2006 Subaru Forester
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 88
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2006
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 88 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 414 |
| 2017 | 593 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 833 |
| 2020 | 604 |
| 2021 | 213 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 99 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
23% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
As I was waiting to pull into a small parking lot, an auto was pulling out. I had my foot on the brake waiting for him to exit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-27
Experienced sudden unintended acceleration twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-24
I was driving slowly down the street, made a left turn into a parking lot. Perhaps I turned a little too sharply. There was a sudden surge and acceleration and the brakes were unresponsive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-08
Also filed under Service brakes, air
Suspension
14% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing control arm.
Show complaint excerpts
Front drivers side control arm broke at bracket point and lost control of vehicle steering. And car was damaged hitting a post.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-27
Also filed under Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-24
Engine
13% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-17
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Steering
10% · 9 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2007-03-09Air bags07V043000 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…
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…
-
I
2011-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-09-23 Front suspension control arm failure
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R
2011-12-31Suspension11V464000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V043000 · Air bags
- Recall 11V464000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru Forester have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.