AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2009 Subaru Legacy
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 65 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Subaru Legacy, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and engine categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 193 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2009 | 1 | 1 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2010 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 4 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 5 |
| Nov 2010 | 1 | 6 |
| May 2011 | 1 | 7 |
| Jun 2011 | 1 | 8 |
| Nov 2011 | 1 | 9 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 10 |
| Jun 2013 | 2 | 12 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 13 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 14 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 15 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 17 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 18 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 19 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 20 |
| Feb 2015 | 2 | 22 |
| Apr 2015 | 2 | 24 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 26 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 27 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 28 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 29 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 31 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 32 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 33 |
| Aug 2016 | 4 | 37 |
| Nov 2016 | 2 | 39 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 40 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 41 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 42 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 43 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 44 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 45 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 46 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 47 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 48 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 49 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 50 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 51 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 52 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 54 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 55 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 57 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 58 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 59 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 60 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 61 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 64 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 65 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Safety recalls
13 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639977
- Incident
- Dec 5, 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 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11611948
- Incident
- Aug 1, 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 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11610709
- Incident
- Aug 25, 2024
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11551993
- Incident
- Oct 25, 2023
- Mileage
- 56,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11500035
- Incident
- Dec 20, 2022
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11439301
- Incident
- Oct 8, 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11426246
- Incident
- Jul 7, 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 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11421074
- Incident
- Jun 8, 2021
- Mileage
- 134,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
POWER TRAIN
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
POWER TRAIN
This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 38.3 |
| 2023 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 59.3 |
| 2022 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 54.1 |
| 2021 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 48.6 |
| 2020 | 121 | 6 | 0 | 48.8 |
| 2019 | 123 | 3 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 2018 | 116 | 3 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 2017 | 118 | 2 | 1 | 55.3 |
| 2016 | 146 | 3 | 1 | 55.7 |
| 2015 | 159 | 3 | 1 | 57.0 |
| 2014 | 53 | 10 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2013 | 66 | 12 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2012 | 90 | 16 | 1 | 61.8 |
| 2011 | 167 | 16 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2010 | 150 | 18 | 0 | 52.7 |
| 2009Viewing | 65 | 13 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2008 | 65 | 9 | 0 | 48.2 |
| 2007 | 33 | 9 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2006 | 87 | 7 | 0 | 50.0 |
| 2005 | 183 | 9 | 2 | 59.4 |
| 2004 | 49 | 11 | 2 | 60.9 |
| 2003 | 60 | 15 | 2 | 55.3 |
| 2002 | 54 | 5 | 0 | 52.7 |
| 2001 | 77 | 8 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2000 | 94 | 4 | 0 | 51.2 |
| 1999 | 94 | 3 | 0 | 54.8 |
| 1998 | 114 | 5 | 0 | 54.8 |
| 1997 | 139 | 6 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 1996 | 123 | 4 | 3 | 66.3 |
| 1995 | 181 | 2 | 3 | 62.9 |
| 1994 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 41.6 |
| 1993 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 44.8 |
| 1992 | 55 | 2 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 1991 | 78 | 3 | 1 | 52.3 |
| 1990 | 81 | 4 | 2 | 58.0 |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1988 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.