CarRecallWatchThe 2009 Subaru Legacy has 13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (31 reports).
2009 Subaru Legacy recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a crash
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in certain vehicles may explode when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Certain 2009 Subaru vehicles have a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that may rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in certain Subaru vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Relay can fail, causing pump overheating and fire risk
A relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Most common 2009 Subaru Legacy problems
Problem areas named in the 65 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 31 |
| Engine | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Structure | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
What owners report
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
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
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 B
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 hasnât been looked at by anyone but myself. The brake lamp indicator did come on shortly before the line burst.
2009 Subaru Legacy questions
Does the 2009 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for the 2009 Subaru Legacy: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (31), Engine (7), Service Brakes (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2009 Subaru Legacy has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.