2009 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles.
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.
“Catastrophic engine failure. Apparently, a not uncommon problem (engine bearing). Vehicle under both factory and extended warranty. Subaru north america is trying to avoid fixing under warranty (again, it seems a not uncommon problem). Subaru claims oil leaked out, but oil pressure light never came on. Subaru is not dealing on the up and up.”
NHTSA complaint #10455419, filed 2012-04, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback 2.5. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the engine stalled after the accelerator pedal was depressed.the vehicle later restarted and the failure continued until it was taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 31,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10443148, filed 2012-01, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10173027Mar 3, 2020The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
- 10192930Jul 11, 2017Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 100,127 vehicles including certain 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback (turbo models only), 2008-2014 model year Impreza (turbo…
- 10131702Feb 6, 20172.5 Liter N/A engine only. REVISED. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. A modification to the Engine…
- 10131701Feb 6, 2017REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain severe…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10235911Oct 10, 2014Intercooler/Intake Air Duct
- 10233441Apr 17, 2014Intercooler/Intake Air Duct
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Outback
30 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 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 27, 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