SubaruLegacy20092.5L/subaru/legacy/2009/2-5l/

2009 Subaru Legacy — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Legacy 2.5L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.5L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic (S4)

The 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5L is a passenger car powered by a 2.5-liter engine and an automatic (S4) transmission, EPA-rated at 20/26/22 mpg and spec’d for 4.4 quarts of 5W-30 API oil. Within the model’s 1990–2025 complaint history, its 65 total owner complaints place it far below the 1995 peak of 216 yet well above the 2025 low of 6, marking a comparatively moderate year. That positioning signals a relatively settled chapter in the nameplate’s reliability record, even with 13 recalls on file and air bags standing out as the top reported concern.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820072004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque74-89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy20/26/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 490 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 490 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S4)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width68.1 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3252 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 58.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined20 / 26 / 22 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2009 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

5.3–6.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.30 sec — 2006 2.5GT spec.B
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20072.5GT spec.B 2.5L Turbo F-46.20 sec14.50 sec243 hpAWD
20062.5GT spec.B 2.5L Turbo F-45.30 sec14.00 sec250 hpAWD
20062.5GT spec.B 2.5L Turbo F-45.40 sec14.00 sec250 hpAWD
20052.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.30 sec14.10 sec250 hpAWD
20052.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.70 sec14.20 sec250 hpAWD
20052.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-46.40 sec14.90 sec250 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 74-89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-3-2-5-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10.4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.4 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts51-55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts74-89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-3-2-5-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 640, AT: 700, TURBO: 750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 110, AT and TURBO: 100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing Acceptable VarianceTurbo: 10, Non-Turbo: 8 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.81-.95 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176-183 °F
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Engine Compression152-203 psi. 14 variance psi.
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000
Intake Valve Lash0.0079-0.0080 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.010-0.0138 in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 27 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle39 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
OtherSTANDARD WHEELS
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 137,500 mi. The big-interval services (at 137,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 9,300 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake System (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Subaru Legacy represents a transitional point in its generation, with federal complaint data showing stability in volume (65 complaints, unchanged from 2008) but a notable spike in recalls—13, the highest since 2003 and a precursor to the even sharper recall surge in 20102011. Compared to the preceding years (2005–2008), which averaged 9 recalls annually, the 2009 model’s increase suggests emerging systemic issues, particularly in airbag systems (27 complaints, the dominant concern). The absence of federal investigations in 2009 contrasts with the two launched in 2005 and one in 2012, implying that while problems were reported, they hadn’t yet triggered formal scrutiny. Crash and fire complaints (3 and 1, respectively) remain low, but the airbag focus aligns with broader industry trends during this period. While the 2009 Legacy avoids the complaint spikes seen in 2005 or 2010–2011, its elevated recall count and airbag-related complaints warrant caution—this is a **marginal** year to buy, best suited for buyers who verify all recall repairs and prioritize a pre-purchase airbag system inspection.

13
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
193
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
65
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 65 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags27
Engine6
Service Brakes4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Structure3
Unknown Or Other2
Power Train2
Tires2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 13 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V002000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020…

20V001000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 193 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Legacy. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Legacy 2.5L take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Legacy have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg.