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BL · Sedan

2009 Subaru Legacy

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2009 Subaru Legacy.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2009 Subaru Legacy

Recall·20V002000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall·20V001000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall·20V003000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

10 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 65 owners reported

Air bags28
Service brakes8
Engine6
Structure5

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2009 Subaru Legacy at a glance

Trims
2.5 GT Limited2.5i2.5i Limited3.0R Limited
Engine
2.5L Flat-4 Turbo, 2.5L Flat-4, 3.0L Flat-6
Transmission
Manual 5-spd, Automatic 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

Other Subaru Legacy years

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2009 Subaru Legacy?

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2009 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. There are 13 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 13 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2009 Subaru Legacy?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2009 Subaru Legacy listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.