This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Subaru Legacy engine problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Subaru Legacy, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 Legacy engine shows a pattern of serious, expensive failures across multiple systems. The most dramatic is oil pickup tube shearing from the engine block, which killed oil pressure and engine components at 37,000 miles—Subaru replaced the tube under warranty but refused to rebuild the trashed engine. Two complaints document repeated turbo failures (at 63K, 68K, and 69K miles) involving stalls while driving; one owner notes Subaru acknowledged the defect but issued no recall.
On 05-06 Legacy GT turbos, the integrated catalytic converter in the up-pipe breaks down and shoots debris into the turbocharger, forcing expensive turbo and up-pipe replacement. Owners note 07+ models got catless up-pipes, indicating Subaru knew about the design problem.
Crankshaft position sensor failure caused complete engine shutdown in traffic with no power steering. A radiator fire erupted at 36,700 miles with no warning. Drive-by-wire throttle failures left the gas pedal unresponsive; one involved an $1,883 engine harness replacement. Cylinder head gasket failure occurred at 67,000 miles. Multiple owners report Subaru either denied coverage, refused recalls, or gave unclear guidance—in one case telling the owner to drive a car with zero oil pressure.
Same Subaru Legacy engine reports on nearby years: 2005
Failure modes owners describe
Oil pickup tube shear/failure
Oil pickup tube completely shears off the engine block, causing zero oil pressure and internal engine damage. Owner reported the tube suffered from a design flaw; Subaru replaced the part under warranty but refused to rebuild or replace the damaged engine.
When: 37,000 miles, June 2008
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure light flashing; Zero oil pressure reading at dealership; Engine damage to components
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru replaced pickup tube under warranty; owner reports engine damage not covered. Independent mechanics confirmed operation without oil pressure causes engine damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part replaced under warranty; manufacturer refused engine rebuild or replacement
Turbocharger failure from catalytic converter debris
Catalytic converter integrated in the up-pipe deteriorates and sheds debris that travels back into the turbocharger, causing turbo failure and unexpected stalls. Affects 05-06 Legacy GT models. Owner notes 07+ models have catless up-pipes, indicating Subaru acknowledged the design issue.
When: At unspecified mileage intervals after accumulating use
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected vehicle stall; Turbocharger failure; No warning indicators of converter wear
Repairs/costs cited: Requires turbocharger and up-pipe replacement. Aftermarket catless up-pipe conversion triggers check engine light and engine running rich/overboost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru modified 07+ turbo models to use catless up-pipe with ECU tuning; no recall issued for 05-06 models
Repeated turbocharger failure
Turbocharger required replacement multiple times despite regular service and normal driving. Vehicle became undrivable each time and stalled while in motion on roadways.
When: 63,000 miles (January 2011), 68,000 miles (August 2012), 69,000 miles (October 2012)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle undrivable; Engine stall while in motion; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replaced multiple times by Subaru dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged defect but has not issued a recall
Crankshaft position sensor failure
Crankshaft position sensor failed, causing complete engine shutdown while driving in traffic with no power steering or braking assistance. Owner compares safety risk to GM ignition switch issue.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutoff while driving; No power to pull vehicle to roadside; Loss of power steering and brakes
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft position sensor replaced
Drive-by-wire throttle control failure
Gas pedal loses response while in cruise control; check engine and cruise control lights illuminate. Throttle control intermittently fails and returns after engine restart cycles.
When: Unspecified mileage; occurred on multiple occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal disabled/no response; Check engine light illuminated; Cruise control light illuminated; Throttle control returns after restart
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Cruise control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced gas pedal and reset lights; issue recurred. Second repair involved engine harness replacement at $1,883.36 cost.
Engine fire from radiator
Flames erupted from radiator area while vehicle was stopped, with visible smoke from hood. No warning indicators prior to failure. Owner extinguished fire; vehicle towed for repair by independent mechanic.
When: 36,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from hood; Flames visible at radiator; No warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by independent mechanic; specific repairs not detailed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was never diagnosed by Subaru dealer
Engine stall with position sensor issue
Vehicle stalled without warning at low speed. Independent mechanic identified crankshaft position sensor as requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired by owner.
When: 181,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stall at 20 mph; Stall without warning; Difficulty restarting after multiple attempts
Codes mentioned: Position sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Position sensor replacement recommended by independent mechanic
Cylinder head gasket failure
Cylinder head gasket failed at relatively low mileage. Owner reports hearing this is a recurring issue across this year and model, and notes Subaru has recalled many 2012-2013 engines for the same problem.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder head gasket failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has issued recalls for 2012-2013 engines for this issue; no recall mentioned for 2006 model year
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
While driving the check engine light came on and the cruise control started flashing, with no response from the gas pedal, only a high idle. Had the check engine light cleared and everything was fine. Out of town for the second occurrence same thing happened, now Subaru has the car and I was told the engine harness has to be replaced at a cost of $1883.36. It seems to me that this should be…
Before this - engine replaced with very few miles - Subaru claimed no warranty - insurance paid based on tiny leak in radiator - car just quit. Never knew of any leak - not water in garage floor ever. Then on 12/28/10 had heard loud knocking noise in front end. Subaru sent wrecker (2 hrs_ 1-way) to pick up car - replaced front end problems. Continued/constant problems with this vehicle - truly a…
The turbocharger in my 2005 Subaru legacy gt has needed replaced multiple times. Each time the car becomes un-drivable and has also cut off while in motion in the middle of the road. The vehicle had this occur in january 2011, august 2012 and now again in october 2012. The car has been serviced regularly and has been driven under normal conditions. Subaru has acknowledged that is defective…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Subaru Legacy?
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 Legacy?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 37,837 and 147,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,837; a quarter make it past 147,000. 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/Legacy.
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.