2009 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 14%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Subaru Outback, 14% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The head gaskets on my vehicle have developed leaks at just over 80,000 miles. This is a frequent (and known) problem with the head gaskets on this vehicle. All Subaru-specific mechanics, many owners of this model and even Subaru dealership employees have expressed knowledge of high failure rates for this head gasket at approximately 80-100k mile intervals. This is way shorter life than should occur and results in a $2000 or greater cost of repair (in my case, $3200!). …”
NHTSA complaint #10981320, filed 2017-04, 80,100 miles“The car intermittently bucks/chugs while driving and then stalls. All the lights flash on. It is difficult to restart. It has happened on the highway and local streets. It also idles very rough when at stops or in park and shudders like it wants to stall - sometimes it does. This has been going on for 2 months now. The first time, I was stopped at a red light and it stalled creating a hazardous situation. My mechanic has attempted to fix it and then he has taken it to the local Subaru dealership where it has spent almost 2 months off & on while they fixed it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414502, filed 2021-04, 117,000 miles“2009 Subaru Outback head gasket seepage. This issue soa has been awhere of and said it can be normal over time. Yet I found that the gasket used at that time was substandard. A recall was never issued. I feel it should have notified customers, but did`nt. Perhaps it would have cost soa a ton of money. I believe they are dealing with this as customer complaints come in and told replacement of gasket is required at owners expense.I feel that soa should own up to this and pay all or a major cost of repair. I have to have my head gaskets replaced as told under inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10819593, filed 2016-01, 126,000 miles“Air bags have become disabled due to either the switch in the seat or in the overhead console. The engine also consumes an enormous amount of oil (has since new) about 2 quarts every oil change or 3000 miles sometimes more”
NHTSA complaint #10928352, filed 2016-11, 300 miles“Catalytic converter replaced once back in 2013. This week had to replace front and rear catalytic converter again due to problem with catalytic converter. Mileage at 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11080213, filed 2018-03, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 23 | 5% |
| 2021 | 21 | 7% |
| 2020 | 49 | 5% |
| 2019 | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 | 37 | 5% |
| 2017 | 44 | 5% |
| 2016 | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 | 67 | 23% |
| 2012 | 50 | 17% |
| 2011 | 85 | 13% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% |
| 2008 | 14 | 6% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Outback
30 complaintsElectrical system
23 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 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 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