2009 Subaru Outback electrical system problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2009 Subaru Outback — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The rear hatch on this Outback won't lock. As a woman on her own, my safety is at risk. I have read of other people who have this issue and has been able to fix this on their own. This is a safety issue if your vehicle won't lock completely because the wires in the hatch are compromised.”
filed Mar 27, 2024
“The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after being parked. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery was charged to start the vehicle. The contact was informed by a tow truck…”
filed Apr 21, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switchCampaign 19V297000 · Apr 11, 2019
- Relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to…Campaign 16V738000 · Oct 13, 2016
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
10-105-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 26, 2026This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
15-219-18R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 16, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 9 | 13% |
| 2024 Outback | 16 | 17% |
| 2023 Outback | 17 | 20% |
| 2022 Outback | 49 | 11% |
| 2021 Outback | 73 | 25% |
| 2020 Outback | 257 | 29% |
| 2019 Outback | 362 | 35% |
| 2018 Outback | 265 | 33% |
| 2017 Outback | 391 | 43% |
| 2016 Outback | 308 | 48% |
| 2015 Outback | 126 | 25% |
| 2014 Outback | 32 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2009 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.