2009 Subaru Legacy Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2009 Subaru Legacy
- Has 13 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 Subaru Legacy earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (2.5l sohc) (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
The 2009 Subaru Legacy, while offering dependable all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride, faces significant reliability challenges, particularly concerning its 2.5L engine's head gaskets. This isn't a 'set it and forget it' vehicle; expect consistent maintenance and be prepared for potential high-cost repairs if critical issues are ignored or haven't been previously addressed.
Biggest Strengths
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Good handling and comfortable ride
- Robust frame and excellent crash test ratings
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2009 Subaru Legacy. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
13 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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 Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Legacy by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Legacy. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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