2006 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2006 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 88 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2006 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2006 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2006 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Subaru Forester has 88 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 88
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2006 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2006 Subaru Forester?
The 2006 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2006 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for known issues, such as excessive oil consumption or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like suspension and steering.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for known issues, such as excessive oil consumption or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like suspension and steering.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2006 Subaru Forester has 88 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to engine problems and unintended acceleration. Suspension failures and steering defects are also notable. Two recalls were issued for this model year.
- Engine problems account for 22 complaints, the most of any component.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 20 complaints.
- Suspension failures appear in 12 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
- Suspension Failures
All 2006 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 22 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 6 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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 servic…
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.
It just the airbags light turn on
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 vehicle…
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 checke…
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
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 …
RCN 07V043000
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 ARM…
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 VEHIC…
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 CAMPA…
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 IN…
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 TE…
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. …
EVERY TIME I REACH SPEED OF 80MPH IN THE FREEWAY MY STEERING WHEEL IS VIBRATING OUT OF CONTROL
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 C…
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.…
2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES STATING THAT RUNNING HEADLIGHTS BEING A REQUIREMENT ON VEHICLES. *LD *TR
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.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Subaru Forester.
2006 Subaru Forester Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Subaru Forester. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2006 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 88 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Engine Problems (22 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (20 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 88 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2006 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.