"TAKATA RECALL" 9/7/2016 VOICE MAIL SVC.MGR @ LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP ([XXX]), NO REPLY 9/12/2016 CALLED SVC REP TOOK VIN, WILL HAVE SVC ADV CALL ME. 9/13/2016 SVC. ADV. [XXX] CALLED ME - BACK ORDERED AIRBAG, WILL CALL ME BACK. 10/28/2016 CALLED [XXX] DEALERSHIP FOR STATUS, THEY NEVER RETURNED MY CALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(…
2009 Subaru Outback airbags problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS HAVE BECOME DISABLED DUE TO EITHER THE SWITCH IN THE SEAT OR IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. THE ENGINE ALSO CONSUMES AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF OIL (HAS SINCE NEW) ABOUT 2 QUARTS EVERY OIL CHANGE OR 3000 MILES SOMETIMES MORE
WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. IF CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IT GENERALLY STAYS OFF. RESEARCH STATES THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THIS LIGHT IS ON WHEN AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO PART NEEDING TO BE SOLDERED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY CARS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED FROM BEING DRIVEN, THE ENGINE REMAINED ABNORMALLY HOT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN RESTARTED AFTER BEING DRIVEN AND PROGRESSED DURING HUMID WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILUR…
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2009 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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