The 2006 Subaru Outback has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Throttle pedal position sensor failure (P2138 limp mode).” 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.
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.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Subaru Outback.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
95 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2022-04
“IN THE 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.0 THE THROTTLE IS CONTROLLED ELECTRONICALLY. THIS FAILED ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE GAS PEDDLE STOPPED RESPONDING”
“The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine and cruise control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel”
SERVICE BRAKES
11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2025-06
“I was driving home when my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Next, I realized I could not stop the vehicle. I was able to pull over and stop. A puddle was pooling under my vehicle by the rear passenger tire. I received no lights or illumination or warning”
“Was driving approximately 35mph missed my turn went to hit brakes and brakes pedal went straight to the floor.started pumping the brakes to stop the car and had to use emergency brake to stop completely”
“BOUGHT CAR FROM PRIVATE OWNER IN OCTOBER 2018. IMMEDIATELY AFTER SALE HAD THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP REPLACE REAR BRAKES IN OCTOBER 2018 AND COMPLETELY INSPECT CAR FOR ANY NEEDED REPAIRS”
ENGINE
6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2017-03
“BOTH HEAD GASKETS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 78,063 MILES. *TR”
“SUBARU HEAD GASKET HAS FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS JUST ABOUT ALL SUBARU MODELS WITH 2.5 ENGINE. IF YOU CONTACT VARIOUS SUBARU OWNERS YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS HEAD GASKET FAILURE IS HIGH AT AN ABNORMAL RATE”
“IN THE SUMMER OF 2011 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 75MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN TEMP GAUGE MADE A BIG JUMP INTO THE RED ZONE AND THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD UPSETTING SOUNDS”
SUSPENSION
5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2022-02
“The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN SNOW COVERED, SLUSH COVERED ROADS CONDITIONS VARIED DURING DAY. THE VEHICLE KEPT FEELING LIKE IT WAS WASHING OUT SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD 5 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE AND THEY ALL COULD FEEL IT AND IT SCARED THEM”
“THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING MY CONCERN; ANY SUDDEN TWITCH OF THE STEERING WHEEL, SUCH AS TRYING TO AVOID A POTHOLE, OR HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO OSCILLATE WILDLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITH FEAR OF LOOSING CONTROL AND ROLLING OVER”
AIR BAGS
20 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2017-12
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
“TAKATA RECALL WE HAVE BEEN ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG SINCE SEPTEMBER 20, 2016. THE DEALER TELLS US WE ARE STILL NUMBER 45 ON THE LIST AND WILL NOT PREDICT WHEN THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SERVICE THE CAR”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
AIR BAGS
7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2018-08
“AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER ENGINE START. RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD LOCATED IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE FAIL OVER TIME (THE SAME BOARD THAT CONTAINS THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG STATUS)”
“HI, I'M WRITING YOU TO TO INFORM YOU OF A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE 05-09 SUBARU OUTBACK AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NOTIFICATION BOARD, LOCATED IN THE DOME LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS ASSEMBLED WITH POOR QUALITY SOLDERS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND DIODES”
“THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND SOMETIMES YOU WILL BE DRIVING ALONG AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WILL JOLT ONCE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL START BLINKING AND WILL NOT BE OPERABLE”
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.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
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.
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.
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.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
50 crashes 1990–2024
How the 50 occupant deaths break down
42
driver deaths
8
passenger deaths
50
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.
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.
7
complaints mentioning a crash
3
complaints mentioning a fire
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 Outback 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.