2006 Subaru Outback owner complaints

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 almost hit by the cars behind me. There was no warning prior to the incident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru outback. The contact was driving 55 MPH and attempting to accelerate but the vehicle would not respond. The check engine light illuminated as the engine was turned off momentarily and the failure would reset itself until recurring with the illumination of the check engine light. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer in which a diagnostic test was performed and it was determined that the accelerator had failed. The accelerator pedal was replaced yet the failure recurred. A second diagnostic was performed which also indicated a failure within the accelerator pedal. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle back to the deal

I was driving at 55 MPH in my 2006 Subaru outback. When I brake for slowing traffic, the check engine light came on and the cruise control light started to blink. The accelerator pedal became unresponsive and it appeared that the car's engine went into idle mode. I was losing speed and pulled to the shoulder of the road. I shut off my engine and a few minutes later I was able to restart the car. The accelerator pedal seemed to function normally, although the two warning lights were still illuminated. The next day I started the car a couple of times, the accelerator pedal functioned normally and both warning lights were no longer lit. My code reader found an error code of p2138, (unrecognized code), the car operated normally until 12/18/2012. This identical problem recurred and I again read

Accelerator pedal goes limp and unresponsive at random moments including highway driving. It has happens more and more often and other Subaru owners have said the same. It seems to happen the most during colder weather and the cars gas pedal becomes completely unresponsive and requires the car to be pulled over over and turned off to sit for a some time. When putting the car into park the rpms jump up and rev higher to around 4000, unsure of what's causing it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The contact also stated that the check engine lamp and cruise control warning lamp illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who diagnosed that a sensor on the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 58,000.

Vehicle lost throttle response suddenly. Was able to coast at about 20mph off of an interstate to a safe location code check indicated p2138 throttle position sensor fault. *tr

Just received "takata recall" letter stating there are now sufficient parts available. At the same time my check engine light came on and cruise light started flashing. I made an appointment for the recall work and to have the car checked out. I googled this and found that a code p2138 is found with this occurrence and it seems to be happening with many of these vehicles. My wife called me on her way home from work and said the car would not accelerate. She pulled off of the highway into a parking lot. I drove to her location. She started the car and gas pedal seemed to be operating as it should. I followed her home and was thankful there were no problems getting back. I will determine whether to drive vehicle or have it towed to dealer for scheduled appt. Next wed.kind of makes sense now

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 and forth, causing rear end to fishtail at any speed. Replaced tires and same thing. This is the scariest thing I have ever experienced. Been driving in wisconsin winters for 35 years. I have never experienced anything like this. Many similar complaints on NHTSA website and on internet postings. I am serious - this is really dangerous. When are you going to make Subaru accountable? *tr

2006 Subaru is unsafe on slippery roads. The car has a tendency to "steer" from the rear. It may be something with the center differential that causes more power to the rear and thus makes the rear want to fishtail out while driving slow in a straight line. It is by far the worst car I have ever driven on ice. Even with snow tires. And I had a RWD cougar with bad tires when I was young. *tr

'06 Subaru outback(auto) seems to have handling issues caused by AWD system. Some have described it as "ghostwalking", where the rear end of the car shifts side to side when the AWD kicks in. Please investigate this problem. Have replaced tires and checked alignment, problem still exists. *tr

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 acceleration is normal. I have seen many different reason codes for this problem - I am now taking to my personal mechanic to have him go over it and hopefully fix this. Very, very scary situation when it happens. Do not think I should have to take my life in my hands when I drive this vehicle!!! One would think that a reputable company like Subaru would stand behind this dangerous flaw with their product and correct the issue!!! *js

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 pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

While driving vehicle in snow covered, slush covered roads conditions varied during day. The vehicle kept feeling like it was washing out side to side. I had 5 passengers in vehicle and they all could feel it and it scared them and I had to slow down to a dangerously slow speed on interstate, that was causing disruption to traffic flow. On way home took secondary roads so as to not disrupt traffic. This was my first experience in taking this vehicle for drive in snow conditions since it is new to me. We purposely took Subaru for legendary handling in snow, it downright shook me up and wished we had our front wheel drive Pontiac vibe. I inspected vehicle, made some changes to front suspension, ball joints, sway bar links, control arm bushings, only two control arm bushings were no

I have a 2006 Subaru outback limited wagon. Driving on wet roads, not even icy, the most minor bump in the road, or frost heave, will send the vehicle's rear end swaying, almost out of control. This is supposedly known as ghost walking. This is extremely dangerous, as it happens at highway speeds, on straight roads, and causes the vehicle to sway back and forth across the lane. Tires have been replaced as well as Subaru dealership performing a full alignment. This is supposed to be AWD, so rain should not be a factor. I also notice this swaying happen on dry pavement, but not as threatening. Seems like there is play in the rear end, but car was fully safety checked by Subaru and passed all points. Seems to be a major flaw in the AWD, namely the limited slip differential in the rear end. I'

Takata recall letter dated 13 dec 2017 received 28 dec 2017 please update your records. I reported that this vehicle had been written off in october 2016 - more than a year ago. The licence plates were returned to wa transport. (please correct the form below - it applies to the us)

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru outback. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,341.

Rear wheel bearings on both sides had to be replaced. This is a known problem (faulty wheel bearings) in 2005 and 2006 outbacks and Subaru has an extended warranty covering certain vins under 100k, but my VIN was not in that list. *tr

Bought car from private owner in october 2018. Immediately after sale had the Subaru dealership replace rear brakes in october 2018 and completely inspect car for any needed repairs. In early december brake indicator light on, then immediately after catastrophic brake failure resulting in inability to stop vehicle while entire family was on board. Found out from dealership that, despite finding corrosion on brake line upon initial inspection, the corrosion was encapsulated by barrier spray and continued to corrode brake line until catastrophic failure and inability to stop the vehicle. Awaiting dealership response.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Subaru outback. After starting the vehicle in colder weather, he smells a strong odor of gasoline. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 20,000. The current mileage was 30,000. Updated 02/17/10. *lj updated 02/18/10

Takata recall I received written and email notification from Subaru this week (12/6/16) that my front passenger air bag inflator was subject to recall. Although the note claimed to be a "2nd notification", it is not. I have received no previous notification from Subaru that my airbag was dangerous and so have been driving with passengers. I now see that Subaru knew my airbag was dangerous one year ago but failed to inform me. I assume this was deliberate as they knew they did not have parts and did not want to have to provide me with a car that was safe to drive while they waited for the parts. This has put my family members at risk. *tr