repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 106 owner complaints about the 2009 Subaru Outback, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 13 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-311 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Subaru Outback has problems
106 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
15Engine1 crash/fire/injury
10Exterior lighting
8Visibility/wiper
8Power train
7Fuel/propulsion system
5Service brakes
5Suspension
2511 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 30 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 1 |
| Engine | 15 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 25 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
13 recalls
2009 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Ignition: switch
Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
Show 9 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Outback year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Subaru Outback safety ratings
2009 Subaru Outback 4-DR Wagon w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Outback owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Car stalling at stops. Received a report on all work done on this car stating issues with catalytic converter and that Subaru repaired before I bought the car. I also had loss of all brakes when the lines leaked out November 2022. I had brakes repaired cost of $1000.so far since buying this car I…
WENT TO LOCAL SUBURB DEALERSHIP AND WAS EXPECTING A FREE LOANER VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT AND THAT WAS IN THE RECALL SO THEY LOCAL DEALERSHIP DID NOT DELIVER THE SERVICE THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FIX FOR THE RECALL!
WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. IF CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IT GENERALLY STAYS OFF. RESEARCH STATES THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THIS LIGHT IS ON WHEN AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO PART NEEDING TO BE SOLDERED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SUBARU SHOULD RECALL…
Own a 2009 Outback?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.