2006 Subaru Forester
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Forester › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Subaru Forester. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2006 Subaru Forester. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
88 complaints12 involved a crash7 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering · Suspension
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.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact then took the vehicle a dealer where he was informed that the recall was serviced. Less than two…
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact then took the vehicle a dealer where he was informed that the recall was serviced. Less than two months later, the contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake as he began to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the highway shoulder. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact discovered that no work was performed on the vehicle. The contact purchased the parts and replaced the control arm himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
- Power train · Steering · Suspension
Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.
- Air bags
It just the airbags light turn on
- Steering · Suspension
I was made a turn at roughly 15mph and the front passenger side control arm sheared in half causing me to lose control of the vehicle and then abruptly come to an immediate stop. My family was in the car and at a higher speed this could have been fatal. Had there been any vehicles behind me that…
I was made a turn at roughly 15mph and the front passenger side control arm sheared in half causing me to lose control of the vehicle and then abruptly come to an immediate stop. My family was in the car and at a higher speed this could have been fatal. Had there been any vehicles behind me that could have caused an accident with unknown results. Had this been moments early I would have been in a head on collision. This is a known issue for this year, make, and model that was not properly resolved in the past by the manufacturer. The part should not fail in that manner. There were no warnings. The failure was inspected by the tow truck driver.
- Engine · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Vehicle speed control
Five years ago my "check engine" light came on and the cruise control light came on and it would not work. I took it to Suberu in Fort Worth and they couldn't find the problem bu tsaid my gas cap was not sealing. God new one but didn't help. This year when I went to get it checked for regisration…
Five years ago my "check engine" light came on and the cruise control light came on and it would not work. I took it to Suberu in Fort Worth and they couldn't find the problem bu tsaid my gas cap was not sealing. God new one but didn't help. This year when I went to get it checked for regisration they woudn't pass it. Took it to mechanic who installeda new Evaprotive Vapor Canister for $920. That didn't work but wouldn't try again. Later another mecanic said the problem was "Not enough driving". (less that 100 miles a month. I have been driving the car with the check engine on an no cruise control for 6-7 years with no trouble, so it is a fault of the car's systems. I can't get it registered because of this problem. I can disconnedt the negative battery post briefly and the light goes off for a day or two. So what can you do for me? I love the car but hate the problem. I am 90, but that's not the problem.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50
- Wheels
I was traveling down a steep two lane road (California route 32) on my way to Chico, CA when my rear drivers side wheel came off. With some difficulty, I was able to pull the car off to the left side of the road (steep embankment on the right side, 50-60 foot ravine on the left side). I had my car…
I was traveling down a steep two lane road (California route 32) on my way to Chico, CA when my rear drivers side wheel came off. With some difficulty, I was able to pull the car off to the left side of the road (steep embankment on the right side, 50-60 foot ravine on the left side). I had my car safety inspected before I left on this trip at the Missoula, MT Subaru dealer and I suspect that they did not properly tighten the wheel and my spare tire was flat even though that was also supposed to be checked in the safety inspection. The body around the wheel well was slightly damaged, my muffler under the car broke and Chico Subaru refuses to fix any of it. I also contacted Subaru America and am waiting to hear back from them
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
Rcn 07v043000
- Suspension
While driving my car the passenger control arm failed, snapping in half and I lost control of my vehicle. Upon lookin under my car I could see the snapped control arm, which was completely rusted out. I also observe the driver side control arm IS also very rusty. Both control arms are the only…
While driving my car the passenger control arm failed, snapping in half and I lost control of my vehicle. Upon lookin under my car I could see the snapped control arm, which was completely rusted out. I also observe the driver side control arm IS also very rusty. Both control arms are the only isolated rusted parts under my car, the rest of my car does not have any rust. It was alarming to me that both control arms are the only completely rusted parts under my car, so I called the dealership I purchased the care from to inquire about recalled parts. They informed me that the control arm had been recalled, and my car had been "serviced" for this recall in 2012 through rust-proof spaying. The control arms were not replaced at the time of service for the recall. Upon calling subaru of american to have these recalled parts replaced now because they failed in a known location. I was alarmed that rust-proof spray was used to treat a recalled part that has been identified to rust at accelerated rates and the parts were not automatically replaced. The rust proof spray seems like a temporary fix that will eventually where away and then the part will fail in the future (which IS what happened to me while driving). Subaru refused to replace the recalled control arms in my car because the parts has been sprayed in 2012.the attempt at servicing the recall did not work, and these parts have still rusted at an accelerated rate, ultimately failing. The control arms are the only rusted parts of my car, and the passenger arm failed causing me to lose control of my car.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns 2016 subaru forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to brattleboro subaru (1234 putney rd, brattleboro, vt 05301) to be serviced for an unknown manufacturer recall. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the vehicle was started and…
TL* the contact owns 2016 subaru forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to brattleboro subaru (1234 putney rd, brattleboro, vt 05301) to be serviced for an unknown manufacturer recall. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the vehicle was started and the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was not taken back to dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to fix the vehicle free of charge. The failure mileage was 51,000. The vin was invalid.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact stated that the lower control arm was rusted again. The contact called thomas subaru at 814-623-813 (located at 4003 business 220, bedford, pa 15522) and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact stated that the lower control arm was rusted again. The contact called thomas subaru at 814-623-813 (located at 4003 business 220, bedford, pa 15522) and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension); therefore, the repair would need to be done at the contact's expense. The contact was unsure if the manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When starting the vehicle in cold whether, the cabin fills up with the smell of gas. after doing some research and talking to a mechanic, it IS clear that IS a common problem with these cars. I also see that many more of these complaints have been made, but not openned as an investifgation. the…
When starting the vehicle in cold whether, the cabin fills up with the smell of gas. after doing some research and talking to a mechanic, it IS clear that IS a common problem with these cars. I also see that many more of these complaints have been made, but not openned as an investifgation. the gas lines (some say gaskets too) shrink in cold whether and fumes or gas leak. when the engine warms up, the rubber compounds expand and the smell this goes away. this can take 10-15 minutes. it seams like most people just live with this beacsue it goes away at warm up, but I have a pregenant wife and think it IS ridiculous to have to put up with gas fumes in the cabin at all, not to mention there IS no telling if some of those fumes are actually gas leaking near the cylinder. This could become very dangerous. please open an investigation into this issue for the health and safety of drivers and passengers everywhere.
- Tires · Wheels
Two flat tires on brand new cooper evolution tour 215-60r16 (@100 miles), both on the front. One flat noticed after the vehicle had been driven but sat for a few hours (no visible deflation upon exiting); this tire had no visible punctures, though there appeared to be a bit of tear between the…
Two flat tires on brand new cooper evolution tour 215-60r16 (@100 miles), both on the front. One flat noticed after the vehicle had been driven but sat for a few hours (no visible deflation upon exiting); this tire had no visible punctures, though there appeared to be a bit of tear between the treads (see photo). After driving home on a spare, all remaining tires seemed ok. The next morning the other front tire was visibly deflated and had a sizable bulge.
- Vehicle speed control
Car accelerated when my foot was not on the gas pedal. I needed to step hard on the brake to control the car. I put gear into neutral, and reviving engine sound did not stop. I removed original rubber floor mat, and problem stopped. dangerous! 2 kids in the car with me. today IS 88 f today.
- Steering
Every time I reach speed of 80mph in the freeway my steering wheel IS vibrating out of control
- Engine
Sitting in the car, engine running; had pulled over for a couple minutes to let passenger out. noticed smoke started to seep out from engine. checked temp gauge and saw it was cool. turned off engine and moved away from the car immediately. after a minute or two, saw flames coming out from…
Sitting in the car, engine running; had pulled over for a couple minutes to let passenger out. noticed smoke started to seep out from engine. checked temp gauge and saw it was cool. turned off engine and moved away from the car immediately. after a minute or two, saw flames coming out from engine compartment. called the fire department, they arrived within a few minutes and extinguished the engine fire. engine, front tires, everything in engine area completely destroyed by the fire. prior to this, no problems, no engine light lit, no unusual sounds or handling or smells, nothing to indicate anything was wrong.
- Steering · Suspension
While the vehicle was in motion on a highway, I drove over a pothole on the passenger side and my lower control arm broke due to a known problem with corrosion in this model year. There was a noticeable problem with wheel alignment which was able to be felt in the steering wheel. Subaru recall…
While the vehicle was in motion on a highway, I drove over a pothole on the passenger side and my lower control arm broke due to a known problem with corrosion in this model year. There was a noticeable problem with wheel alignment which was able to be felt in the steering wheel. Subaru recall wvx-34 was supposed to fix this safety issue. The 'repair' was completed on my vehicle in january of 2012. As you can see from the photos, the rust proofing did not help.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
2006 subaru forester. Consumer writes stating that running headlights being a requirement on vehicles. *Ld *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
TL* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop to purchase a set of new tires. The contact was informed by the technician that there was no point of replacing the tires because both frontal control arms were severely rusted and the vehicle should not be…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop to purchase a set of new tires. The contact was informed by the technician that there was no point of replacing the tires because both frontal control arms were severely rusted and the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was too old to be included in a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
- Steering
Control arm IS rusted completely through. I need to fully replace the entire arm. It's urgent, as the entire wheel and mechanism could fall off at any time.
- Air bags
I had a head on collision and no airbags deployed. The crash was at approximately 30 miles an hour. I was hit in the front. The crash was on a main roadway in long island ny.
- Unknown or other
Went to dealership (heritage, subaru in catonsville, md) to get lever control arm on 2006 subaru forester replaced. Was told by the dealership service manager verbally after car in shop for a week that due to rust, threading if replaced and additional damage occur it would cost me up to 9K for…
Went to dealership (heritage, subaru in catonsville, md) to get lever control arm on 2006 subaru forester replaced. Was told by the dealership service manager verbally after car in shop for a week that due to rust, threading if replaced and additional damage occur it would cost me up to 9K for additional damages. Offer made, requested it in writing, told I need to discuss with my attorney. I just purchased the car 5/31/2018 and was doing my due diligence in getting the recalls up to date. I would take a substantial loss if I was to sell the car to the dealership. Looking to have the repairs made at no additional cost to me.
- Engine
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 traumatic event for occupants of vehicle and one had to take anti-anxiety medication. updated 10/23/2017*js
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Upon start up in cold weather there IS a very strong smell of fuel inside the cabin of the car. It made myself and my daughter feel very ill. Had to exit my 2006 subaru forester xt. Inspected engine under the hood to find leaking fuel lines. Googled the problem to discover it IS reacurrent with…
Upon start up in cold weather there IS a very strong smell of fuel inside the cabin of the car. It made myself and my daughter feel very ill. Had to exit my 2006 subaru forester xt. Inspected engine under the hood to find leaking fuel lines. Googled the problem to discover it IS reacurrent with this make/model/year as evident by similar complaints in subaru forums, google search, and fb pages. This IS a danger to health and safety and should be recalled. Vehicle IS under 100,000 miles. Leaking fuel drips directly onto the engine cylinder and close proximity to the turbocharger on the passenger side. There IS significant risk of engine fire! Health and safety risk also from the fuel fumes in the engine cabin. Subaru dealership quoted $1,300. To fix.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X…
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10244915SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10235830Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
- 10234829Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10234828This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10234260Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 102342585MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10222354The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
Every Subaru Forester model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.