Subaru Legacy · model year

2009 Subaru Legacy

75 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 13 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
75
Recalls
13

The verdict

The 2009 Subaru Legacy posts below-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

Top 38%
fewest complaints, own model years
13
recall campaigns

The 2009SubaruLegacy carries 75 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2009 Legacy is air bags with 30 filings, followed by engine (7) and service brakes (6). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2009 Legacy. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

75
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2009 Subaru Legacy

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

75 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS30
ENGINE7
SERVICE BRAKES6
STRUCTURE:BODY4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
POWER TRAIN2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
SEATS1
STRUCTURE1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
SEAT BELTS1

Recalls (13)

13V11000027/03/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New

16V35800025/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,

16V73800013/10/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump

19V29700011/04/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part.

17V02600011/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana

14V31100010/06/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michi

17V01400010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Ha

18V01400009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, O

18V01300009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New J

18V01200009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, Am

20V00200002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbi

20V00100002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawai

20V00300002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa,

Recent Complaints

20250131FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20240831SERVICE BRAKES

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 an

20240831VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 an

20240831FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 an

20240825ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20231026SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 56,000

20230103SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20211104CrashSERVICE BRAKES

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.

20210724SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20210615SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 134,000

20210313AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).

Mileage: 152,000

20210313UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20200930SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 174,000

20200822STEERING

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.

Mileage: 136,000

20200821UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20200717ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20200520STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Mileage: 131,000

20200520SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 131,000

20200413AIR BAGS

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

Mileage: 96,800

20200326AIR BAGS

2009 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG ISSUE, THE AIRGBAG LIGHT CAME ON. *AS *JS

Compare 2009SubaruLegacy to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 Subaru Legacy have?
The 2009 Subaru Legacy has 75 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Yes, the 2009 Subaru Legacy has 13 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
The most-complained component for the 2009 Subaru Legacy is AIR BAGS with 30 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2009 Subaru Legacy; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.