Subaru Outback problems
280 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Suspension: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–83,200 mi
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Driving along - check engine light comes on and cruise control light flashes. I immediately lose acceleration - need to pull over (thank god I was not on a major highway when this accurs). Have to turn car off - wait a few minutes and then restart. Lights still stay on but…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine rpms increased. In addition, the check engine and the cruise control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle…
I was driving on the highway traveling about 70 miles per hour in the mountains of colorado when my car's accelerator stopped working. I was on a sharp downhill curve when I was no longer able to accelerate my car to keep up with traffic. This was extremely dangerous as I was…
Rear tracking begins oscillating dangerously in winter driving conditions. Extremely dangerous. Going 30 MPH and being passed by every car on the road while I am fighting to keep from crashing. Rear wheels seem to transfer traction to tires that are slipping, oscillating back…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Subaru Outback reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 280 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Subaru Outback is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2006 Subaru Outback?
The 2006 Subaru Outback is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Suspension: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–83,200 mi; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Subaru Outback?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is cruise control, with 71 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 107,794 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 107,794 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Outback has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Subaru Outback?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 280 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.