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2006 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Subaru Legacy has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Throttle position sensor failure (P2138).” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Subaru Legacy.

Reported to NHTSA

Throttle position sensor failure (P2138)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

39 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2020-01

“WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ALL OF A SUDDEN THE GAS PEDAL STOPS WORKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATES BUT THE PEDAL HAS NO EFFECT ON THE ENGINE THE CAR SLOWS VERY QUICKLY AND COMES CLOSE TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065952
“THE VEHICLE STOPPED RESPONDING TO THROTTLE PEDAL INPUT, RESULTING IN HAVING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, ACROSS LANES OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. AFTER RESTARTING 3 TIMES THE LIGHTS GO AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10606646
“I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED RESPONDING. I WOULD PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO BE RUNNING NOMINALLY (IDLING, SINCE THE ACCELERATOR WASN'T WORKING)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508470

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Corroded rear brake line failure

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2021-10

“While driving down the highway I had to slam on my brakes to avoid colliding with someone and at that time the brake pedal went soft. Upon further inspection 2 different brake hard lines running to the rear of the vehicle have corroded and failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437196
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208263
“EVEN AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE BRAKE LINE RECALL, MONTHS LATER AFTER A SUBARU DEALERSHIP TESTED THEM, MY BREAKS STILL GAVE AWAY. IT WAS SAID THAT IT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND IT WAS BLOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11043112

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger and engine failure

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2008-06 → 2019-04

“ON JUNE 24, 2008 MY 06 SUBARU LEGACY LGT WAGON SUFFERED A SERIOUS ENGINE FAILURE. MY OIL PICKUP TUBE COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE PICKUP TUBES FOR THE SUBARU LEGACY & IMPREZA MODELS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10232580
“THE TURBOCHARGER IN MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT HAS NEEDED REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. EACH TIME THE CAR BECOMES UN-DRIVABLE AND HAS ALSO CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD THIS OCCUR IN JANUARY 2011, AUGUST 2012 AND NOW AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2012”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10481324
“THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WENT OUT WITH ONLY 67,000 MILEAGE ON THE ENGINE AND I HEAR THIS HAPPENING ON THIS STYLE AND YEAR OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10950113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall repair delay

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2020-02

“OUR CAR WAS RECALLED DUE TO A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN 2016, SO SEVERE THAT THE LETTER STATED THAT DEATH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. AFTER AN INITIAL APPOINTMENT, WE WERE TOLD WE HAD TO WAIT ABOUT A MONTH FOR THE REPLACEMENT TO BE DELIVERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306761
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO SCHEDULING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10990998
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896924

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2008-03 → 2017-08

“TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A MOOSE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10219934
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10546773
“PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS FAULTY RESULTING IN THE CAR NOT REALIZING WHEN A PERSON IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO GO OFF WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11020573

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Crankshaft position sensor stall

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2015-02

“THE ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THIS CAR IN TRAFFIC. THE RESULTING PROBLEM WAS A FAILED CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THIS FAILURE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE CAR WAS WITHOUT POWER TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10691055
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668867
“COMPLAINT PERTAINS TO A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY 4DR SEDAN. IN 2009, WE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES OF WHERE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHEN THE DRIVER STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. COULD NOT RE-START FOR A MINUTE OR TWO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10327291

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

34 crashes 1990–2024

How the 34 occupant deaths break down

27

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

34

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Subaru Legacy reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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