Is the 2009 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Outback have?

13 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Subaru Outback

▲ Better than typical

2009 Subaru Outback
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:37.836Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 106
Recalls: 13
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2009: 106 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	277
2007	130
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	295
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	921
2018	816
2019	1,035
2020	903
2021	299
2022	465
2023	89
2024	105
2025	82
2026	21

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

28% · 30 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the brakes were depressed, the vehicle accelerated forward unexpectedly and then in reverse before crashing into two other vehicles and a brick wall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-24

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Tl-contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback -- vehicle has 113,000 miles on it airbag light has been on for two weeks has not gone off since . -- 0 recalls associated with this VIN tk holdings postcard…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-19

Electrical system

22% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

When it rained dash lights come on would not go out when turned car on for a few days next rain went to check car when started lights came on then all went out and a loud noise and fire under…

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-09

The wiring in rear hatch in really bad shape some showing the copper and two completely broke apart. Causing the latch not to work and alarm going off. Rear wiper not working.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-13

Engine

14% · 15 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-20

Exterior lighting

9% · 10 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights became inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-17

Visibility/wiper

8% · 8 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The dashboard becomes sticky and shiny and therefore makes it difficult to see. Subaru offered a limited recall but too many vehicles such as mine were overlooked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-20

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-05-30Service brakes, hydraulic13V110000 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…

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-07-23Service brakes, hydraulic14V311000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-22Air bags16V358000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-12-16Electrical system16V738000 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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-06Air bags17V026000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-06Air bags17V014000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V012000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V014000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V013000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-10Electrical system19V297000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V002000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V001000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V003000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V110000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V358000 · Air bags
Recall 16V738000 · Electrical system
Recall 17V026000 · Air bags
Recall 17V014000 · Air bags
Recall 18V012000 · Air bags
Recall 18V014000 · Air bags
Recall 18V013000 · Air bags
Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V002000 · Air bags
Recall 20V001000 · Air bags
Recall 20V003000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Outback have?: 13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2009 Subaru Outback

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Air bags

Electrical system

Engine

Exterior lighting

Visibility/wiper

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years