2006 Subaru Impreza
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 46 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 292 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 176 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2012 | 243 |
| 2013 | 249 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 150 |
| 2019 | 193 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HIT A BEAR AT 55MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. THE BEAR LEAPED OFF THE BANK IN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CRASH THAT RESULTED IN THE BEAR BEING KILLED INSTANTLY, ABOUT 600 LBS. OF BEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070724
Also filed under STRUCTURE
I WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD BY A CAR THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME FROM MY RIGHT AND STOPPED IN MY LANE. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE CAR AND CORRECTED TO THE RIGHT, AT THIS TIME THERE WAS NO MORE ROAD TO DRIVE ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070103
My vehicle contains faulty airbags that can launch shrapnel at the passenger if it goes off, this is a common recall for many vehicles. This airbag system can put everyone in the car at risk if it ever triggers.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250627
13% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING, THE TRANSMISSION BEARING EXHIBITED AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE TRANSMISSION BEARING FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120913
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
CODE P1410 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM SWITCHING VALVE STUCK OPEN. THIS IS A COMMON ERROR MANY 2006 AND UP SUBARU IMPREZA WRX OWNERS ARE HAVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131223
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving home, and my foot fell to the floor when I hit the brakes. Thankfully, I was coasting to the front of my house, so I was able to stop using the hand brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250422
9% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL I PURCHASED THIS CAR SIX MONTHS AGO FROM A SMALL DEALEERSHIP IN VACAVILLE, CA. I PAID HALF THE PRICE FOR THE CAR IN CASH THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AFTER THEY ASSURED ME THAT IT CLEARED THE STATE INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180310
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 LO
Campaign 07V043000 — check if this car was fixed
Front suspension control arm failure
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 ORIGI
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 W
Campaign 11V464000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500.
Campaign 16V358000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500.
Campaign 16V359000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Campaign 17V026000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Campaign 17V014000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017.
Campaign 17V016000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.
Campaign 20V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V003000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V043000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V464000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V358000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V359000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V014000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V016000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V002000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V003000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Subaru Impreza is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Impreza?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru Impreza have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.