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    Subaru Forester

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2006 Forester is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2006 Subaru Forester has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2006 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    ""Every 150 - 200 miles check engine light engages. EVOV systems,replaced fuel cap twice as advised. Check Engine light reoccured. Replaced corroded evaporation canister. Ran vac hose smoke test. Replaced EGR valve. Check engine light reoccurs at same frequency. Called Subaru of America and opened a Service Case, rec'd email from Customer Service Representative who referenced infotainments system, not the EGR, told me the car is out of warranty, has no outstanding recalls, and suggested I take it to a dealership. I requested assistance in locating and scheduling an appointment and they agreed; however, that did not happen. I want to be able to feel safe driving a distance in excess of 150 miles. The 2006 Forrestor will definitely be our last Subaru""

    Anonymous, VA (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Issue started about 2 years ago with occasional Check-Engine-Light coming on. There was no clear frequency though. A few months ago a repair shop determined the MAP sensor failed and replaced the sensor. So far no issues."

    Anonymous, NV (2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "They were examined as part of the on going problems with our EVOC system"

    Anonymous, VA (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "O2 sensor not work after rebuild"

    Anonymous, RI (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "loose belt caused overheating"

    Anonymous, RI (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Head gasket

    "It got diagnosed for a need of a new head gasket. We just never had the chance to get it replaced. I want it replaced don't get me wrong."

    Anonymous, MI (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure Unsure)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Just worn from old age. I've been meaning to get a replacement for a couple of years."

    Anonymous, MI (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure Unsure)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Alternator failure created a need for tow to the dealer and replacement of the alternator and battery. The parts were ordered, so we used a loaner vehicle for 5 days."

    Anonymous, VA (2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Engine light on"

    Anonymous, VA (2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Car no longer works. Left alone too long."

    Anonymous A., OR (2006 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    ""A/C functions for brief periods, shuts down, then after a while will restart. Wear in the mechanism that operates compressor expected cause.""

    Anonymous, MA (2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    "Transmission "bucks" especially when cold. Also noticing some "rumbling" when in use."

    Anonymous, MA (2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Steering box was leaking and had to be replaced. Problem was detected during normal servicing."

    Anonymous, BC (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Some kind of sensor in the oil system was bad and the Check Engine light came on. Prior to this the engine oil was completely drained only six months after the previous oil change. Oil warning light only came on very shortly after noticing that the dipstick came out completely dry."

    Anonymous, AL (2006 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2006 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SUSPENSION
    Sep 06, 2011
    A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    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 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
    What should you do:
    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 WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
    For more information:
    THIS IS SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V464000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 318215
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 12, 2007
    THE PASSENGER'S FRONT AIR BAG COULD BECOME DISABLED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. ALSO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
    Summary:
    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 CROSSMEMBER AND THE SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT.
    What should you do:
    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 LOCATION, AND RE-CALIBRATE THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
    For more information:
    SUBARU RECALL NO. WVC-13. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V043000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7004
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