What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,800+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Subaru Legacy has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2009-2009 Subaru Legacy has 1 known issues documented across 3,800+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $1,600 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ25 Head Gasket Failure, typically costs $1,600-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2009 Subaru Legacy Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 Subaru Legacy Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 1 Known Issues

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Community Reported

3,800 owners

On the 2000-2009 Subaru Legacy EJ25, the 2.5L EJ25 engine in 2000-2009 Legacys suffers from the same head gasket failure that plagues all EJ25-equipped Subarus. The composite gaskets degrade, causing external oil and coolant leaks at the head-to-block mating surfaces. The Legacy's higher-mileage highway use means many owners encounter this between 80,000-150,000 miles. Phase 1 engines (2000-2005, single overhead cam) are more prone to coolant leaks, while Phase 2 engines (2006-2009, DOHC) tend to leak oil externally first.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Acura TL, Audi A4 allroad

Common Symptoms

External oil seepage at bottom of cylinder heads
Coolant level gradually decreasing
Oil and coolant mixing (milky residue on oil cap)
Overheating at highway speeds
Sweet smell from engine compartment
White exhaust smoke in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Use Six Star MLS gasket kit or Subaru OEM MLS (11044AA633 for SOHC, 11044AA770 for DOHC). Machine heads to 0.002-inch flatness. Replace timing belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump, thermostat, and valve cover gaskets while apart. Use Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (SOA635071). Total job is 10-14 hours labor.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,800+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeComplete timing belt kit with water pump for a comprehensive replacement (Gates Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump)
View on Amazon
UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$1,600 - $3,000

Research This Issue

3,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence3,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00200002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00100002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00300002/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #19V29700011/04/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V01400009/01/2018

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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2009 Subaru Legacy Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

2000-2009 Subaru Legacy: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

What is the 2000-2009 Subaru Legacy EJ25 Head Gasket Failure?