2009 Subaru Outback Sport problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:manual Transmission (2) · Tires (1) · Interior Lighting (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (105)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · SubaruNet Announcement (M · Other
this announcement provides information on a new software update for the midtronics dss and dca machines.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-18 · 13-109-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-15 · SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other
this announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-14 · 15-333-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Electrical System 2026-09-14 · 15-304-22R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of infotainment concerns. this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Electrical System 2026-08-20 · 15-308-23R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service information bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Showing the 6 most recent of 105 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2014-07-31 · Interior Lighting · 54,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru outback. the contact stated that the dome light was burned and the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 54,000. …”
2014-02-26 · Engine · 35,000 mi · 🔥 fire“ subaru outback sports 2009 model, with no prior history problem except that subaru recalled an electronic board and it was replaced by subaru dealer. just got off the highway, coming from the airport, smelled something burning like wood. opened the window to make sure it is not our car. smell was still there. pulled off the road. check engin…”
2014-01-25 · Exterior Lighting · 40,000 mi“this is the 4th headlamp we have replaced within 12 months. we have tried piaa's, silver star's...all have the same life span of approx. 3-4 months...this has become expensive, a safety hazard, and a nuisance. *tr …”
2013-11-14 · Tires · 92,603 mi“on november 13, 2013 i was driving on st rt 52 heading east in new richmond, ohio at a speed not less that 50 and not greater than 60 mph. at approximately 12:00 noon my driver-side rear tire completely separated from the tire wall--luckily this did not happen to any of the front tire otherwise i might have been killed. *tr…”
2010-09-06 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 6,000 mi“my 2009 subaru impreza outback sport. failure of bearings in 5-speed manual transmission 6 months after purchase of vehicle. made operation of vehicle dangerous, and requires entire rebuild of transmission, taking 3 weeks. *tr…”
2010-02-25 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 10,841 mi“a retaining ring in the center differential assembly failed, causing gear damage and requiring the replacement of the center differential assembly an all of the bearings in the transmission. this was covered by warranty repair but was a concerning failure at this low mileage. i have heard other reports of subaru owners having similar problems. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.