2009 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Subaru Outback, 8% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Contacted dealer (mike shaw Subaru, northglenn, co) per the NHTSA recall 14v-311 -- recall states inspect and repair. Insisted on inspection only and replacement in the event of visible corrosion only. Did not offer the application of anti-corrosive material in the event that lines are deemed acceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #10626747, filed 2014-08, 25,345 miles“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 have not been able to drive the car because of the stalling issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11501460, filed 2023-01“While coming down a hill, I applied the brakes, and suddenly lost all brake pedal pressure, only being able to stop using a handbrake. This complete loss of the braking system put me and other drivers at risk. Had I been traveling at higher speeds, an accident could have occurred. The brake system warning light came on at the same time as I pumped the brake pedal, and there were no prior indications that the brake system was about to fail. …”
NHTSA complaint #11425995, filed 2021-07“Passenger Side - rear brake line failed. Upon inspection the brake line rotted out at 4 way junction box - just in front of the rear tire- passenger side. Had to remove the plastic shield to get to the problem. I was driving at the time when it failed. Pretty scary as the car almost did not stop. I lost about half of the brake fluid. I know Subaru of America had a recall and this car was inspected years ago. Their fix was to spray a wax coating on the lines. They should have replaced the brake lines on all the cars subject to the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11539095, filed 2023-08“The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely soft. The contact stated that the vehicle required an extended distance to slow down or come to a complete stop, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the braking system due to brake fluid leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11697677, filed 2025-11, 188,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V311000Jun 10, 2014Subaru 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…Covers: Subaru Outback 2005–2009, WRX 2008–2014, WRX STI 2008–2014 +3 more
- 13V110000Mar 27, 2013Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly…Covers: Subaru Outback 2005–2009, Legacy 2005–2009
Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
- 10233105Dec 23, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10233104Dec 22, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10234896Jul 1, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10232540Jul 1, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10068331Jul 1, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10234895Jun 10, 2014Subaru Recall Campaign WQK47: Brake Line Corrosion
- 10234827Jun 10, 2014New Subaru Recall Campaign: Brake Line Corrosion WQK?47
- 10084243Jun 10, 2014New subaru recall campaign: brake line corrosion wqk]47
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 7 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 31 | 10% |
| 2012 | 40 | 14% |
| 2011 | 78 | 12% |
| 2010 | 40 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 31 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 31 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 22% |
| 2001 | 30 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Outback
30 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology