2009 Subaru Legacy Subaru Legacy 2009

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2009 Subaru Legacy repairs by problem area

Engine (33%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (22%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (14%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 88 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2009 Subaru Legacy.

2009 Subaru Legacy repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (55%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 67 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Subaru Legacy

Engine not specified

Subaru Legacy in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2009 - Mar 2010
Apr 2009

8000 mi
loud noise at 2000-2500 rpm, found engine bearing was bad. complete engine replacement 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 148hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Legacy in Belgium
Nov 2011 - Oct 2017
May 2014

119660 mi
Very serious breakage in the engine (crankshaft). Although outside strict warranty, Subaru paid the parts (value between 5000 and 6000 Euros) and (after some discussion) the labor. 
Aug 2014

128480 mi

€400
There was a crack in a tube between engine and turbo. This lead to: * shocking sometimes * DPF problem * Car going in 'save mode' --> loss of power First Subaru dealer in Burgas didn't find the cause. Final repair by regular dealer in BE 
Apr 2015

150620 mi

€350
Electical mirror did not work anymore - leading to long rattling. Had to be replaced - hence quite high cost 
May 2015

152520 mi

€220
Wheel was making noise, replaced wheel bearing. 
Feb 2016

179180 mi

€212
Pumps of the boot (liftgate struts) had to be replaced as it fell down. Pump had broken during frost. 
Apr 2016

184100 mi

€400
Had to replace one wheel bearing, brake blocks (pads) and a brake shoe. 
Sep 2016

199640 mi

€2000
Light housing got a bit dirty inside, and had to be replaced (light beams were too weak). technical control (yearly event) refused car for it. 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru Legacy in Washington, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2017
Jan 2010

16000 mi
I had an engine bearing failure. Subaru had a stop sale due to a bearing defect just prior to my purchase. This effected all turbo subaru's including mine. SOA replaced the complete long block motor including all accessory's at no charge, no hassels 
Jun 2014

72000 mi
My rear o2 sensor died, caused a check engine light. 
Oct 2016

85200 mi

US $1200
My drivers side bilstein shock failed. Metal fatigue - not wear and tear. The shock arm failed up at the top near the shock tower bolt head. My mechanic has never seen a failure like this before. Problem is for spec.b model only 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Legacy in Texas, United States
Jan 2019 - Jan 2022
Sep 2019

111489 mi

US $634
Inner boot torn on driver side Axle found during inspection. Replaced with OE Reman. Replaced Sway Bar End Links 
Oct 2019

113163 mi

US $765
Car over heated due to damaged radiator. Seems original brackets cracked and fan fell into radiator causing damage. Replaced radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses and clamps. Replace thermostat and gasket. Fill with OE coolant. 
Subaru Legacy in California, United States
Jul 2009 - Feb 2019
Mar 2016

63000 mi
Airbag light came on. Resoldered joints in over head light to fix. Dealer was to install a replacement. 
Subaru Legacy in California, United States
Oct 2010 - Aug 2017
Nov 2010

17000 mi
radio and a/c display disappeared suddenly. a/c still worked but can't change radio stations or audio mode (eg- change from radio to cd). dealer replaced radio to correct problem 
Jun 2012

40000 mi

US $150
sun visor no longer folds in place-obstructs view 
Subaru Legacy in Illinois, United States
May 2009 - Oct 2015
Dec 2010

22000 mi
Check Engine light and TC Off light came on while driving. Took car to the dealer. Problem diagnosed as broken oxygen sensor. Dealer ordered the sensor, as no sensor in stock. Dealer replaced oxygen sensor. Interesting fact: In a Legacy GT, a broken O2 sensor also disables: traction control, cruise control, VDC, SI-Drive. Highly unpleasant in the middle of a snow storm. 
Oct 2011

30700 mi
Brake pedal was making a noise when released. Problem diagnosed as defective brake booster valve. Dealer replaced brake booster, problem is gone. It took me over a YEAR of complaining before a dealer finally agreed to look. 
Aug 2014

65000 mi

US $250
Had to replace battery. Had to replace front headlight. 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan

245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Legacy in Louisiana, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2014
Dec 2009

8000 mi
There is a very noticible whine coming from under the hood when steering; it gets especially louder when the steering wheel is at it's left or right limit. Dealer service manager said he would so some research and address this problem on next visit. 
Dec 2010

28400 mi
Rattle coming from Glovebox. 2 screws were loose. They were tightened. Power steering whining unusually loud when turning steering wheel. It's especially loud when reaching steering limits. Service dept seemed to side-step this complaint and pretty much refused to address it saying the H6 is a 'whiny' engine. The right rear original equipment mug flap came loose and eventually fell off. The dealer first refused to replace unless I paid for part.(approx $70)I eventually convinced dealer part falling off not my fault..should be covered by warranty Replaced right rear mud flap and 2 mounting clips which had fallen off the car. They were ordered on the last visit.  
Jan 2011

29750 mi
Replaced power steering pump and resevoir. There is still some whining, especially at left and right limits, but it's not nearly as noticable or as loud. Took car to a different dealer than previous and again asked them to check the power-steering whining noise. Without hesitation, this dealer ordered new P/S pump and resevoir and will schedule a new visit when it comes in.  Replaced power steering pump and resevoir. There is still some whining, especially at lefy and right limits, but it's not nearly as noticable or as loud.  
Feb 2011

33000 mi
Rattle in glovebox remains, especially when weather is cool. Also asked dealer to check buzzing in passenger door caused by speaker. Dealer says glovebox and passenger door interior panel were disassembled and insulation/padding applied. 
Mar 2011

37000 mi
Glovebox rattle had grown worse since last repair attempt. This time repair was successful. Latch screw was found to be loose. Cause of minor buzz in passenger door could not be repaired. It remains, however it is minor. 
Aug 2013

81000 mi

US $45
Passenger side visor broke, would not stay folded up. Glue inside had failed. Replaced it myself. 
Jan 2014

58200 mi

US $30
Bearing in non-tensioning idler pulley failed. It started whining, noise grew louder and more frequent. Replaced it myself with after-market pulley. 
Subaru Legacy in Connecticut, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2022
Mar 2014

72000 mi

US $425
The front left wheel bearing was replaced and the car was re-aligned 
Jun 2016

106000 mi

US $121
The front tie rod ends were replace due to a noise from the left front tie rod end. 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Legacy in Virginia, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2015
Jun 2010

26000 mi

US $210
Threw CEL. Intermittent, never got the code. Turned out the engine was way low on oil. The oil pressure light never came on. CEL has not returned however there is a persistent rattle @ 3k rpm. 
Oct 2010

37000 mi
Rattling in engine got worse, then much worse. Towed to dealer. At first said engine might be shot. Ended up needing a crank, 1 conn rod, and all the bearings in the bottom end, but not a complete short block. Somehow a tube in the airbox was broken as well, probably from the earlier attempt by the other shop. 
Jun 2015

83000 mi
oil was bone dry. Turns out that Subaru believes 1q/1000 miles is acceptable, even though their interval is a laughable 3750. The engine only holds 4q. 

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2009 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Legacy in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2015
Dec 2014

67000 mi

US $4000
failed connecting rod bearing 
Subaru Legacy in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2014
May 2014

53900 mi

US $350
There was a strong smell from leaking/burning fluid. The dealer said it was a leaking radiator. They replaced the radiator. 
Subaru Legacy in Alabama, United States
Jul 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

65000 mi

US $60
Heat shield around exhaust was rattling at 1400 rpm. Removed heat shield. 
Subaru Legacy in Oregon, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2018
Oct 2017

73000 mi

US $120
Trunk torsion bar broke on one side and trunk lid would not easily lift. Replaced both torsion bars. 
Mar 2018

76306 mi

US $2648
Engine oil leak and coolant leak: Complete cylinder head gasket replacement with engine R&R. Includes all gaskets and seals, Subaru "770" STi turbo head gaskets, timing belt and all timing idler/tensioner components, water pump, spark plugs, thermostat+gasket, anti-freeze, synthetic engine oil/filter. Engine oil and coolant leak. Changed AVLS pressure switches. Updated design. Radiator replaced. Typical wear item and done while engine R&R work being done. Radiator hoses replacement x 2 Airbag light intermittently coming on, SRS code 26. Map light assembly rebuild. Corroded original battery. Replaced battery with Odyssey battery. 
Subaru Legacy in Virginia, United States
Jul 2017 - May 2019
Mar 2018

59000 mi

US $600
Front control arm bushings needed replaced. 
Subaru Legacy in New York, United States
Sep 2012 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

28000 mi
A front airbag sensor needed to be replaced because the airbag light in the dash intermittently lit up when driving. 
Subaru Legacy in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2015 - Jun 2017
Apr 2016

98000 mi

US $2150
head gaskets. timing belt, tensioner, water pump, two serpentine belts, spark plugs and spark plug wires... 
Subaru Legacy in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2018
Aug 2014

89500 mi
Leaky valve cover gaskets at only 89k miles. I don't plan on fixing it until it becomes more of an annoyance, and my pocket book can handle it. 
May 2015

106000 mi

US $1500
Replaced both Valve and Head Gaskets- water pump, timing belt. 
Apr 2016

130300 mi

US $1800
Valve seat was loose causing the car to misfire after lifters where adjusted (1st step in trying to resolve a ticking noise). Replaced head and leaking tensioner, still a little tick but not real noticeable. 
Oct 2016

137500 mi
Passenger airbag recall. Replaced airbag inflator. Light is back on and will be going back to the shop. 
Jan 2017

148300 mi

US $400
Replaced rear-passenger wheel bearing. 
Jul 2017

160000 mi
Will occasionally throw a p420 (cat. conv.) code. When code is active the cruise control is disabled and the check engine light and traction control lights illuminate. I have not fixed the issue . . . it is possible that it is an 02 sensor as well. . . but it is intermittent so I have not brought it in yet. 
May 2018

170000 mi

US $80
replaced both front end wheel bearings. 
Subaru Legacy in Michigan, United States
Jun 2009 - Jul 2012
Sep 2009

5000 mi
The center armrest cover detached. Dealer repaired, and stated that it was just a few loose screws. 
Jan 2010 One of the door sensors broke because the seat belt jammed the sensor when door was closed. 
Subaru Legacy in Michigan, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010

25000 mi
Wind noise from windsheild at highway speeds. Windsheild was pulled and installed with new seal on the outside of windsheild. 
May 2016

76400 mi

US $70
Parking Brake Issue 
Feb 2018

98000 mi

US $2000
Timing Belt, Water Pump, Seals, Belts, Spark Plugs, Wires, Filters, and one of the Cams. 
Subaru Legacy in Utah, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2022
Jan 2010

7399 mi
Replace transmission cooler line - fitting damaged or cross-threaded during manufacturing causing fluid leak. 
Sep 2012

19000 mi
Cooling system - radiator cap was replaced under warranty by the dealer. 
Subaru Legacy in Delaware, United States
Nov 2010 - Oct 2016
Jun 2011

17000 mi
car had water leak onto interior passenger side. interior filter had not been replaced in the past. also two rims bent. not happy with CPO inspection. 
Jul 2012

23500 mi

US $100
ac wasn't cooling adequately. 
Jun 2013

32000 mi

US $650
front brakes. rear door wouldn't lock (cables not connected). 30.000 mile service, recall 
Apr 2014

40000 mi

US $600
shield under car became loose 
Dec 2014

47000 mi
power steering pump was leaking. It was replaced 
Jan 2016

41000 mi

US $608
passenger front bearing replaced. Tech stated that it was worn. 
Subaru Legacy in Washington, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2022
Feb 2016

54600 mi

US $428
Excessive interior condensation on windows impaired visibility during cold, wet temperatures. Had to clear inside of front window with squeegee into order to drive. Sunroof drain tubes were cleared but did not remedy problem completely. 
Mar 2016

55000 mi

US $250
Trunk lid mechanism failed and lid would no longer stay open on its own. Labor cost to diagnose was $60. Two torsion bars were replaced at a cost of $124 for parts and $83 for labor. 
Nov 2017

64000 mi

US $18
Headlight bulb failed on passenger side and was replaced today. 
Jan 2020

74529 mi

US $765
Power steering pump assembly was replaced. Parts were $585.00; labor was $238.00 
Feb 2022

79802 mi

US $5000
Oil leaking from cracks in engine and head gaskets 
Subaru Legacy in Michigan, United States
Jun 2008 - May 2013
Oct 2008

1000 mi
Heater not blowing hot. repaired quickly and properly. Needed a sensor I believe. 
Mar 2009

6000 mi
Drivers door lock malfunctioned. Repaired no problem since. 
Jan 2010

16500 mi
Brake warning light came on. Vehicle needed a new brake fluid reservoir. Part ordered (late December)installed 1-13-10. Loaner provided. Repair took roughly two hours. Picked up the vehicle about 11:30 a.m. Brake reservoir replaced earlier. Warning light returned but it seems warning light was for tire pressure not brakes. Told in cold weather tire warning light comes on prematurely (only down 3 lbs. pressure). Told this was a common problem. Brake warning light came on. Vehicle needed new brake fluid reservoir. Part ordered in late December. Repair done 1-13-10. Loaner provided. Repair completed in two hours. Picked up vehicle at 11:30 a.m. 
Apr 2011

32000 mi
front sway bar bushings need replacement. parts ordered.  Also loose center arm rest was repaired on this visit (under warranty) 
Jun 2011

34000 mi
previous bushing replacement did not resolve noise. follow-up diagnosed strut problem and this was replaced which has cured the problem. 
Dec 2011

40000 mi
3 tires losing air. No leaks in the tires or wheel problems were found. Update: new tires fixed problem. 
Subaru Legacy in Virginia, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

12000 mi
Steering wheel creaks, one rattle from the dashboard, and one rattle from passenger side door. Could not replicate at dealer. 
Subaru Legacy in Florida, United States
Jul 2009 - Jul 2013
Jun 2012

33000 mi
New Compressor 

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2009 Subaru Legacy Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2009 Subaru Legacy problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.