CarRecallWatchThe 2006 Subaru Outback has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 277 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Vehicle Speed Control (99 reports).
2006 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in affected vehicles may be susceptible to moisture intrusion.
Most common 2006 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 277 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 99 |
| Engine | 43 |
| Electrical System | 42 |
| Air Bags | 40 |
| Suspension | 37 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 |
| Power Train | 18 |
| Service Brakes | 16 |
| Steering | 12 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 |
What owners report
In March of 2021 I received an AirBag Recall letter. I took in my vehicle, letter in hand, very clear that the recall was why I was there. 40 minutes later, I was given a letter that said I had come in for "an airbag warranty extension and wanted it checked" and that I "might need a map light." I DO still have that letter. I asked "So, the airbag is actually alright?" and the Service Manager, Roy Valdivia said "yes." Since then I have driven my daughter and countless others, including work related clients in that passenger seat, having no idea that that airbag was essentially a pipe bomb. A Recall Specialist came to my door last week, [XXX], and told me I NEEDED to get this airbag replace
I was driving home when my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Next, I realized I could not stop the vehicle. I was able to pull over and stop. A puddle was pooling under my vehicle by the rear passenger tire. I received no lights or illumination or warning.
My brake warning light came on as I was driving down a steep decline on a narrow road. When I found a safe place to pull over I found I had very little brakes. It was found that once a plastic shield was removed from the rear of the car that the plastic shield was full of mud and water and had corroded the brake lines causing the brake fluid to drain out of the system. It appears there was a recall for this but only in salt belt states. I have only owned the car for a year and it does not show any outstanding recalls.
Was driving approximately 35mph missed my turn went to hit brakes and brakes pedal went straight to the floor.started pumping the brakes to stop the car and had to use emergency brake to stop completely. After getting car home inspected rear brakes and both rear brakes lines are rust covered at connections.The passenger rear brake line had burst where 2 pieces of the line connect before going up and over gas tank.
All the brake lines rusted through where they were unprotected and inserted into body clips resulting in a complete loss of brake fluid and the inability to stop the vehicle.
2006 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2006 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2006 Subaru Outback: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags; Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Outback?
Based on 277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Vehicle Speed Control (99), Engine (43), Electrical System (42).
How do I check if a recall on my 2006 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.