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2009 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (17%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 280 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2009 Subaru Outback.

2009 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (44%)

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Chart based on 204 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Subaru Outback model years.

Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009 1000 mi	Right lower A Pillar replaced. The Hazard Light button was not connected.
Apr 2010 6000 mi	Needed an entire new Engine, Long Block due to a bad dearing that blew. New engine installed, no cost. Bad crank bearing, replace the entire engine with a brand new engine. Guess there were quite a few 09's with weak netal bearings.
May 2010 9000 mi	Outside temperature gauge needed to be replaced, and rattle in steering column fixed by realignment.
Jun 2010 9000 mi	Plate around gearshift. Brake module.

Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States Jun 2009 - Jun 2017
Nov 2009 5000 mi	Turbocharger ball bearing dropped into the engine. Complete upper engine block replaced. Turbocharger ball bearing dropped into the engine. Complete upper engine block replaced.
May 2010 11000 mi	A follow up repair after the engine block replacement - after the replacement, something in the transmission system was misaligned, which caused a rattling noise in the engine compartment.
Sep 2013 35000 mi	Had trouble unlocking the car. Remote lock system was reset.
Aug 2014 40600 mi	Power steering oil was leaking, and the whole unit required replacement.

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Subaru Outback in Arizona, United States Nov 2013 - Apr 2017
Apr 2014 30300 mi	Rt Front wheel bearing went bad.
Dec 2015 45000 mi US $65	replaced front sway bar links
Jul 2016 49000 mi US $100	both inboard CV joints ripped and were replaced under warentee
Oct 2016 50300 mi US $100	Dealer re-repaired CV. joint, bad repair, axle slipped out, new axle needed. New axle installed. O2 sensor failed, replaced under warrenty

Subaru Outback in Alabama, United States Sep 2014 - Nov 2018
Aug 2015 93700 mi US $200	Had cracked left seat bolster replaced at upholstery shop
Sep 2017 148000 mi US $1100	replace two front axles due to torn CV boots and replaced drive shaft to eliminate vibration form bad u-joint
Jun 2018 160000 mi US $950	new pads, rotors and calipers on all 4 corners

Subaru Outback in Tennessee, United States Nov 2016 - Apr 2018
Sep 2017 75000 mi US $125	Replaced leaking throttle body/intercooler coupler
Dec 2017 76000 mi US $750	Replaced all four struts and strut mounts, upgraded rear sway bar.

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2010 - Jun 2022
Jul 2010 18000 mi	Center console came apart Trunk cover screen replaced because plastic part snapped off Plastic trim on rear passenger side running board loose. Parts ordered were not the correct parts; re-order necessary.
Jan 2012 US $800	Rear left passenger seatbelt stuck Sunroof gasket came off
Aug 2017 55000 mi	Alternator failed
Jun 2022 58000 mi US $169	AC recharge

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Subaru Outback in Great Britain Jul 2010 - Feb 2016
Apr 2011 48000 mi	Excessive wear on suspension bushes leading to noise when driving over bumps. Bushes replaced under warranty. Carried out at same time as 48,000 mile service.
May 2012 74300 mi £256	Wheel bearing gone - hub replaced
Feb 2013 93300 mi	Drop links needed replacing as bushes worn out
Nov 2013 108700 mi	n/s front drop link and o/s rear drop link replaced Both front anti-roll bar bushes replaced
May 2014 121000 mi £35	Load sensor mounting point had come loose - was welded back to chassis. Had been causing problems with HID headlight self-levelling system.
Sep 2014 128000 mi £620	Front and rear suspension levelling sensors were replaced
Nov 2014 135000 mi £390	Replace headlight washer pump. Part ordered during previous repair trip. Rear hub replaced due to collapsed bearing. Also replaced one tie-rod and suspension bushes
Jun 2015 160000 mi £465	Renew auxillary drive belt tensioner and belt Renew N/S/R hub bearing
Jul 2015 160800 mi £176	Replace O/S/R wheel bearing
Dec 2015 169000 mi £75	Turbo has seized variable vane - attempts made to free it off, but this failed. Continues to work, but loss of power and some exhaust smoking under load
Feb 2016 169000 mi	Catastrophic engine failure. Loud clunk as it tried to turn over. Con rod?

Subaru Outback in Great Britain Jan 2016 - Feb 2018
Mar 2016 107000 mi £106	Replaced manifold pressure sensor Leaks found on joints to condenser and recharge
Aug 2016 113600 mi £120	Split intercooler pipe
Nov 2016 118300 mi £25	Exhaust sheared
Dec 2016 120000 mi £105	Frame of driver's seat had given way and had to be stripped down and welded
Jan 2017 120800 mi £275	Cv boot split Replace all 4 anti-roll bar mounting bushes. Had asked mechanics to look for anything that might cause problem with upcoming MOT. Found some play. Replace N/S/R drop link. There was a bit of noise.

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Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States Jan 2010 - Dec 2019
Apr 2015 78800 mi US $250	Check engine on, multiple reasons. will go off after undetermined (>50) miles, can come on again for unknown reason. Oil syst flush as first step repair attempt. Driving car almost normally with check engine on, >1000 miles. To mchnc nxt
Sep 2015 84000 mi US $200	Replaced Left side secondary VVT valve. It had seized. Problem caused engine check light to stay on: codes P0302, P0304, P0306, cylinder misfires 2, 4, 6
Nov 2016 92100 mi US $676	Idler pulley seized, damaged mounting bracket, tensioner and broke belt. Replaced broken belt & tensioner assemblies, pulley idler, & brackets/mountings.
May 2017 95000 mi US $160	A/C stopped working. Recharge fixed the problem

Subaru Outback in California, United States Dec 2010 - Sep 2012
Oct 2011 14000 mi	Replace leaking strut Replace leaking strut

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Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Nov 2014 - Feb 2015
Jan 2015 US $300	known suspension issue with Subarus

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Nov 2010 - Apr 2014
May 2011 18000 mi	A/C drain line was clogged and leaking into passenger footwell area. Dealear repaired @ no cost.
Dec 2011 30000 mi	Left rear wheel bearing
Mar 2012 34000 mi	Misfire on cylinder 2. Defective ignition coil that was installed 1/12. Worn weather strip in drivers side door. Worn Weather stripping in driver's side door. Replaced with part ordered earlier.
Jul 2012 41700 mi US $40	Both low-beam headlights burned out simultaneously, had electrical system checked for fault. No fault found, both bulbs replaced.

Subaru Outback in California, United States May 2011 - Jan 2013
Jun 2011 23000 mi	Computer software upgrade
Jul 2012 37500 mi US $162	center console electrical circuit failed. AC fan and console lights.

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States Nov 2014 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016 45000 mi US $225	CV joint covers replaced due to rips in them.
Mar 2018 50202 mi US $894	Lower control arm bushings replaced. Replaced passenger side drive axle due to torn boot on upper end.

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada Sep 2011 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013 76880 mi C $120	Heat shield came loose

Subaru Outback in Maine, United States Mar 2009 - Dec 2012
May 2009 2000 mi	A "humming" noise was detected at 40-45 mph during new car test drive. Driveshaft, bearings, and finally the (manual) transmission replaced under warranty. Noise was eliminated.

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Jun 2009 - May 2014
Sep 2013 32000 mi	also some cracked struts and the like from hot/cold contrasts and dryness. That's Colorado for you.
May 2014 38000 mi	Deterioration major transmission part. Dealer repaired. But afterwards still felt iffy, sold car. Clutch gone

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Jul 2009 - Dec 2013
Dec 2013 44000 mi US $4600	- new clutch (manual transmission) - control arm replacement - new tires - all 4 breaks - cabin filters, oil change, etc

Subaru Outback in Georgia, United States Jul 2013 - Oct 2014
Dec 2013 50000 mi	Corroded brake line caused a fluid leak, eventually resulting in sudden poor braking performance.
Mar 2014 54000 mi	Rattling noise when driving over sharp bumps or on gravel road, especially when turning at low speed.
Sep 2014 62000 mi	Recall repair for corroded brake lines.
Oct 2014 62000 mi	Suspension rattle never fixed.

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States Oct 2009 - Nov 2021
Aug 2010 42900 mi	Engine had a lower end rumbling noise most noticable at lower rpm and slow accel. Engine was disassambled, found crank journals scored and slightly out of round, piston skirts worn, replaced crank, main and rod bearings, pistons and rings.
Mar 2011 56000 mi	Noise from engine compartment area under low torque, not knocking noise but more like rumbling noise, worse with time. Dealer has not been able to locate the source. Drivetrain?
Jul 2011 60000 mi	Runble noise coming from engine area, most noticable during low RPM accel. Engine was removed and disassembled; cylinders were out of round and case warped. Short block was replaced. The rumbling noise has diminished.
Jan 2012 37200 mi US $40	Aux output in front and rear did not work. Two fuses were blown after the GPS had been plugged in. Fuses replaced, electric diagnosed and was good. Have to see what happens when the GPS is plugged in again.
Feb 2013 98600 mi US $20	Replaced alternator belt
Sep 2013 109000 mi US $1193	Replaced left front axle, new CV shaft Clutch hose leaking, repaired Replaced timing belt, cam belt/pulleys and tensioners Right front inner axle and boot replaced,
Nov 2013 112700 mi US $160	Replaced the alternator
Apr 2014 122800 mi US $600	Replaced the air bag assembly. Air bag light was on at first intermittent then constantly.
May 2014 124900 mi	Replaced right front axle and boot, warranty repair
Dec 2014 138000 mi US $16	Headlight, passenger side
Feb 2015 139700 mi US $2000	Viscous coupler had failed, damaged the transfer gears and bearings
Mar 2015 141000 mi US $938	Noise from front when driving on dirt road. Front control arm and front sway bar, bushings and links replaced. Noise from front when driving on dirt road. Front control arm and front sway bar, bushings and links replaced.
May 2015 144000 mi	Suddenly started to show greyish smoke while driving. Oil had spilled around the engine compartment. The seal around oil pressure sensor had broken. Replaced both oil pressure sensors.
Jul 2015 144300 mi US $200	Left front axle and CV
Mar 2016 155000 mi US $15	Left headlight, low beam
May 2016 159600 mi US $15	Left headlight - highbeam
Oct 2016 171000 mi US $25	Passenger side headlight, lowbeam
Jul 2017 181000 mi US $17	Right high and low beam.
Oct 2017 184000 mi	Harness to the hatch door started to break/come loose. Soldered broken wires together.
Mar 2018 194200 mi US $50	Replaced both sides low beam headlights

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States Sep 2015 - Sep 2016
Aug 2016 189000 mi	Voltage regulator on alternator failed. Alternator had already been replaced once and was still under warranty, so no cost and easy replacement.

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Jun 2009 - Sep 2018
Jul 2014 63300 mi US $500	Both front CV boots had split. Notice burning smell that turned out to be grease from the joint dripping on the cat. It was cheaper to replace the whole axle rather than just the boots.
Apr 2017 86000 mi	BTW for any of you true believers considering a scoobie-the traction is great, but the gas mileage is awful and both of mine have guzzled oil. I mean a quart in 1k miles. Scoobie claims that anything better than a litre in 2 klicks is fine, but even my malaise era American cars didn't come close to that.
Jul 2017 88000 mi US $300	I was changing the bulbs when I broke the tab that holds the spring that holds the bulb. Yes it was my fault, however I think prospective Outback owners should be aware. It is ridiculously easy to incur a $300+ ($700 if you get a factory replacement and have the work done at the shop) repair just changing the freaking bulb. If you break the tab then the whole assembly needs to be replaced, and replacing it involves disassembling the bumper. Changed headlight bulbs.
Aug 2018 97000 mi US $1500	The clutch went out. This might be considered a wear item, however normally I get ~150k out of a clutch easy. It turned out that the throw out bearing went out, and that is what trashed the clutch, so it was not really a maintenance trip. Clutch cost $500 just for parts. I took it to a hot-rod shop rather than a dealer but that may have been a mistake. They ended up draining the transmission oil, which is not supposed to be necessary, and they had to remove the front drive shafts, which I am not sure is necessary either.

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Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States Feb 2015 - Dec 2015
Apr 2015 102000 mi US $4989	Engine seized. Oil was changed 2 days prior to engine problem. Overfilled? It was catastrophic. The engine failed while driving on the highway.
Jun 2015 104000 mi US $300	Blower motor issue. Blower motor replaced and it worked for 1 month then problem returned. Currently blower not working. code p1491 - sensor replaced but did not resolve problem
Oct 2015 106200 mi	Blower stopped working again. Had the resistor replaced. This solved the problem but just for 2 months. There must be an underlying electrical problem that is burning out the resistor. Not sure I will pursue repair - cost/benefit decision.
Dec 2015 107000 mi	oil leaking from passenger side front boot. Not brought for repair yet. This car continues to have repair issues. Undecided as to what to do - car is a lemon.

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States Jul 2014 - Jun 2022
Oct 2014 119000 mi	Headlight
Nov 2014 119800 mi US $300	Replaced noisy, left rear wheel bearing assembly.
Mar 2015 124000 mi	Right front low beam bulb burned out, replaced bulb.
Jun 2015 127000 mi US $10	Left rear tail light bulb failed. Replaced left rear tail light bulb. Took about 15 minutes, including remembering how to access it and gathering tools.
Nov 2016 146000 mi US $250	Left front wheel bearing failed. Replaced both left front and right front wheel bearings. Took to shop for front end alignment.
Feb 2017 145000 mi US $100	Right rear wheel bearing failed. Replaced right rear wheel bearing. Also replaced rotors and brake pads on both rear wheels.
May 2017 155000 mi	Dashed replaced under recall for sun light and heat degradation. Dash was soft and sticky before replacement. Now the drivers left side air vent does not provide any air flow...car needs to go back for repair of the improper dash installation.
May 2019 200000 mi US $250	Replaced left and right fog light bulbs. Took about 15 minutes because I don't do it every day and had to remove some covers to gain access. Replaced cat-back exhaust pipe with resonator (y-pipe), rear mufflers were ok still and not replaced
Aug 2019 204000 mi US $500	Timing belt broke while driving to work. RPM at the moment of failure was relatively high, >2500 RPM, causing 14 or 16 valves to be bent. Removed engine, removed heads from engine, rebuilt top end with 16 new valves and new gaskets. Reassembled and good to go...and no more oil leaks. :-)
May 2021 236000 mi US $200	Car has CEL on, and not passing state emission requirements. Replaced OEM exhaust header and cat assembly. Found (hidden under the OEM heat shield) the cat housing was broken 85% of the way around and had severe exhaust leak. Internal cat matrix was partially decomposed. Car would not start, had to tap on the starter solenoid repeatedly and it finally started. Replaced starter assembly.
Jun 2021 237000 mi US $309	Car had CEL on and not meeting the state emissions requirements. Removed and cleaned, back flushed, all 4 fuel injectors. Car check engine lights on and not passing state emissions requirements, replaced both O2 sensors.
Jul 2021 240000 mi US $120	Symptoms, engine would not start. Starter would not engage until solenoid was taped on. Replaced starter.
Nov 2021 247000 mi US $50	Symptoms, engine would not start. Battery voltage good. Starter solenoid would "tickle/rattle" but not engage to start the engine. Got a ride home. Came back next day next day with jumper wire to bypass ignition switch. Replaced ignition switch.
Jun 2022 260000 mi US $500	Replaced both headlight assemblies because the plastic covers had deteriorated so badly there were very few lumens emitted from the headlights and night driving was unsafe.

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Dec 2014 - Jun 2017
Nov 2015 85801 mi US $743	Car ceased to shift in gears and froze/died. Shop car was towed to said front axle repaired one side and upon pick up their was a noticeable vibration in front end. Return=hard acceleration&vibrations safe to drive left side axle rear took in for inspection of vibration -told needed front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings done estimate 1025, plus 700 for timing belt. Vibration on front end estimate and finding was spark plug issue say fixed same issue front axle replacement forward -estimate
Dec 2015 86000 mi	this shop took out drive axle and replaced found no difference in vibration on acecleration, took out replaced drivetrain , put old one back in and was at loss as to cause
Jan 2016 87000 mi US $473	Mechanic replaced plugs, wires and then valve cover gasket kit job
May 2016 92000 mi US $415	replaced r/l rear trail arm bushings r&R both front control arm bushings, Lube oile filter 4 wheel alignment
Jun 2016 95000 mi US $1532	PS fluid rack and pinion, replace rack, aligned, front brake job, reman axle shaft, stabilizer links,moog, bushing
Aug 2016 100000 mi US $597	right front axle warranty as out of whack, also did rear bearings on car for noise
Dec 2016 105000 mi US $886	timing belt

Subaru Outback in Florida, United States - Jan 2009
Jan 2009 9 mi	Had to get the TPS tire pressure sensor re-set. IT WAS ON WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. then discovered defective wheel, and they took one of another outback and replaced it and reset the TPS. NO OTHER PROBLEMS.

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Jul 2017 - Dec 2017
Dec 2017 110000 mi US $2300	AT at temperature indicator light flashing. subsequent diagnosis revealed transmission failing per mechanic. recommendation is to replace transmission with a used transmission.

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States Nov 2015 - Dec 2017
Oct 2015 48000 mi	One of the bolts holding brake caliper came off during a turn less than a week after purchasing vehicle. Dealer was cool about it. Gave me a loaner and replaced it next day.
Jun 2016 53000 mi US $140	The dreaded Subaru head gasket was reported during a routine maintenance trip to the dealer. Most of it was covered under extended warranty, fortunately. Both CV front boots (inner and outer) were leaking and needed to be replaced. These were not covered under extended warranty. Dealer quoted $720 for repairs. I didn't have $720 at that moment, but dealer indicated I had time, but not much. I ended up doing it myself for all-in about $260 and pretty much all of a Sunday. It would not have been that bad on the time but one of the axles REFUSED to come out without a lot of effort and swearing.
Sep 2017 75000 mi	Fuse powering clock, dome lights, and audio blew while going over a speed hump. Fearing the worst that the hump caused jostling that caused a wire somewhere to go to ground, I nevertheless changed the fuse only to have it blow again the next day on the highway, this time going over an expansion joint. Just "dealt" with it for a couple of months then tried replacing the fuse again and so far so good. It's been about three weeks. I fear this is a costly repair eventually though. Finding shorts is a real hassle and way beyond my skills.

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Jul 2008 - Jan 2012
Jan 2009 18000 mi	Headlights were adjusted to low from factory. Subaru dealer would not repair. I did the work myself.
Dec 2011 91000 mi	I had to change an axle due to a torn inner CV boot. I replaced it with a non-Subaru axle. It was from A1 Cardone. Feburary 2012: I am going to replace it again because of vibrations from the axle from time to time.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Jun 2009 - Jul 2018
Jun 2017 84500 mi US $150	Replaced OEM battery
Mar 2018 90000 mi US $700	Replaced original brake pads/rotors. Rotors should have been turned/resurfaced but I went to an incompetent shop; live and learn.

Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States Jan 2009 - Dec 2014
Mar 2009 1000 mi	The floor heating vents are undersized for the Subaru. On cold days (I live in Wisconsin), the cabin can be warm but my feet and legs are cold. I was told that the low air flow from the floor vents is due to the design. The floor does warm up eventually.
May 2010 17000 mi	Leak from left axle side O-ring and axle seal. Replaced left axle retainer O-ring and axle seal under warranty.
Aug 2011 31405 mi	Replaced drivers side visor. Original visor would not stay in place and "flopped" down. Replaced drivers side visor, which would "flop" and not stay positioned.
Sep 2011 32000 mi	Outside temperature gauge "sticks". New sensor ordered.
Oct 2011 32300 mi	The outside temperature indicator was replaced.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Apr 2014 - Jun 2022
Mar 2016 82000 mi US $700	Leaking head gasket.
Nov 2016 90300 mi US $3300	Went in for the 90,000 maintenance. The head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, timing belt and right passenger seat airbag recall all needed to be replaced.Oil was seeping from Valve Covers, oil was seeping from Head gaskets. 100,000 miles more.
Dec 2016 91000 mi US $393	A new airbag sensor and airbag sensor in map light assembly had to be replaced. Had to purchase the whole map light assembly.
Mar 2017 92000 mi US $49	Replacement of the right lower headlight bulb.
Sep 2017 100000 mi	Weatherstrip on inside of sunroof came loose. I replaced it back into it's place.
Jan 2018 103000 mi US $500	I went in for an oil change, found the CV shaft boots were torn, had both shafts replaced with remanufactured Subaru half shafts.
Apr 2018 105000 mi US $250	CD player crapped out, is being replaced by a refurbished by Subaru, CD unit Subaru replaced the CD/Radio. It is an exchange with a Subaru Refurbished unit. Cost was $240.00 + tax
Mar 2021 127000 mi US $350	New wiring harness for the tailgate and rear interior lights
Jun 2022 142000 mi US $250	Left inner CV joint had a tear in it, replaced the boot and new grease in it.

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States Jul 2015 - Mar 2019
Feb 2016 99200 mi US $400	Airbag warning light - bad connection in overhead console.
Jun 2017 112000 mi	Rear view mirror fell off - probably due to poor adhesive after windshield replacement
Aug 2017 118000 mi US $4500	Blown engine - seized rod bearing - threw rod through block. Driver SWEARS he checked the oil level just about 100 miles previous (on a fill up, as always). Tow 120 miles, swap motor.
Dec 2017 125000 mi US $30	Mirror fell off the window on a cold day. Dealer re-glued it.

Subaru Outback in Indiana, United States Apr 2013 - Oct 2017
Oct 2015 87700 mi US $350	cv boot
Oct 2016 108300 mi US $130	change the battery

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Aug 2011 - Jan 2022
Oct 2011 19000 mi	Door Gasket eroded dealer excepted original repair order and analysis of defect. They ordered replacement part but on return no record of original visit a year earlierr, claim not under warrenty.
Oct 2014 48000 mi	AC UNIT COMPLETE FALURE
Jun 2015 55000 mi US $40	Condenser leak
Jan 2021 104000 mi US $100	Car pulling to the right

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States Nov 2011 - Dec 2016
Jul 2013 83700 mi US $325	Issues with front facia and headlight
Oct 2013 89800 mi US $890	Fix a rattling exhaust shield.
Jan 2014 100700 mi US $170	Hard starting caused by old battery and very cold temperatures Replaced failed low beam bulbs
Feb 2014 104000 mi US $350	Found inner drivers front CV split at end of 1300 mile trip. Had dealer replace CV boot and service joint. Had only been split for short time no additional damage noted.
Apr 2014 109800 mi US $300	Front passenger side inner CV boot failed
Oct 2014 121200 mi US $1800	Passenger side head gasket leaking/ drivers side weeping. Big, big repair.
Dec 2014 127000 mi US $470	Brakes, tires, and rear cv boot
May 2015 135000 mi US $700	replaced drivers side tie rod ends replace all 4 sway bar links Replace drivers front wheel bearing crack in exhaust system repaired/ welded
Jun 2015 136000 mi US $890	Replaced both rear bearings. They both had gotten noisy. Rotating them in hand (after removal) showed some grinding in one and a flat spot in the other.
Aug 2016 163700 mi US $300	Replace Drivers side front axle, boot torn, sand ingress. Replaced sway bar links. Were knocking and clacking, replace a year ago. Shop did as warranty.
Dec 2016 168000 mi US $300	Replaced plugs and wires, new fuel filter. Informed head gaskets were leaking again.rnrnSOLD CAR Car developed another head gasket leak 70,000 odd miles after having it done. Traded it in that day and bought a Toyota.

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Aug 2008 - Oct 2014
Jun 2009 18000 mi	A piece of paint bubbled up and chipped off the left side protective door trim molding (not from being hit or from a rock, etc.). The strip was replaced under manuf. warranty.
Feb 2010 33700 mi	Noticed "bouncing" & loud "squeaking" noises when going over even small bumps. Inner tie rod needed to be replaced. Helped somewhat but another trip was needed as similar problem existed or returned; reported as a separate trip (stabilizer bar +). Car continued to "bounce" when going over bumps & a squeak or strained noise occurred at same time. The manuf. replaced "stablizer lk f, rub bush stab, both stablizier bar busings/brackets/link R & R." Not sure what to check above. Car would not turn over or start one morning. Later, was able to start after several attempts. Manuf. couldn't find anything wrong & so far, problem has not recurred.
Mar 2013 124000 mi US $315	Replace L rear wheel bearing
Apr 2013 125200 mi	After L rear wheel bearing was replaced, the ABS light has come on intermittently & cannot be corrected to date after 3 more trips; prevents use of cruise control.
Jul 2013 132500 mi US $431	Replace right rear wheel bearing Replace AC belt
Apr 2014 152500 mi US $600	4 sway bar bushings replaced Left front CV axle was replaced.
May 2014 153700 mi US $1558	Head gaskets, water pump, timing belt replaced
Jul 2014 155700 mi US $234	Grinding noise assessed; left front wheel bearing replaced.
Sep 2014 158000 mi US $727	Rack and pinion had to be replaced - very noisy, could not steer car. left brake caliper replaced

Subaru Outback in Alabama, United States May 2011 - Jul 2011
Jun 2011 18000 mi	Front end alignment
Jul 2011 20000 mi	Sounds like pipes rattling in the roof when the car is driving in excess of 40 mph and there is a cross wind. Subaru dealer placed sound dampners in roof per TSB, but it did not help.

Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States Jun 2009 - May 2013
Aug 2009 1000 mi	brake pedal noise on removing pressure from pedal- ? malfunctioning booster
Sep 2009 1000 mi	brake booster pump replaced
Nov 2010 20000 mi	nav DVD drive needed replacing as well as some connections
Mar 2012 47000 mi	TPMS and VDC light on dash
Sep 2012 59000 mi	ignition coil cracked, misfiring

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada Sep 2009 - Jun 2022
Oct 2009 6510 mi	driver's door latch misaligned - dealer adjusted
Jul 2010 9400 mi	a/c not very cold. Drained .3KG, added dye and .43KG. Temp went from 60F before to 42F after. A/C still not very cold, but "that's as good as they get".
Apr 2011 13640 mi	Driver's side sun visor strap tore at one end. Part ordered by dealer after quick inspection - took about 2 weeks to arrive, 1.5 hours to change and change from winter to summer tires (both mounted already)
May 2011 13840 mi	Armrest cover latch broken - replaced cover
Nov 2011 15500 mi	fender molding (plastic) clip broken leaving gap between molding and body. Part ordered for replacement next week. wheel arch molding clip came loose. Bumper and fender cover had to be removed to re-attach clip. Dealer covered cost as only just out of warranty
Jan 2014 25532 mi C $54	Adjusted hood bumpers to correct position. Adjusted hood bumpers to correct position.
Oct 2014 28520 mi C $640	Driver's seat back bolster had a hole in it. Classed as "normal wear". Seat back cover replaced with discount from dealer. Gas cap tether broken
Nov 2014 28820 mi C $36	Gas cap tether was broken - had to buy a new gas cap and tether assembly -- dealer installed at no charge.
Jun 2015 31620 mi C $1711	front R boot torn; front L boot weeping. Replaced both axles complete. Also did rotors and pads on all 4 corners (included in cost)
Nov 2015 32984 mi C $350	Replaced dying 3 year old Subaru battery with Optima Yellow top CV joints causing severe vibrations. Replaced both front axles with aftermarket HD axles, and I paid an upcharge for the price difference ($300) Replaced failing battery with Optima Yellow-top
Feb 2016 34636 mi C $1600	Rear Overload springs worn out. Rear Shocks worn out. Both repalced Replaced rear shocks and springs, replace brake lines with stainless steel lines and flush fluid.
Nov 2016 33631 mi C $2000	Engine check light came on while driving, went into limp mode. No cause found, codes cleared and bulkhead connection cleaned. Replaced front axles with HD product
Dec 2016 38440 mi C $84	Engine check light came on while driving, went into limp mode. No cause found, codes cleared and all connectors cleaned. Car driven by mechanic overnight, no problem found Following a flat battery and AA boost, both tail lights were blown (not stop lights, just tail lights). Dealer replaced bulbs. Took about 10 minutes (or less) per side. Pull 3 screws, pull the assembly free of the body, change the bulb, reverse.
Apr 2022 53634 mi C $4800	all suspension bushings front and rear

Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada Jul 2009 - May 2015
Feb 2011 17720 mi C $415	Driver's door ajar indicator lit up on dash even though door was latched. Indicator light flashed on and off along with interior lights
Apr 2011 20740 mi	While on vacation, the traction control light came on and cruise light started flashing so went to nearest Subaru dealer. Dealer promptly replaced the oil pressure sensor which fixed the problem.
Apr 2013 48140 mi C $250	Clunky shift when cold. Flushed tranny.
Jun 2013 50220 mi C $140	Connecting rod issue. Replaced short block and timing belt
Sep 2014 62000 mi	clunk on first shift when engine cold

Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States Apr 2011 - May 2013
May 2012 28800 mi US $750	Cabin odor noticed when engine was hot and thought to be a fluid leak. Tech said no leaks but there was some residue around exhaust shroud which is underneath cabin air intake.

Subaru Outback in California, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2011 26000 mi	replaced bushings and one strut

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Jul 2013 - Sep 2014
Apr 2014 74300 mi US $248	Took vehicle to dealer for left front doj boot replacement, oil change, and rear window wiper replacement.
Jun 2014 76000 mi US $248	Right front doj boot separated on the way to the dealer. Grease was slung onto the exhaust system causing smoke to pour from under right side of car at red lights. Dealer had it fixed within 2 hours.

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States May 2009 - Mar 2015
Mar 2010 12000 mi	Rattle in dash
Feb 2011 27200 mi	Leaking water pump was replaced under warrantty
Jul 2012 46200 mi	Seat belt wouldn't retract - repaired Plastic seat base housing the power seat device kept popping out - the clip to hold it in place failed and had to be replaced.
Jul 2013 65000 mi US $6	Squealing and rough feel when turning the steering wheel. Power steering fluid was required. A possible leak will be checked out later by a mechanic.
Oct 2013 69000 mi	Leaking P/S fluid re-occurred after a similar complaint & repair last year. On this visit, Dealer decided to replace power steering rack assembly (steering gear)at no charge on account of previous history.
Jan 2015 US $160	Replaced battery and burned out headlight bulb.
Feb 2015 95000 mi	Burning odor turned out to be leaking valve gasket.

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Jun 2009 - Nov 2016
Mar 2012 32000 mi	Front passenger door switch failed - wouldn't stay in place on the frame and would lose contact when the door was closed, leaving the door open light on even though the door was closed.
Sep 2013 44000 mi US $149	Replaced Battery
Mar 2014 46000 mi US $70	Rattling sound on startup in cold weather -- Catalytic converter heat shield was clamped but did not fix, appears to be from alternator.
Sep 2014 54000 mi US $70	Loose heat shield clamp was rattling. Tighten heat shield clamp.
Feb 2015 57100 mi	Broken sway bar link Starter was making grinding noise on very cold starts. Diagnosis - sticking. Replaced.
Mar 2015 57000 mi	Slow leak from radiator core. Power steering pump making noise, leaking. Replaced.
Oct 2015 63500 mi	Right Inner CV Boot torn. Replaced. Oil pressure switch went bad, dash warning lights on. Replaced oil pressure switch. Left Inner CV Boot Torn. Replaced.
Nov 2016 72000 mi US $110	Check engine light evap recovery code -- cleared

Subaru Outback in Florida, United States Dec 2012 - Aug 2018
Jan 2014 40000 mi	The starter motor solenoid is starting to drag: sometimes it chatters after starting. Update: this problem later faded away.
Feb 2016 50900 mi US $800	Boots on both axles ripped near engine. This is a design flaw: heat gets them. Both axles were relaced
Aug 2018 77000 mi US $150	Purchased driver side sun visor and center console cover

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Feb 2014 - Sep 2016
Dec 2014 50000 mi US $30	Heat shield rattle fixed by tightening
Mar 2016 62000 mi US $250	Replaced battery (5 years old)
Aug 2016 67000 mi US $330	axle boot cracked, replaced
Sep 2016 67000 mi	other axle boot may be in danger of cracking - not sure.

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Sep 2012 - Apr 2017
Nov 2015 41000 mi US $840	Rear Windshield Wiper system. Replace harness, motor and arm/blade. Secured Loose heat Shields. Typical Subaru exhaust noise. Replace overhead console b/c intermittent open circuit in the overhead console--this was making the airbag light illuminate.

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Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States Mar 2015 - Apr 2015
Apr 2015 118000 mi US $3500	Overheating. No leaks or issues with radiator. Head gasket replaced. Also has been burning excessive amounts of oil for a car.

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2009 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

2009 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

2009 Subaru Outback 4-door

2009 Subaru Outback Repair Histories