2009 Subaru Outback engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 18 complaints for the 2009 Subaru Outback, 13% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 18 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 105,000 miles 17 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 6 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 17 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 105,000 miles, and 24% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 fire, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle had failed to accelerate above 60 MPH without warning. The contact soon began to notice heavy white smoke in her rear-view mirror as the smoke quickly spread to the front end of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over, grabbed vital items, and exited the vehicle. The contact called 911 as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, and a deputy who witnessed the fire pulled over to assist the contact.
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!).
Other problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Outback
- Air bags 30 complaints
- Electrical system 23 complaints