2009 Subaru Outback

The 2009 Subaru Outback is a popular wagon/SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and reliability. Engine options for the 2009 Outback included a 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L DOHC naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine producing 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L engine was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.0L engine was only available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Outback for its go-anywhere capability and comfortable ride, while some complaints center on its fuel economy, particularly with the larger engine, and some reported maintenance issues.

Engine

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank.
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping from the engine, oil smell, low oil level. Often occurs around valve cover gaskets, timing cover, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per leak location)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L DOHC Naturally Aspirated 6-Cylinder

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping from the engine, oil smell, low oil level. Often occurs around valve cover gaskets, timing cover, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per leak location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (paired with 2.5L engine)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, erratic shifting, slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.0L engine)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, erratic shifting, slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sitting lower than the front, especially when loaded. This is more prevalent in models with self-leveling rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace rear struts/shocks and springs. Replacement with standard components is also an option to eliminate self-leveling.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, vague steering.
  • Solution: Replace worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replace faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around the rear wheel wells.
  • Solution: Sanding down the rust and repainting, or replacing the rusted panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, often one or more windows stop working intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Replace power window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Subaru Outback, while generally a reliable vehicle, does have some common issues to be aware of. The most significant and costly is the potential for head gasket failure in the 2.5L engine. Other engine and transmission issues, such as oil leaks and slipping transmissions, can also be expensive to address. Suspension wear and tear, particularly in the rear, is another area to inspect. Electrical problems such as oxygen sensor failure can also occur. Rust can be a problem in certain regions. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others can quickly add up, making it essential to have a pre-purchase inspection performed.