Code p1410 secondary air injection system switching valve stuck open. This is a common error many 2006 and up Subaru impreza wrx owners are having. The emissions system is prone to fail due to carbon buildup or moisture and rust contaminating valves, leading to repairs costing $700 to $1500. This failure is common even with low mileage. Note these codes are also associated with this failure:…
2006 Subaru Impreza engine problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Subaru Impreza, 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 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Subaru Impreza's most serious complaint is oil pickup tube failure. Owners describe the tube's weld cracking or the tube itself fracturing in half, cutting off oil supply to the engine. This happens without gradual warning—one owner was driving at 20 mph when the oil light stayed on for 20 seconds, then the engine seized. Another was on the highway at 45 mph when multiple warning lights lit up; the dealer found the pickup tube broken in two pieces, the engine and turbo starved for oil. A third owner had the same issue at just 3 miles after purchase. The result is always catastrophic: total engine seizure, destroyed internal parts, and complete engine replacement needed. One owner faced a $6,000 bill for a $20 part with a bad weld. Subaru acknowledges the issue and sells an updated tube, but affected owners report dealers refusing warranty coverage.
Separate from the pickup tube problem, owners report secondary air injection (SAI) valve failures (codes P1410, P0410–P0414, P2431–P2444) costing $700–$1,500 to fix, ignition coil failures requiring replacement, and a cracked banjo bolt screen restricting turbo oil flow. One owner's ignition coil failed twice in succession.
Same Subaru Impreza engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Oil pickup tube failure (weld/crack)
The oil pickup tube welds fail or cracks, stopping oil delivery to the engine. Owners report the tube fracturing near the weld or cracking in half, starving the engine and turbo of oil. This triggers engine seizure, catastrophic internal damage, and total engine failure.
When: Reported at 1,000-60,000+ miles; one failure at 3 miles; typically early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illuminates; Loss of power to engine and accessories; Engine seizes during driving; Loss of power steering and brakes; Check engine light, cruise control light flashing; Hard start; Rough idle
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild or full engine replacement (long block) required; turbo replacement often needed. Owners cite $6,000+ repair costs. Subaru sells updated replacement tubes (aftermarket alternatives available). Parts cited: oil pickup tube (weld failure), banjo bolt filters/screens cracked in oil line.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru updated the oil pickup tube design. Subaru dealers refused warranty coverage on some failures. Aftermarket pickup tubes marketed as improved durability.
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system valve failure
The secondary air injection switching valve sticks open. Owners attribute failure to carbon buildup or moisture and rust contamination in the emissions system.
When: Common even at low mileage; reported at various intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Valve malfunction
Codes mentioned: P1410, P0410, P0411, P0413, P0414, P0416, P0417, P0418, P2431, P2432, P2433, P2440, P2441, P2442, P2443, P2444
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs cost $700–$1,500 according to owner report.
Ignition coil failure
Ignition coils fail, causing engine stalling. One owner's coil failed twice—the replacement also failed.
When: Around 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Engine and brake warning lights illuminate; Vehicle can be restarted but fails again
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil replacement; one owner required two replacements due to recurrence.
Banjo bolt filter/screen fracture in oil line
The banjo bolt filter or screen inside the oil line cracks in half, restricting oil to the turbo. Affects turbo vehicles. One owner reports hard start, rough idle, and check engine code P0021.
When: Within 3 miles of ownership (one reported case)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard start; Rough idle; Check engine light (P0021 code)
Codes mentioned: P0021
Repairs/costs cited: Removal of cracked banjo screen to restore oil flow. Owner notes one bolt is accessible while the other is difficult to access.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Subaru impreza. While driving at any speed, coasting, and shifting gears, the vehicle loses all wheel drive power. The failure causes the vehicle to shift into neutral. The failure was more apparent at high altitudes and on icy roads. While driving downhill, the vehicle jerks before it shifts into neutral. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Subaru Impreza?
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 Impreza?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 40,000 and 83,550 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 83,550. 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/Impreza.
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.