR IN DUE TO EXHAUST SYSTEMS VIBRATION. WAS TOLD IS COMMON PROBLEM. DEALER OFFERED ME TEMPORARY FIX FOR 100.00 TO PUT SCREWS AND ADHESIVE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. OR PAY 700.00 TO REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH NEW. I ELECTED FOR THE 100.00 FIX. AS THIS WAS DIAGNOSED OVER THE PHONE AND IS COMMON, THIS SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURE FIX. *TR
Jun 17, 2014
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY AT AROUND 55 MPH WHICH IS JUST UNDER THE POSTED 65 MPH LIMIT. SUDDENLY THE HOOD OPENS AND SLAMS INTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME, BUT I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULL OVER DESPITE THE SURROUNDING TRAFFIC. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. ONCE SAFELY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I SAT FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE GETTING OUT SINCE I WAS SHAKEN A BIT. I THEN CHECKED ON THE DAMAGE. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND THE HOOD SUSTAINED MULTIPLE DENTS. I WAS ABLE TO RE-LATCH THE HOOD AND DROVE HOME SLOWLY FOR FEAR THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. I CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INFORM OF THE INCIDENT AND INQUIRE IF THERE WAS ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR REPORT ON HOODS RELEASING WHILE DRIVING. THE REP STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR REPORTS AT THAT TIME. I HAD ALREADY MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER FOR BRAKE LIE CORROSION AND COMPUTER SYSTEM RECALLS. THE REP SUGGESTED THAT I MENTION THIS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVE THEM CHECK ON THE HOOD LATCH. IF IT IS DETERMINED TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT, THEN SUBARU MAY BE ABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR MISHAP WHETHER AN OLDER OR NEWER MODEL. THIS IS A REAL CONCERN SINCE IT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE. *TR
Dec 30, 2013
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ROUTINE MATINENCANCE, THE PRIVATE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CONTROL ARMS AND OIL PAN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,500.
Nov 30, 2011
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAD SUFFERED A NICKEL SULFIDE INCLUSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Jun 10, 2011
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED TO HOLD HER FIRMLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WERE REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 18,000.
Nov 04, 2010
SEATS
1 complaint
2009, 2010 HEAD RESTS ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE I AM ACTUALLY DEVELOPING LOWER BACK PAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. YOU HAVE SACRIFICED PERMANENT DISABLING BACK PROBLEMS FOR A SAFETY ISSUE. THE HEAD IS PUSHED TO FAR FORWARD, STRAINING MY NECK. I AM A TALL WOMAN SO I SIT UP STRAIGHT UNLIKE A MAN. I AM IN A CHRONIC STATE OF DISCOMFORT BECAUSE OF THE NEW HEAD RESTS. WE HAVE DECIDED TO LEASE A CAR VERSUS PURCHASING A CAR BECAUSE OF THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. WE WERE GOING TO PURCHASE A NEW GM VEHICLE BUT CAN NOT BECAUSE OF THESE NEW HEAD RESTS. I HAVE SHOPPED ALL CAR MAKES, TOYOTA, CHRYSLER, SUBARU, AND ALL THE SEATS ARE IMPOSSIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND CREATE EITHER A NECK ACHE, LOWER BACK ACHE, OR BOTH. PLEASE CHANGE YOUR POLICY ON THIS ISSUE, NO ONE WANTS THESE CARS THEY ARE SO BAD. EVEN MY 28 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TRIED SOME AND SAID SHE WILL KEEP HER OLDER CAR GOING BEFORE SHE WOULD SIT IN CARS MADE SO UNCOMFORTABLY. *TR
Jun 27, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2009 SUBARU Legacy have?
The 2009 SUBARU Legacy currently has 65 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2009 SUBARU Legacy?
The most common problems reported for the 2009 SUBARU Legacy are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2009 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2009 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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