2009 Subaru Legacy

Routine

Owners filed 65 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 13 times.

Not among the Subaru Legacy years to avoid. Which Subaru Legacy years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
74,972 milesMedian miles at failure

44 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2009 Subaru Legacy problems

31 of the 65 complaints (48%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags30
102
Engine6
010
Service Brakes · brakes5
100
Structure › Body · body and frame4
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes2
000
Power Train · transmission2
000
Electrical System2
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Visibility1
000

13 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V001000
Filed Jan 2, 2020258,813 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V003000
Filed Jan 2, 2020111,562 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V002000
Filed Jan 2, 2020127,547 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch19V297000
Filed Apr 11, 2019511 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V013000
Filed Jan 9, 201893,209 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V012000
Filed Jan 9, 201864,179 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V014000
Filed Jan 9, 201872,150 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V026000
Filed Jan 11, 201769,529 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V014000
Filed Jan 10, 201753,480 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Electrical System16V738000
Filed Oct 13, 2016100,127 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 to continuously operate and overheat.

Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V358000
Filed May 25, 2016302,127 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings14V311000
Filed Jun 10, 2014461,338 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings13V110000
Filed Mar 27, 2013274,402 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.

All 13 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 31, 2025TX

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2024CT

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 anti-corrosion application are sub-par. They insist that because the ineffective recall campaign was already "completed", they bear no further responsibility for the design compromises and sub-par materials that are the root cause of this issue. Additionally: Under Subaru bulletin 12-197-16R the dashboard of 05-09 Subaru Legacy/Outback models is known to become sticky and melt. While this might initially be considered a cosmetic issue, the melted surface is DRAMATICALLY reflective. The hump over the gau

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2024ME

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 26, 202356,000 milesNY

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2023MD

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.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 4, 2021PA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 24, 2021CT

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 15, 2021134,000 milesOH

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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2021152,000 milesPA

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (ON DASH).

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 13, 2021140,000 milesPA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 30, 2020174,000 milesNH

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.

Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2020136,000 milesNY

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2020UT

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 17, 202090,000 milesIN

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.

Structure › Body
Filed May 20, 2020131,000 milesWA

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.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 13, 202096,800 milesPA

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

Air Bags
Filed Mar 26, 2020PA

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

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 20, 2019220,000 milesMT

I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN ON A RURAL HIGHWAY ON MY USUAL DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK. IT WAS DECEMBER 18, 2019 IN MONTANA, SO COLD, BUT NOT UNUSUALLY COLD, AND IT WAS SUNNY . I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 50 MINUTES, AND WAS PROBABLY GOING AROUND 65-70MPH, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE ABOVE ME LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I LOOKED UP AND SAW AN OBLONG, SOMEWHAT RECTANGULAR, HOLE IN MY SUNROOF THAT WAS PROBABLY AROUND 8-9 INCHES LONG AND PROBABLY ABOUT 4 INCHES WIDE AT ITS WIDEST. THE REST OF THE SUNROOF WAS ALSO SHATTERED, THOUGH STILL INTACT. LOOKING AT THE SUNROOF FROM OUTSIDE, HOWEVER, THE SHATTERING WAS LESS EVIDENT. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED AHEAD OF ME TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS A TRUCK OR SOMETHING FROM WHICH SOMETHING COULD HAVE FLOWN OFF AND HIT MY SUNROOF. THERE WAS A PASSENGER CAR THAT WAS MAYBE AROUND 100 FEET AHEAD OF ME, AND THEN, AHEAD OF THAT CAR, THERE WAS A LOGGING TRUCK (CARRYING TREE LOGS), THAT WAS PROBABLY AT LEAST AN 1/8 MILE AHEAD OF ME. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING FLY TOWARDS THE CAR BEFORE THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THERE WAS LITTLE GLASS IN THE CAR, AND I PULLED OVER AND COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FOREIGN OBJECT INSIDE THE CAR. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE SUNROOF. THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF GAVE AN APPEARANCE OF THE IMPACT COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAR AS THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE WAS PUFFED MILDLY, BUT DISTINCTLY, OUTWARD TOWARD THE SKY. I SAW NO EXTERNAL EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT BY A FOREIGN OBJECT. THE SUNROOF HOLE WAS ALSO SOMEWHAT UNDERNEATH ONE OF TH

Air Bags
Filed Sep 30, 2019IL

I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL IN THE MAIL, INTERNATIONAL SUBARU IN ORLAND PARK WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS RECALL.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Jul 10, 2019121,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACTED PUMPED THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A FUEL STATION AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND BEGAN TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME FAILURE FIVE YEARS AGO, WHICH WAS WHY SUBARU WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 2019120,000 milesAK

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V297000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2018FL

MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY'S DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY MELTED. NOW IT IS A GLOSSY SOFT MATERIAL AND EVERY TIME THE SUN GLARES FROM THE FRONT, IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 11, 2017OR

TAKATA RECALL -- SUBARU WILL NOT TELL ME IF MY CAR HAS A TAKATA AIRBAG, BUT ONLY THAT I AM NOT CURRENTLY ON THE RECALL LIST.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 24, 201784,000 milesMN

AFTER BEING PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, WE GOT IN THE CAR AND WERE DRIVING ON SIDE STREETS, WE HAD JUST TURNED ONTO A HIGHWAY AND WERE PICKING UP SPEED (ABOUT 30-40MPH) WHEN THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND GET ASSISTANCE. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 6, 2017NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V026000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HALDEMAN SUBARU, LOCATED IN HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY, WAS CONTACTED BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR NINE WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 201757,000 milesAZ

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND LIGHT TURNED OFF, DAYS LATER SAME THING NOW IS ON AND WONT TURN OFF, THIS STARTED SINCE THE VEHICLE GOT THE TAKATA RECALL DONE AT THE DEALER. GOOGLE THE PROBLEM AND THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT AND SEEM TO HAPPEN TO ALL SUBARU CARS SPECIALLY LEGACY, AND WHEN PEOPLE TAKE CAR TO DEALER THEY WANT TO CHARGE 2,000 FOR THE FIX. I MADE THE APPOINTMENT FOR APRIL 26,2017 TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HOPE WONT BE ASK TO PAY ANYTHING OR WILL HAVE TO FIND THE WAYS TO GET A LAWYER SINCE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART FROM FACTORY.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 12, 201695,000 milesVA

TAKATA AIRBAGS-- INCIDENT NOT MV RELATED-- BEAURUCRATIC ISSUE. I HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP GETTING MY AIRBAGS REPLACED. TRIED SEVERAL DEALERS. THEIR LIES DO NOT MATCH UP. GETTING THE RUN AROUND. VERY UPSET. UNACCEPTABLE SERVICE OR LACK THERE OF, REALLY.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2016NY

RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL NO. 16V-358 BACK IN JUNE 2016. HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY SUBARU SINCE TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG AND IT SAYS NOT TO HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, WHICH IS DIFFICULT FOR OVER 4 MONTHS.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2016MA

AIRBAG DASHBOARD CLUSTER LIGHT STARTED BEING INTERMITTENT AND NOW ON ALL THE TIME. DOES IT MEAN THE SENSOR IS BAD OR THE AIRBAG. SINCE THE CAR MAT BE PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE IS

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2016NY

I NOTICED AIRBAG SIGN COMES ON EVEN AFTER THE RECALL FOR AIRBAG WAS COMPLETED ON THE CAR WITHIN LAST 10 DAYS. THE DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST $350 DOLLARS TO INVESTIGATE AND REPAIR AS AN APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE FOR BUDGETING OVER THE PHONE. SO I DID INTERNET SEARCH ON SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND FOUND OUT VIA YOUTUBE VIDEOS AND CAR MECHANIC BLOGS THAT IT IS SUBARU'S ELECTRICAL SOLDER PROBLEM (ELECTRICAL CONNECTION) THAT TRIGGERS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGN TURNS RED. WHAT IS THE POINT OF DOING A RECALL WHEN THEY CANNOT CHECK THE ENTIRE SYSTEM ? NHTSA HAS ERRED BY NOT MANDATING MANUFACTURERS TO "TEST THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR NORMAL FUNCTIONING". THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY THING THE RECALL DOES IT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT, THATS IT. SO BASICALLY, THE SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, BUT THAT IS NOT COVERED BY SAFETY AIRBAG RECALL ? CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN ME THE LOGIC HERE? A LOT OF SUBARU CUSTOMERS ARE FACING THIS ELECTRICAL SOLDER SAFETY PROBLEM . SOME MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF THE WARNING LIGHT. IT IS MY STRONGEST OPINION THAT NHTSA TAKE THIS REQUEST VERY SERIOUSLY AND ISSUE AN ADDENDUM TO AIRBAG RECALLS TO TEST THE ENTIRE SAFETY SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL FUNCTIONING . YES, I INTENDED THE CAPS TO BE ON BECAUSE I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH. MEANWHILE, A BLANKET RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUES BY SUBARU TO FIX THE FAULTY AIRBAG INDICATOR CONNECTIONS THAT IS TRIGGERING THE WARNING SIGNS. CHECK THESE YOUTUBE LINKS TO UNDERSTAND THE EXACT ISSUE I AM FAC

Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2016ME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2016NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE A AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2016CO

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD GOES ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY ON MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. SOME DAYS IT DOES NOT COME ON AT ALL, AND OTHER DAYS IF WILL DO IT 2 OR 3 TIMES, SOMETIMES STAYING ON FOR THE ENTIRE TIME THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT - ALTHOUGH USUALLY I DON'T HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT 80K MILES, AND I NOW HAVE 100K. SUBARU DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $100 TO DIAGNOSE IT, BUT PROBABLY A SENSOR THAT NEEDS REPLACED IN THEIR OPINION AT A COST OF $500. APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR OTHER OWNERS OF MAKE / MODEL / YEAR OF SUBARU. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A SUBARU ISSUE THAT IS LOOKED AT BY AN INDEPENDENT PARTY BEFORE SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 201670,000 milesIA

AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. NO ACCIDENTS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS STARTED AFTER 70000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. LIGHTS KEEPS ON UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS (BELOW 32 F AND ABOVE 80F)

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 201690,000 milesVA

CAR WAS KEPT UP WITH TIMELY, OIL CHANGES ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF. WARRANTY STILL ON THE CAR BUT DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO PAY SINCE CAR WASN'T SERVICED THERE. AT 90,000 MILES ON THE FOUR LANE, OUT OF NOWHERE, ROD BROKE AND I HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND SHUT OFF, HAD TO PULL OVER ON SIDE OF FOUR LANE GOING 55 MPH WHEN CAR SHUT OFF, AND CAR REFUSED TO START AGAIN. AT NO TIME WAS I GIVEN ANY FOREWARNING ABOUT THE ENGINE HAVING FAILURE. SINCE THE DEALERSHIP IS NO HELP, I STILL OWE 9,000 ON THE CAR SO I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE AT ABOUT 4,000 DOLLARS.. ALTHOUGH THE WARRANTY IS STILL GOOD. I'VE READ HOW MULTIPLE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM AROUND 90,000 MILES. IS THERE NO RECALL? NO INVESTIGATION? IS THERE A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE? I THINK IT'S TOO "COINCIDENTAL" THAT MINE HAPPENED TO GO AROUND THE SAME TIME THEIRS DID, WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THERE WAS ALSO TWO OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

Power Train
Filed Oct 30, 201583,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DISPLAY AREA. ODOMETER WAS JUST OVER 83,000 MILES. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE NOISE AS THOUGH ACCELERATING BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN GEAR AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED AND ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING LEADING TO NEAR ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND TRANS CODE P0766 AND REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED WITH NORMAL FINDINGS AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH UP AND DOWN SHIFTS AND KICKDOWN ALL NORMAL. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION FLUID AFTER FINDING BROWN TRANSMISSION FLUID. THIS OCCURRED AFTER NO PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MI PRIOR. TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WAS REMOVED AND CLEANED. THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED. VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED AGAIN WITH NORMAL OPERATION WITH A NOTE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON (NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN BY DEALER). AIRBAG INDICATOR HAS ALTERNATED BETWEEN ON AND OFF FOLLOWING THIS BUT MOSTLY REMAINS ON.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 9, 2015109,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND ONLY THE HIGH BEAMS HEADLIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 201560,000 milesPA

STARTING IN FALL OF 2014 THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD GO ON & OFF INTERMITTENTLY; DURING THE FOLLOWING WINTER THE LIGHT RARELY CAME ON. ONCE WARM WEATHER HIT IN MAY OF 2015 THE LIGHT CONTINUALLY STAYS ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CORRELATION TO THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING OCCUPIED OR NOT OCCUPIED. IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT AIRBAG RECALL FOR EARLIER SUBARU MODELS, SUBARU MAY WANT TO CHECK INTO THEIR 2009 MODELS AS THERE APPEARS TO BE SEVERAL OTHER SIMILAR INSTANCES RECORDED ON THIS SITE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE (NOT KNOWING IF THE BAG WILL DEPLOY PROPERLY, IF AT ALL) & DO NOT HAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR REPAIR COSTS OF SOMETHING THAT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING IN OTHER LIKE VEHICLES.

Tires
Filed Jul 22, 201558,300 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU LEGACY EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA AVID ENVIGOR TIRES, SIZE: P205/50R17. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES BETWEEN THE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,300 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,800. MA 10/23/15

Air Bags
Filed Jun 19, 201534,332 milesNY

THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHTS UP ON THE PANEL WHEN I START MY CAR ENGINE AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON AND NEVER GOES OFF WHILE I DRIVE. I AM WORRIED THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL RELEASE UNNECESSARILY WHILE I'M DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 2015OH

SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM BUT THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF IN MY CAR. IT USED TO BE INTERMITTENT BUT IS NOW STAYING IN LONGER. ONLY HAD A SLIGHT ACCIDENT WHERE A LADY COULDN'T STOP IN TIME ON BLACK ICE AND ONLY CHIPPED PAINT OFF MY REAR BUMPER (NO DEPLOYED AIR BAGS THOUGH). THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTS WORK FINE. I THINK IT'S ABSURD THAT SAFETY FEATURES THIS IMPORTANT AREN'T COVERED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. NOT TO MENTION A SUBARU DEALER WANTING $100 JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT FOR A CODE. WOW.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 201533,000 milesNY

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 201590,000 milesVT

I HAD THE DEALERSHIP INSTALL A SUBARU REMOTE STARTER FOR MY 2009 SUBARU LEGACY. ABOUT A YEAR LATER I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH HAVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND STAY ON (WITH REMOTE STARTER, OR THE NORMAL WAY). SOMETIMES IT WOULD RE-SET IF I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. BUT RECENTLY IT JUST STAYS ON AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE OVER HEAD DISPLAY (FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG) DOES NOT LIGHT UP AT ALL . NOT SURE IF THE REMOTE STARTER WAS THE INSTIGATOR (PROBABLY NOT), BUT SUBARU HAD SAID THAT THE ISSUE IS A FAULTY SENSOR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR SINCE IT IS A SAFETY MATTER FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 14, 201560,456 milesIL

AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING AND WILL SOMETIMES TURN ITSELF OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY. THEN I RESTART THE CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES AWAY. THIS IS HAPPENING ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 201541,273 milesWA

THE AIRBAG RED LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF OUR SUBARU LEGACY 2009 COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. FROM READING PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF OTHER OWNERS ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEARS 2005-2009 AND HAS BEEN COMMONLY REPORTED TO BE EITHER A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE OR A FAULTY LINE OR SENSOR IN THE DIVER'S SEAT. BOTH OF THESE RESULT IN A COSTLY REPAIR OF APPROXIMATELY $2,000. ALSO HAPPENED TO US, AND ANOTHER COMMON COMPLAINT BY OTHER OWNERS ONLINE WITH THESE MODELS, IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON OR OFF REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. DESPITE THE ABUNDANCE OF PERSONAL ACCOUNTS ONLINE BY OWNERS, SUBARU HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM AND DEALERSHIPS ARE ASKING OWNERS TO PAY FOR THIS FIX. PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR CAR FOR EXAMPLE HAS ONLY 41K MIES ON IT, AND OTHER REPORTS ALSO INDICATE THIS OCCURRING WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILES AND VEHICLE AGE. I HOPE THAT NHTSA WITH INVESTIGATE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING BACK ON THIS ISSUE. *JS

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 201568,390 milesNY

CAR HAS BEEN OWNED FOR 2.5 YEARS AND HAS BEEN DRIVING WELL. THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY CEL OR OTHER WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM INDICATIONS. CAR HAS HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, RECALLS AND LAST SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AT VAN BORTEL SUBARU, VICTOR, NY ON 11/28/14 (67,433 MILES). ON 12/23/14 IN THE EVENING, FOLLOWING A 7 HOUR HIGHWAY TRIP, CAR ABRUPTLY DEVELOPED A LOUD ENGINE KNOCK WITH VIBRATIONS AND WAS CHOKING FOR GAS. ON 12/24/14, CAR WAS BROUGHT INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A MAJOR INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE AND THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE. VANBORTEL SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. WAS CONTACTED AND GAVE ME A QUOTE FOR A REBUILT SUBARU SHORT ENGINE BLOCK FOR $6,600. WITH ONLY A TWO YEAR WARRANTY. THEY ALSO SAID THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE IT HAD 68,000 MILES ON IT. NO " GOODWILL ASSISTANCE" FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR SOA WAS OFFERED EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SERVICED 7 OF MY FAMILY'S SUBARUS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. AND, THE '09 LEGACY HAS A HISTORY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS AS DOCUMENTED IN VARIOUS ONLINE OWNER FORUMS (EG. NASIOC) AND BY CONSUMER REPORTS WHO RATED THE '09 LEGACY AS BEING "WORSE THAN AVERAGE FOR MAJOR AND MINOR ENGINE PROBLEMS" I HAD THE SHORT BLOCK ENGINE SWAP PERFORMED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM TO TEAR DOWN THE OLD ENGINE. HE REPORTED THAT: "THE # 1 CONNECTING ROD BEARING COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS GRINDING INTO THE CRANKSHAFT. RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE." HE FURTHER NOTED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS FULL. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO VANBORT

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 201425,000 milesPA

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS PERIODICALLY GONE OFF & ON OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. I CURRENTLY HAVE LESS THAN 45,000 MILES ON IT. OF COURSE THE DAY I HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH SUBARU, THE LIGHT WOULD NOT APPEAR. HOPING AIRBAG WILL WORK IF EVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2014124,132 milesOH

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE'S OIL WAS CHANGED. THEN, ON SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE I-465N ONRAMP FROM I-70E IN INDIANAPOLIS AND UPON ACCELERATING EXPERIENCED ENGINE POWER LOSS AND A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS EXCEED 2,500. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DREYER & REINBOLD IN GREENWOOD WHERE I LEARNED THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 0.7 QUARTS OF OIL IN IT AND NOW NEEDS THE SHORT BLOCK, GASKET SET, AND OIL PUMP REPLACED. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE TECHNICIAN, I LEARNED THAT IN MY VEHICLE, INCLUDING OTHER SUBARU VEHICLES, THE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE AND VIRTUALLY OUT OF OIL, THUS CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE COMPONENT FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SOMETIMES ENGINE OIL NUTS OR FILTERS ARE NOT PLACED ON VEHICLES AND THE DASHBOARD'S "ENGINE OIL" LIGHT FAILS TO ILLUMINATE EVEN AFTER ALL THE OIL HAS BEEN DISPLACED. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 201455,000 milesNJ

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. NO ACCIDENT. ON SMOOTH ROAD. IT HAS GONE OFF AND THAN COMES BACK ON. WILL GO OFF FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THAN STAY LIT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP THAT SERVICES SUBARU'S STATES THIS IS COMMON AND CAN SEND IT OUT TO SUBARU FOR SERVICE. CONTACTED SUBARU DEALER AND THEY STATED IT IS COMMON. THEY WILL TEST AND DIAGNOSIS, BUT MAY NEED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WILL NOT COVER DIAGNOSIS, ONLY FAILURE. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE AT NO CHARGE. 2ND. ITEM. TOOK CAR IN DUE TO EXHAUST SYSTEMS VIBRATION. WAS TOLD IS COMMON PROBLEM. DEALER OFFERED ME TEMPORARY FIX FOR 100.00 TO PUT SCREWS AND ADHESIVE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. OR PAY 700.00 TO REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH NEW. I ELECTED FOR THE 100.00 FIX. AS THIS WAS DIAGNOSED OVER THE PHONE AND IS COMMON, THIS SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURE FIX. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 11, 201423,000 milesWI

2009 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5 I SE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD TO BRIG THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED IF EVENTUAL IS COVERED BY WARRANTY. I ALREADY NEW IT'S NOT- THEY JUST TRIED TO GET ME IN AND MAKE SOME MONEY OUT OF THEIR SAFETY PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000. RESEARCHED ON INTERNET AND SEEMS LIKE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR IS $1900- 2000, WHICH IS RIPOFF FOR SAFETY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR FREE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 65, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20256000Routine
202417010Routine
202310200Routine
202234210Routine
202131300Routine
2020121610Routine
2019123310Routine
2018117310Routine
2017119210Do not drive
2016147300Do not drive
2015160330Routine
2014531020Routine
2013661200Routine
2012901600Routine
20111671620Routine
20101511811Fatalities reported
2009 — this page651310Routine
200865910Routine
200733940Routine
200687711Fatalities reported
2005184940Routine
2004491100Routine
2003601500Routine
200254511Fatalities reported
200177820Routine
200094420Routine
199994310Routine
1998114520Routine
1997139620Routine
1996123440Routine
1995182230Routine
199460041Fatalities reported
199377110Routine
199255200Routine
199178300Routine
199081420Routine

Compare every Legacy year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 2, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.