2009 Subaru Outback Problems & Complaints

Most common 2009 Subaru Outback problems

• Air bags~75,000 miles
  3028%
• Electrical system~113,000 miles
  2322%
• Engine & cooling~105,000 miles
  1817%
• Lights~62,000 miles
  109%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~101,000 miles
  98%
• Transmission & drivetrain~37,000 miles
  88%
• Brakes~170,000 miles
  88%
• Fuel & propulsion system~115,000 miles
  77%
• Other / not specified~26,000 miles
  66%
• Suspension~22,000 miles
  55%
• Body & structure~52,000 miles
  55%
• Wheels & tires~6,000 miles
  33%
• Steering~63,000 miles
  33%
• Speed control & acceleration~22,000 miles
  22%
• Seat belts~70,000 miles
  22%
• Stability & traction control~26,000 miles
  11%
• Locks & latches~25,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 106 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Outback complaints by model year

Best Outback years: 1996, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2022. Compare all years →

2009 Subaru Outback recalls (13)

What 2009 Subaru Outback owners say

Air bags all 30 →

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 buying this car I have not been able to drive the car because of the stalling issues.

My airbag light on the dashboard has been turning on and off with no apparent consistency since the beginning of January. Sometimes, its on, sometimes not, I made an appt to take it to a Subaru dealer, months ago, then a couple days before, it went off and stayed off for many weeks. (I had cancelled the appt.) then it came on again, so I took it to a Subaru dealer that day and they diagnosed it as a problem with the overhead map light assembly. They scanned the system and found code 26. Apparently the airbag sensor runs through that assembly and there is a connection that wears out and becomes disconnected, resulting in the airbag not being able to deploy when needed. The Subaru service rep said that is a common problem and they have made many of those repairs. …

Electrical system all 23 →

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 informed by a tow truck mechanic, who assisted with jumping starting the vehicle, that the end switch needed to be replaced. The information was confirmed by another certified mechanic. The contact stated that a certified mechanic was contacted to schedule a repair however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

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 taken to the local dealer for service. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine & cooling

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 vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over, grabbed vital items, and exited the vehicle. The contact called 911 as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, and a deputy who witnessed the fire pulled over to assist the contact. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact sustained emotional distress as a result of the accident but did not seek medical attention. The contact was not given a police or fire report. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard before the contact's insurance had the vehicle towed to another location. …

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 taken to the local dealer for service. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000. The VIN was not available.

2009 Subaru Outback engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.