AS I WAS WAITING TO PULL INTO A SMALL PARKING LOT, AN AUTO WAS PULLING OUT. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR HIM TO EXIT. AS SOON AS I RELEASED THE BRAKE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD FULL SPEED TOWARDS THE EXITING CAR AND I TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID A COLLISION BUT WENT FULL SPEED INTO A WALL (SIDE OF A HOUSE) THE EXITING CAR WAS GRAZED, THE HOUSE WAS DAMAGED AND MY CAR WAS TOTALED.…
2006 Subaru Forester cruise control problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$600
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
APPARENTLY, SUBARU HAS GONE TO A ??DRIVE BY WIRE?? FOR AT LEAST 2006. THE 2006 FORESTER I HAVE HAS THE SURGING PROBLEM. IT IS WORST DRIVING DOWNHILL AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED IN EITHER MANUAL OR CRUISE CONTROL. THE STEEPER THE HILL THE WORSE THE SURGE. I LIVE IN THE COLORADO MOUNTAINS AND IF THERE WERE SNOW OR ICE THIS SURGE WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE TRACTION AND GO OUT OF CON…
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE IS HESITATED AND SURGED. THIS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHEN TRAVELING DOWN A MOUNTAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS, AND THE PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED. HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDED THERE WAS ACTUALLY NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED $1,000 GIFT CERTIFICATE AS INCENTIVE TO HAVE NO FURTHER CONT…
THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT HAS STARTED FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT STARTED OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG OTHER SUBARU OWNERS AND SUBARU SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT THEY WON'T ADMIT ITS THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2006 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.