RoadVitals

2009 Subaru Legacy Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
65
Latest Jan 31, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags3142.5%
  • Brakes912.3%
  • Engine811.0%
  • Body & structure56.8%
  • Visibility45.5%
  • Electrical45.5%
  • Exterior lighting22.7%
  • Tires & wheels22.7%
  • Powertrain (other)22.7%
  • Steering11.4%
  • Suspension11.4%
  • Fuel system11.4%
  • Driver assistance11.4%
  • Interior & seats11.4%
  • Seat belts11.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).

NHTSA ID 11402728 · filed 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

NHTSA ID 11321003 · filed Apr 13, 2020
All 31 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 31, 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 · filed Oct 26, 2023
All 9 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11339907 · filed Jul 17, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11208685 · filed May 20, 2019
All 8 reports naming engine

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11325292 · filed May 20, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11065999 · filed Jan 31, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 31, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11290416 · filed Dec 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 25, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11208685 · filed May 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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?

NHTSA ID 10898086 · filed Aug 23, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID 10762463 · filed Sep 9, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10735744 · filed 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

NHTSA ID 10267076 · filed Apr 28, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10787313 · filed 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.

NHTSA ID 10355719 · filed Sep 15, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11350756 · filed Aug 22, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10437827 · filed Nov 30, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 31, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 31, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10275113 · filed Jun 27, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10364066 · filed Nov 4, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .