2006 Subaru Outback
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
- 277
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 277 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 277 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 918 |
| 2018 | 813 |
| 2019 | 1,034 |
| 2020 | 899 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 103 |
| 2025 | 81 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
36% · 99 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
2006 Subaru Outback. Consumer writes in regards to an accident that was cause by vehicle sudden acceleration .
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-15
2006 Subaru Outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-11
Engine
16% · 43 reportsShow complaint excerpts
About 4 weeks ago, on late Saturday morning, driving down the interstate, from richmond, va my car caught on fire in hampton. The car jolted a little and would not accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-09
Electrical system
15% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
On street, from park with engine idling, car in drive, accelerator pedal dead at first, then high RPM 3000+ with pedal released. No control of engine RPM. Cel and cc illuminated on instrument panel. Put transmission in neutral.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-10
Air bags
14% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Was involved in a head on collision and my air bags did not deploy. I've read online after the accident others have experienced the same thing. I could of been killed if I was driving any faster.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-20
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback. She stated that her vehicle was rear-ended, which caused her to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The airbags did not deploy. The failure and current mileages were 26,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-08-10
Also filed under Seats
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-21
Suspension
13% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing rear and shock absorber.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2006Complaint volume 277 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-05-30Service brakes, hydraulic13V110000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is…
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2014-07-23Service brakes, hydraulic14V311000 Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.
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2015-06-17Air bags15V323000 Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015.
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2019-05-10Electrical system19V297000 Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
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2020-01-07Air bags20V002000 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.
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2020-01-07Air bags20V001000 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.
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2020-01-07Air bags20V003000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 99 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 42 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V110000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 15V323000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V002000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V001000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V003000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Subaru Outback is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Outback?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru Outback have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.