2009 Subaru Legacy: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A capable AWD fourth-gen Legacy, but a heavy Takata airbag recall and the EJ25 head-gasket weakness define this year, which some reliability trackers rate the generation worst. Engaging and durable if maintained; verify the head gaskets. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Subaru Legacy ranged from $20,795 to $28,895 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A capable AWD fourth-gen Legacy, but a heavy Takata airbag recall and the EJ25 head-gasket weakness define this year, which some reliability trackers rate the generation worst. Engaging and durable if maintained; verify the head gaskets.
Sources (3)
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1686521/subaru-legacy-generations-ranked-reliability/
- tractionlife.comhttps://tractionlife.com/2023-subaru-legacy-review/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=legacy…
Known issues
-
Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
commonly reported · 82 NHTSA complaints · other
-
EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
occasional · 41 NHTSA complaints · typically 90k–160k miles · engine
-
Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports
occasional · 37 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
Electronic throttle and cruise-control hesitation or surging, concentrated on the 2005-2006 cars
occasional · 18 NHTSA complaints · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=legacy…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, uncommon in the midsize class
- Available turbocharged 2.5 GT and 3.0R flat-six deliver genuine performance
- Sharp, engaging handling for a family sedan
- Rugged, long-lived drivetrain when maintained
Cons
- Interior materials and road noise lag class leaders
- Turbo and flat-six engines want premium fuel and are thirsty
- EJ25 head-gasket leaks are a well-known weak point
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | $20,795 | $26,810 | — | — |
| Limited | $24,995 | $35,920 | — | — |
| 3.0R | $26,595 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5 GT | $28,895 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-subaru-legacy-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-legacy-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,795). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,895), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-legacy/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,400–2,500/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/legacy
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-legacy-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Subaru Legacy have?
Documented issue patterns include: Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports; Electronic throttle and cruise-control hesitation or surging, concentrated on the 2005-2006 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy reliable?
A capable AWD fourth-gen Legacy, but a heavy Takata airbag recall and the EJ25 head-gasket weakness define this year, which some reliability trackers rate the generation worst. Engaging and durable if maintained; verify the head gaskets.
How much did the 2009 Subaru Legacy cost new?
Between $20,795 and $28,895 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.