This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
View on NHTSA →2006 Subaru Forester suspension problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 6 suspension complaints filed for the 2006 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 suspension 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 Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
View on NHTSA →Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed, may have been manufactured with front lower control arms (transverse links) that could corrode in the hanger bracket area if exposed to salt for a prolonged period.
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru forester. The contact stated that the lower control arm was rusted again. The contact called thomas Subaru at 814-623-813 (located at 4003 business 220, bedford, pa 15522) and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension); therefore, the repair would need to be done at the contact's expense. The contact…
While driving my car the passenger control arm failed, snapping in half and I lost control of my vehicle. Upon lookin under my car I could see the snapped control arm, which was completely rusted out. I also observe the driver side control arm is also very rusty. Both control arms are the only isolated rusted parts under my car, the rest of my car does not have any rust. It was alarming to me…
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact then took the vehicle a dealer where he was informed that the recall was serviced. Less than two months later, the contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake as he…
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2006 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 126,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.