Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 65 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 65 · page 1 of 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2009 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG ISSUE, THE AIRGBAG LIGHT CAME ON. *AS *JS
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.
I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL IN THE MAIL, INTERNATIONAL SUBARU IN ORLAND PARK WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS RECALL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V026000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HALDEMAN SUBARU, LOCATED IN HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY, WAS CONTACTED BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR NINE WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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