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2006 Subaru Outback Problems and Repair Histories

2006 Subaru Outback  Problems:

2006 Subaru Outback problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

See what people are saying about 2006 Subaru Outback problems

 

2006 Subaru Outbacks for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2006 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2006 Subaru Outback problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2006 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year Make/Model Trips/Year/100 Cars Compared to all models for the same year  
2006 Subaru Outback 61 Outbacks, 10.6 months of data per Outback, average 72700 miles

Suspension most common problem area.
92
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

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Non-members can see only ten 2006 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2011 59000   First odometer entry
Feb 2011 59000 0 Turbo replaced. Repair covered by the factory 6 mi./60k powertrain warranty. 

 

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2008 30000   First odometer entry
Oct 2008 32000 0 Steering brace and steering pump failed. 
Apr 2009 44000 420 Rear brakes replaced and rotors turned. Removal of Damaged Heat Screen. Dealer said probably deformed by engine heat. Awaiting part. 
May 2009 44000 137 Replace damaged heat shield with new part. 
Sep 2010 65000 360 SWAY BAR AND BUSHINGS REPLACED.  ONE HEADLIGHT REPLACED. 
Oct 2011 77300 550 Alternator died. Had battery sensor warning but it was misdiagnosed, so I just made it to a repair place. 
Mar 2012 82000 0 Rear brakes had 85-90% wear. Rotors turned and new brakes installed. Oil change and lube. Tires rotated. 
May 2012 84000 540 Battery low, replaced. Faulty alternator, replaced just a few months ago, proved to be actual problem. No parts warranty since the earlier repair was done while out of state. 
Jul 2012 86000 250 Third repair of a defective alternator shown by check engine and brake light indicators. Repair cost about $250, with the rest covered by defective part warranty. I believe this is a general part defect. 
Aug 2012 87000 360 The passenger side CV joint was broken. This required a new CV joint and axle replacement and alignment. 
Oct 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 61000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 62000 0 Subaru replaced the computer as there was a known issue (TSB). The computer was replaced at no cost to me.  
Jun 2011 67000 582 Brakes and CV joint boots 
Nov 2011 72000 200 Bad Panasonic stereo was causing battery drain and the battery kept dying. They replaced the entire stero unit and that has fixed the problem so far. 
Dec 2012 80000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 45000   First odometer entry
Apr 2012 56000 16 Rt front low beam headlight burned out. Easy to change in a few minutes. 
Mar 2013 61000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 58000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 69000 0 Intermittent loud squeal from rear while in motion. It takes some distance at highway speed to start so dealer has not yet observed the noise, but they're making a good effort to replicate it. 
Oct 2012 79700 300 Sway bar end links and rearmost bushings on front LCA worn out. Replaced end links & bushings. Bushing wear caused some cupping of tires but not enough to warrant tire replacement (phew). 
Mar 2013 83000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2007 25420   First odometer entry
Jan 2008 26040 0 Replace a defective ONR rear hub bearing. 
Aug 2008   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 49000   First odometer entry
Jul 2010 74000 65 Code P1844 - Lower Clutch Pressure Fault Cleaned electrical connections and cleared code. If problem returns they'll need to drop the pan and check electrical connections in transmission. If that fails, they will have to replace valve body. 
Dec 2012 90000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Delaware, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 33000   First odometer entry
Jul 2008 39000 255 Clunking noise rear sway bar links replaced. 
Dec 2010 58000 50 Passenger side brake light burned out due to water leaking in tail light assembly which was ordered and will be replaced next dealer visit. Taillight assembly $300+ but covered under Subaru extended warranty with $50 deductible. 
Jan 2011 59000 0 Tail light assembly replaced after ordered part arrived. 
May 2012 70500 1080 Ball joints cracked, these days have to replace whole A Arm, they don't just press out and replace ball joint. Boots around CV joints cracked, had to be replaced. Front sway bar had to be replaced. 
Feb 2013 77000 560 Engine was leaking oil, replaced valve cover gaskets, serpentine belt, oil cooler seals 
Mar 2013 78000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2006 0 New spark plugs/wires. Apparently they got wet and the car was misfiring. Covered under warranty. 
Dec 2010 54000 350 New rear brake pads and rotors with a brake fluid flush. 
Feb 2011 54700 100 had a bad pad from 12/10 brake job. replaced and solved problem. 
Jul 2012 67300 355 inner cv boots almost worn through 
May 2013 72000 300 Lower control arm bushings and sway link end. 

 

Subaru Outback in South Dakota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2007 34000   First odometer entry
May 2009 106000 697 replaced timing belt and water pump. replaced all oil seals behind the timing cover.  also had passenger CV boot replaced. 
Nov 2009 131000 452 replaced rear drivers wheel bearing 
Sep 2010 142000 301 I had the driver's side half shaft replaced. The CV boot was torn. 
May 2011 147000 0 TSB said to come in and get ECM reflashed. 

 

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2011 96100   First odometer entry
Nov 2011 110340 400 Rear wheel bearing exhibited loud whining noise. 
Jun 2012 124000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 240 replace RF axle shaft  

 

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2011 84000   First odometer entry
Jul 2012 90000 369 Replace axle 
Feb 2013 96000 1863 Replace center differential bearings and transfer case 
Mar 2013 96000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2009 32000   First odometer entry
Dec 2009 48000 335 Left front strut. 
Jan 2010 51000 0 Rattle from loose heat shields. 
Mar 2010 57000 595 Front and rear brake pads. Front sway bar and links. Rear wheel bearings. 
Aug 2010 70700 700 Car was misfiring. Replaced coil, wires, plugs and performed other routine maintenance.  
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 25000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 40000 210 Air conditioning was working poorly and compressor was cycling on and off every few seconds. Found that it was low on coolant. Recharged the coolant. 
Mar 2013 64000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2011 42000   First odometer entry
Oct 2011 42000 0 Engine shuddering, "Check Engine" and "Cruise" light began flashing, engine lost all power. Vehicle was purchased 2-3 weeks prior, still under a 60-day, 5K mile warranty. Dlr found 1 Defective spark plug, replaced all for free. 
Mar 2013 51000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2011 42160   First odometer entry
Oct 2011 46680 80 REAR LINK KITS FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS 
Nov 2012 54540 1500 pads, discs changed 
Apr 2013 58280   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2011 59000   First odometer entry
Jan 2012 61700 0 Noticed an oil leak prior to purchase. Dealer agreed to fix as part of the purchase. After purchase dealer diagnosed a leaking head gasket. Dealer made the repair. 
Jul 2012 66000 150 Loose sway bar identified by shop performing oil change 
Mar 2013 75000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2007 11780   First odometer entry
Nov 2011 37200 300 cruise not working, need to replace roll connector. too expensive decided not to bother. 
Mar 2013 49600   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2007 0 Ignition key suddenly would not turn lock. Ignition replaced. 
Jun 2012 72000 850 No cruise control, replaced o2 sensor to fix it. Burnt oil smell after long drives. Replaced axle and boot to stop burnt oil smell (original boot was torn and spraying oil). 

 

Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 47000   First odometer entry
Oct 2011 58000 100 Steering rack leaking fluid (ATF in a Subaru) into boot. Rack replaced with new. Covered under extended warranty. $100 deductible. First time issue with this otherwise very reliable car 

 

Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2006 13000   First odometer entry
Nov 2012 90300 150 Sway bar links worn 
Mar 2013 96000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in New Mexico, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2007 0 misaligned shifter cover plate and glove box cover; replaced under warranty 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 134000   First odometer entry
Feb 2012 169000 2300 transmission failed to engage anything above 2nd gear. suffered hesitation and jerking for 1 week prior to trans failure. 

 

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 115000   First odometer entry
May 2011 123000 100 Brake Rotors Replaced 
Oct 2011 128000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 39000   First odometer entry
Dec 2009 41000 10 Shudder when shifting and vibration at certain speeds. 
Jan 2011 55000 0 #4 cylinder head gasket leaking . Replaced under 60k 5 year powertrain warranty 
Aug 2012 81300 600 replaceboth rear wheel bearings 
Sep 2012 82000 520 Inner pass side boot split. Had both pass and driver side boot replaced. DS was about to split also. 
Mar 2013 91000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2008 19220   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 27280 0 Replaced carpet that had been miscut at factory. 
May 2010 30380 800 Did the brakes 
Jul 2011 39360 300 Symptoms: Ran rough after/in heavy rain. Check engine light on. Scan: Misfire cylinder #3. Diagnosis: Cracked Coil. Repair: Replace Coil. So far, so good. 
Aug 2011 39680 200 Clunking noise especially in potholes. Garage diagnosed worn front stabilizer bar links and replaced them. Now clunk is gone.  Symptoms: lots of squeaking while driving. Garage removed front calipers and cleaned and lubricated bushings (right front was seized). Problem better but suspect rear calipers need maintenance as still minor squeaking. NB: THIS COST ME $50 
May 2012 45040 0 Bumpy ride. Brought to shop and they re-replaced a part that failed. Part under warrenty 
Jun 2012 45260   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 42000   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 43000 0 Replaced both rear wheel bearings. No charge as work was under warranty. 
Jul 2009 47000 544 Heard squealing when applying brakes so took it to the shop. Needed new front brake pads and rotors. 
Oct 2010 68000 807 New rear brake pads and rotors and replaced front lower control arm bushings. 
Oct 2011 80300 300 Replaced torn right front inner axle boot. 
Jun 2012 90000 3019 Blown head gasket. Also had new timing belt and tension adjuster done during the HG replacement. 
Apr 2013 102000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2006 7000   First odometer entry
Jan 2008 25000 0 Wheel hub replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2008 31000 525 Front brake pads and rotors replaced. 
Jun 2010 59000 350 Replaced rear brakes 
Feb 2011 67000 500 Replaced Front passenger side axle due to leaking CV Boot 
Nov 2011 79000 200 Drive Belt was worn so it was replaced 

 

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 30380   First odometer entry
Jul 2011 39460 900 car overheated in traffic - we brought it home and took it in after the long weekend; repair shop identified faulty relay motor and 2 faulty rad fans+motor assemblies; test/tune A/C also did oil chg at same time. $700 parts and $200 labor 
May 2012 45240 320 brake pads and rotors + oil/filter only 
Nov 2012 48340 645 oxygen sensor(threading stripped) was causing check engine light to be on and disabled cruise control;(400) also, battery needed replacement (200) and swapped snow tires on (45) chk eng lt had been on and off problem for months; now fixed 
Mar 2013 50840   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2010 13000   First odometer entry
Jun 2010 14000 0 I took the car in for rattling noise. They told me that the heat shield was rusted out and needed to be replaced for over $800! Can't believe it since I usually keep my Subarus for 8+ yrs and never had this happen before. Took car back in to look at the heatshields. There was no rust problem. The problem is the pads inside the heatshields which cannot be repaired without replacing the heatshields. Why can't they replace the pads only and save the enviroment 
Jul 2010 14000 107 Shifting bushing replaced. Car wouldn't start because sensor didn't know it was in Park. Paid extended warranty deductible. Again, dealer said the problem was because I don't drive the car enough! This is my 4th Subaru, this is BS. 
Oct 2012 19300 1000 Replaced brakes and rotors, alignment, something with the fuel injection. 
Dec 2012 20000 144 Headlights replaced plus rear wiper since I was there. 
Mar 2013 21000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2008 34000   First odometer entry
May 2011 61000 325 Axle Both front DOJ Boots replaced. 
Mar 2013 78000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2008 44000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 88000 0 Reflash computer module 
Nov 2011 95500 0 newly replaced drive belt was causing sound when turning the wheels. Shop mentioned that they had a bad batch and replaced it with a heavy duty version at no cost. No problems so far. 
Aug 2012 109000 300 replaced rear brake pads and installed new rear cv boot 
Nov 2012 116000 136 Replaced front right CV boot 
Dec 2012 119000 1600 Replaced Head Gasket 
Mar 2013 125000 0 Replaced Oil sensing unit. Gasket within unit was bad. 
May 2013 126000 310 Cleaned Throttle body Replaced spark plugs and ignition wires. Car had a CEL light in the dash. 

 

Subaru Outback in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2009 51000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 77000 20 Fluid leak and air introduced into fluid due to failed O-ring on top of power steering pump. Replace O-ring and replaced power steering fluid to eliminate air in system. 
May 2011 78000 200 Passenger-side inner CV joint boot torn, grease lost, replaced drive axle with high-quality rebuilt unit. 
Mar 2012 85000 190 Replaced front driver's side axle due to damaged inner CV joint boot. 
Mar 2013 95000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2010 28000   First odometer entry
Apr 2011 32000 650 Brake job all four wheels. 
Mar 2013 54000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2010 77000   First odometer entry
Sep 2010 80000 309 Diagnosis of rotational noise as failing left rear wheel bearing. Replaced left rear wheel hub. 
Apr 2013 121000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2009 0 Noticed that when the steering wheel was turned it would adjust the auto climate and change the radio volume. Local dealer called Subaru America and they honored out of warranty (replaced face plate). Started again live with it? 
Mar 2013 37000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2011 134000   First odometer entry
Mar 2013 176000 73 idler bearing began making howling noise 

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2013 170000   First odometer entry
Mar 2013 178000 995 replace catalytic converter 

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2008 23000   First odometer entry
Jun 2010 63000 1700 starter, new break pads, timing belt 
Mar 2011 72000 600 steering pump had to be replaced water pump replaced 
Apr 2011 73000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Maine, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2013 285000   First odometer entry
May 2013 285000 185 Engine bogs down on acceleration. Replaced both exhaust sensors, still not fixed. 

 

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Expert 2006 Subaru Outback Repair Advice

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