This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Subaru Forester engine problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Forester shows a pattern of serious engine problems across this complaint cluster. Head gasket leaks from both driver and passenger side cylinder heads are the most common issue; owners confirm with dealers this is a known design flaw affecting Foresters from the late 1990s through 2009. Multiple owners report the gaskets leak oil onto hot exhaust manifolds, creating fire risk, and at least one owner's warranty repair failed again within 5,000 miles.
Fuel line leaks appear in cold weather and progressively in warmer conditions over the vehicle's life, with fuel collecting near the turbocharger and engine cylinder—serious fire hazards. Three separate owners report spontaneous engine compartment fires with no warning signs beforehand. One fire was attributed to the radiator fan by an insurance inspector.
Less common but serious: unintended acceleration with brake failure at 44,000 miles (striking another vehicle), cold start failures on a new vehicle, and engine surge problems despite ECM reprogramming. One owner's WVU31 recall reprogramming triggered check engine light immediately afterward, and the dealership refused accountability. An air pump and engine control modulator needed replacement out of warranty, followed a week later by oxygen valve issues on national backorder.
Same Subaru Forester engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Head gasket oil leaks
Oil leaking from driver-side and passenger-side cylinder head gaskets. Owners report oil dripping on exhaust manifolds, creating fire risk. Multiple owners confirm dealer inspection and recognition of the problem as a common design issue on 1999–2009 Foresters. One owner reports gasket re-leaking only 5,000 miles after dealer warranty repair.
When: 90,000 miles; multiple incidents from low mileage to high mileage across model years
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from head gaskets; Hot oil smell after freeway driving; Wisps of smoke from under hood; Oil dripping on hot exhaust manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Gasket replacement performed under warranty by Subaru dealers; one owner reports re-failure at 5,000 miles after repair. No cost data provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has not publicly acknowledged the design flaw despite widespread owner complaints online; one owner reports dealer confirmed problem is common for 1999–2009 models.
Fuel line leaks
Fuel leaks from engine fuel lines, particularly in cold weather, releasing strong fuel odor into cabin and engine compartment. Fuel drips near turbocharger and directly onto engine cylinder, creating fire hazard. Problem is intermittent and worsens over vehicle lifetime; owner reports issue that began in winter 2014 at ~13,000 miles, later occurring in warm weather by 2016. Subaru forums and online communities document recurrent problem across multiple examples.
When: Intermittent; first noticeable in winter 2014 (~13,000 miles), then progressively in warmer conditions; vehicle under 100,000 miles overall
Symptoms owners cite: Strong fuel smell in cabin on cold startup; Strong fuel smell in garage; Leaking fuel lines visible under hood; Fuel odor intermittent but progressively occurs in less cold conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,300 for repair. One owner states repair was performed under safety recall (fuel filter) but narrative does not confirm cost or completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. One owner notes SOA (Subaru of America) recalled a few years ago to repair issue but not all affected vehicles covered.
Engine fire
Three separate accounts of engine compartment fires in 2006 Foresters with no prior warning signs (no check engine light, unusual sounds, or smells beforehand). One fire started while engine idling at traffic light; insurance inspector attributed it to radiator fan. Another fire occurred during normal driving on freeway. Third fire occurred in vehicle parked with engine running while occupant let passenger out. All three fires resulted in total loss.
When: No mileage data provided for two incidents; one occurred at 44,000 miles (though that claim involved sudden acceleration, not confirmed fire)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke seeping from engine compartment with no prior warning; Flames visible from engine compartment; No illuminated check engine light before fire
Repairs/costs cited: All three incidents resulted in total vehicle loss. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Sudden unintended acceleration with brake failure
Unintended forward surging while driving, with brake pedal falling to the floor. One incident occurred in traffic at 44,000 miles, striking vehicle ahead twice before stopping. Second incident occurred while driving to work, requiring driver to hit guardrail to stop vehicle. Neither Subaru service nor manufacturer representative could identify a cause.
When: 44,000 miles; timing of second incident not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward surge without driver input; Brake pedal fell to floor; No repeatable cause found during investigation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; Subaru service and manufacturer unable to identify cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer representative investigated but could not identify cause.
Engine surge and power delivery hesitation
Engine surges at various speeds; vehicle revs up when driver releases throttle to slow down. Also reported as acceleration hesitation from stop and intermittent hesitation when pulling out at various speeds. One owner cites drive-by-wire throttle body as cause. Multiple owners report hesitation despite ECM reprogramming or without dealer diagnosis.
When: One case reports hesitation ongoing despite ECM reprogramming on 12/16/08; other incidents not timestamped; low mileage (under 5,000 miles for one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surge and sag during slight downgrades with throttle held just off idle; Speed control over and under shoots on slight grades; Engine revving when releasing throttle to slow down; Hesitation when accelerating from stop; Intermittent hesitation when pulling out at various speeds; Will not reach full throttle when speed control activated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership stated there was nothing they could do and no recalls for the problem. ECM reprogramming performed by dealer on 12/16/08 but hesitation persisted. One dealership unable to remedy problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Cold start failures
Vehicle fails to start, whether from cold or warm start, with engine attempting to crank but not catching. Occurs multiple times with less than 5,000 miles on vehicle. Dealership advised owner to hold ignition in ACC position to 'prime the lines,' but problem persists after attempting this procedure.
When: Less than 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to crank and turn over on cold start; Engine fails to crank and turn over on warm start; Multiple failure instances
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suggested priming fuel lines by holding ignition in ACC position, but procedure did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Check engine light and cruise control failure following ECM reprogramming recall
After WVU31 recall service (ECM reprogramming), check engine light illuminated immediately upon driving away from dealership, and cruise control began flashing. Vehicle had no prior issues and was not due for service. Dealership denied causation despite multiple online complaints of same issue occurring within miles of WVU31 reprogramming. Dealership stated they would only fix problem 'if check engine light is related to the recall,' creating uncertainty about warranty coverage. Owner reports multitude of complaints online from other owners experiencing identical symptoms after WVU31 reprogramming, all told they had to pay for repairs.
When: Immediately after WVU31 ECM reprogramming recall service; vehicle in good condition prior
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated immediately after driving away from dealership; Cruise control light flashing; No prior issues before recall service
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Owner reports dealership out of owner's way and owner forced to take time off work for diagnosis. Cost unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership conditionally offered repair only 'if check engine light is related to the recall.' No broader manufacturer acknowledgment or remediation documented, though owner reports widespread online complaints of same issue.
Air pump and engine control modulator failure with oxygen valve backorder
Engine light and cruise control failure. Dealership replaced air pump (Part #14828AA030) and engine control modulator with 50% goodwill discount ($4,611 out of warranty). One week after repair, identical problem returned. Dealership then diagnosed need for oxygen valves, which Subaru stated are on national backorder. Subaru offering parts for free (indicating known problem) but charging ~$500 labor. Parts availability estimated at several weeks. First service failed to properly diagnose root cause.
When: At some point after initial service; vehicle out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illumination; Cruise control failure
Repairs/costs cited: Air pump (Part #14828AA030) replaced; engine control modulator replaced; parts cost $4,611 (50% dealership discount applied). Subsequent oxygen valve replacement quoted at ~$500 labor (parts free from Subaru). Parts on national backorder with several weeks estimated wait.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru offering oxygen valve parts for free, indicating known problem, but charging labor separately. Parts on national backorder.
Engine overheating without warning after fuel filter recall repair
Vehicle was repaired under safety recall involving fuel filter. As a result of that recall work, catalytic converters were damaged and required replacement as part of the recall. Subsequently, vehicle unexpectedly overheated causing significant engine damage, with no check engine sensor or other indicator warning of the overheating condition.
When: Several months after fuel filter recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected engine overheating; No check engine sensor warning; No other indicator of problem before overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converters damaged during fuel filter recall repair and replaced as part of recall. Engine damage from subsequent overheating; repair cost not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
I have a hesitation when accelerating from a stop caused by my vehicle's drive by wire throttle body. This hesitation is ongoing despite an ECM reprogramming done by the dealer on 12/16/08. It is bad enough that I'm afraid I'm going to get into a collision sometime. *tr
Head gasket leak on the driver's side cylinder head of a 2006 Subaru forester x. Mom's car (also a 2006 Subaru forester x) has identical head gasket leak but on the passenger's side cylinder head. There is the possibility of oil dripping on the hot exhaust manifold. My car has had the head gaskets replaced under warranty. Her car is yet to be repaired. *tr
Upon start up in cold weather there is a very strong smell of fuel inside the cabin of the car. It made myself and my daughter feel very ill. Had to exit my 2006 Subaru forester xt. Inspected engine under the hood to find leaking fuel lines. Googled the problem to discover it is reacurrent with this make/model/year as evident by similar complaints in Subaru forums, google search, and fb pages.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Subaru forester. The air bag control module fails to activate at least once per week. On each occasion, the passenger side air bag off light illuminates. The occupant detection sensor does not recognize a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat. The passenger side air bag also does not activate when the vehicle is started approximately once out of 20-30…
I took my car in based on a recall sent by my dealership for my 2006 Subaru forester ll bean model original owner. They completed to service recalls on my vehicle none of which are listed on this website.wvl22 and wvu31. The wvu31 was to reprogram my ECM. As I was driving home afterwards the check engine light immediately came on and my cruise light began to flash. I called the dealer…
There are two problems with the 2006 Subaru forester that I have. It has less than 5000 miles on it and continually fails to start, whether from a cold start or a warm start. The engine will attempt to crank but will not catch and actually turn over. This issue has happened multiple times. I took the car into the dealership and they stated that I had to hold the ignition switch in the acc…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Subaru/Forester.
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.