What is the most common problem with the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
The most frequently reported issue for the 2009 Subaru Legacy is excessive oil consumption and related oil-leak symptoms in the 2.5-liter EJ25 engine. This problem tends to show up as mileage increases and can lead to low oil levels or visible exhaust smoke if not monitored.
Beyond oil consumption, owners and service records occasionally note issues with head gaskets on aging EJ-series engines and, in higher-mileage cars with automatic transmissions, intermittent transmission concerns. These problems are acknowledged in reliability discussions, but oil-related issues remain the most consistently reported across a broad range of 2009 Legacy trims, including the base 2.5i and higher-mileage examples.
What tends to fail in the 2009 Legacy
Reliability data and owner reports point to a few recurring trouble areas. The following section highlights the problems seen most often, while noting that not every vehicle will experience them and proper maintenance can mitigate risk.
Common problems reported by owners
Before listing the issues, this paragraph explains what the following items represent. The items below are drawn from owner surveys, service bulletins, and recall data that frequently surface for the 2009 Legacy across different trims.
- Excessive oil consumption and related leaks on the 2.5-liter EJ25 engine, particularly in higher-mileage examples. Symptoms include faster-than-expected oil usage between changes, visible leaks, or blue-tinted exhaust smoke. Remedies range from gasket/seal replacement to, in rare cases, engine work; regular oil monitoring is advised.
- Head gasket concerns on older EJ-series engines. While less common in late-model 2.5 engines than in earlier generations, overheating or prior coolant losses can accelerate gasket wear and lead to leaks or mixing of oil and coolant in some cases.
- Automatic transmission and drivetrain issues in higher-mileage cars. Reported problems include rough or delayed shifts and occasional slipping, particularly with the older 4-speed automatic. Regular transmission fluid changes using manufacturer-recommended fluid can help, but some vehicles may require more extensive service as mileage climbs.
Conclusion: Oil consumption is the most consistently reported problem for the 2009 Legacy, with head gasket concerns and occasional transmission-related issues appearing mainly as mileage adds up. Regular maintenance and early diagnosis can mitigate these risks.
Engine variants and how issues differ
2.5i versus turbo and V6 models
Within the 2009 Legacy lineup, the 2.5i (the most common trim) uses the EJ25 engine, which accounts for the bulk of the oil-consumption discussions. Higher-performance variants like the turbocharged 2.5GT and the 3.0R V6 have their own common concerns, such as turbo system fatigue or valve/bolt wear, but the oil‑consumption issue is notably the most discussed problem across trims due to the prevalence of the 2.5L engine in production that year.
In short, prospective buyers and owners should weigh the likelihood of oil-consumption symptoms most strongly if the vehicle has higher mileage, while also keeping an eye on gasket integrity and transmission health as part of routine maintenance.
Buying tips for a used 2009 Legacy
Before buying a used 2009 Subaru Legacy, use this checklist to assess the likelihood of the common problems discussed above and to gauge overall condition.
- Review service records for oil-consumption repairs or gasket-related work. Look for repeated top-ups between changes and any noted oil leaks around the engine bay.
- Inspect for oil leaks and signs of gasket wear. Check around the valve covers, PCV system, timing area, and oil pan for fresh or historical leaks; look for coolant/oil milky residue on the dipstick or nearby surfaces.
- Check the transmission's behavior during a test drive. Note how the automatic shifts (if equipped) feel—any slipping, shuddering, or delayed engagement can indicate wear; verify fluid color and level, and listen for unusual noises from the drivetrain.
- Assess cooling system health and combustion indicators. Overheating can accelerate head-gasket wear; verify radiator hoses, coolant level, and look for diagnostic trouble codes related to engine performance.
- Perform a compression test on the 2.5L engine if possible. Uneven compression can signal worn rings or head-gasket concerns, especially in higher-mileage examples.
- Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle for oil leaks and long-term maintenance needs. A thorough inspection can uncover issues not evident in a test drive or service history.
Conclusion: A careful pre-purchase inspection focused on oil management, gasket integrity, and transmission condition provides the best snapshot of a 2009 Legacy’s health and can help buyers avoid surprise repairs later.
Summary
For the 2009 Subaru Legacy, the most commonly reported problem is excessive oil consumption tied to the 2.5-liter EJ25 engine, often accompanied by related leaks and, less frequently, head-gasket wear. Transmission issues can appear in higher-mileage cars but are not as universal. When evaluating a used Legacy, prioritize oil-system health, gasket integrity, and transmission condition, and review detailed service history to understand how these issues have been addressed over time.
