VehicleVerdict

2006 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 121 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 155, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (22), speed control (20), and fuel system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

121

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2218%
Speed Control2017%
Fuel System1311%
Suspension1210%
Steering97%
Electrical System76%
Tires & Wheels76%
Body & Structure76%
Airbags65%
Transmission43%
Lighting43%
Seats22%
Other22%
Driver Assistance22%
Brakes22%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2006 Subaru Forester have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V464000SuspensionSeptember 6, 2011 · 318,215 units

Defect

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.

Consequence

A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

07V043000AirbagsFebruary 12, 2007 · 7,004 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY HAVE BEEN PINCHED DURING PRODUCTION. PINCHING OF THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE FLOOR CROSSMEMBER AND THE SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

THE PASSENGER'S FRONT AIR BAG COULD BECOME DISABLED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. ALSO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE WIRING HAD BEEN INCORRECTLY ROUTED UNDER THE SEAT BRACKET. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPAIR ANY DAMAGED WIRING, REROUTE AND SECURE THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE CORRECT LOCATION, AND RE-CALIBRATE THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON JULY 30, 2017, WHILE DRIVING ON A SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN FREEWAY (M-14), OUR 2006 SUBARU FORESTER'S ENGINE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING CAUGHT FIRE. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RESPONDED AND VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. EVEN OLDER VEHICLES SHOULD NOT SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE WITHOUT A REASON. THIS WAS A VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 30, 2017 · fire

“EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION TWICE. , ONCE WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY TO PASS AND THE GAS PEDAL APPEARED TO STICK., AND ONCE WHEN PULLING UP TO A CURBSIDE AS THE BRAKE WAS APPILED AND THE VECHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD COLLIDING INTO A PARKED CAR AND PUSHING IT FORWARD. I HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 23, 2007 · crash

“VEHICLE- 2006 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON COLD STARTS, THE ENGINE RACES UNCONTROLLABLY UP TO 3500 RPM AFTER THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE BRISKLY TO 15-20 MPH. THIS HAS OCCURED REPEATEDLY SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN LATE SEPTEMBER. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2005

“Front drivers side control arm broke at bracket point and lost control of vehicle steering. And car was damaged hitting a post. Vehicle per recall for control arm had already been “fixed” contacted Subaru if control arms were replaced under recall or the “rust proofing” applied. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 27, 2023 · crash

“Front drivers side control arm broke at bracket point and lost control of vehicle steering. And car was damaged hitting a post. Vehicle per recall for control arm had already been “fixed” contacted Subaru if control arms were replaced under recall or the “rust proofing” applied. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 27, 2023 · crash

2006 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2006 Subaru Forester reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forester: 121 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), speed control (20 complaints), fuel system (13 complaints).

Does the 2006 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Subaru Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.