This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Subaru Outback powertrain problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area. In cold temperatures, thermal contraction causes shrinking of the transmission case. In high temperatures, expansion of the case occurs. These temperature changes affect the amount of preload on the transfer driven shaft bearings. In some rare cases, when preload is very near the limit of specification combined with unusual driving conditions, this thermally-induced pre-load change may cause damage to the bearings and result in the sound heard by the customer. A change has been made to the extension case an
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2006 Subaru Outback report multiple critical powertrain failures. The most common complaint is sudden loss of throttle response while driving—the vehicle enters a limp mode that limits speed to 5–10 mph regardless of pedal pressure. Check engine and cruise lights illuminate; normal function returns after restart. This P2138 throttle fault has recurred multiple times in the same vehicles despite dealer repairs and accelerator pedal replacement. In one case, it persisted for over two months.
A separate failure involves complete engine stalls without warning. After stalling, the transmission locks in gear and cannot shift to park, leaving the vehicle immobilized and at risk of rolling. One owner had to abandon her vehicle on a hill in traffic when the emergency brake also failed to hold.
Transmission troubles are also documented: torque converter shudders and stalls during braking (TSB #16-90-13R issued; repair cost ~$1,546), and one transmission cooler line fitting stripped during highway driving, causing total fluid loss and transmission failure. The fitting came from the factory with minimal threads and factory Loctite coating; Subaru declined warranty coverage.
Winter instability is reported by an experienced AWD driver: rhythmic rear-end floating or fishtailing on icy/slushy roads even at controlled speeds and straight-line driving. One owner also reports engine misfire and low compression (25 PSI) requiring engine work. Owners characterize these issues as safety-critical and recurring despite repairs.
Same Subaru Outback powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Control Loss (Limp Mode)
Engine enters a failsafe 'limp mode' that cuts engine power to a crawl (5–10 mph maximum) when the powertrain computer detects an electrical fault in the throttle or accelerator pedal circuit. The throttle pedal becomes unresponsive regardless of pressure applied. Check engine and cruise control warning lights illuminate and often flash. Normal throttle function typically returns after the vehicle is shut off and restarted, or after jiggling the pedal connector.
When: Occurs while driving at various speeds (city to highway, 40–45 mph reported); incidents reported from 12/5/11 onward; recurrence intervals of 1–2 weeks reported in one case; one owner reported P2138 persisting for over two months
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of throttle response while pressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle slows abruptly to 5–10 mph maximum speed; Check engine light illuminates; Cruise control light illuminates and/or flashes; Throttle pedal feels limp or unresponsive; Normal function restored after restart
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replaced accelerator pedal assembly in at least one case, but problem recurred. One owner rewired the accelerator pedal connector with temporary success. TSB or recall not documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported Subaru declined to discuss concerns after settling a class action lawsuit regarding faulty powertrain components; no official recalls or TSBs for P2138 are mentioned in these narratives
Engine Stall and Loss of Park Engagement
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving or in traffic. After stalling, the transmission cannot be shifted out of gear into park, leaving the vehicle stuck in a gear and unable to be secured. In one documented case, the emergency brake also failed to hold the vehicle on an incline, forcing the driver to exit the vehicle in traffic. Diagnosis pointed to a worn wire loom that shorted the electrical system and disrupted the transmission control computer logic.
When: Four incidents reported in one month prior to complaint date; most recent incident occurred on a hill in heavy traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls abruptly without warning; Vehicle will not restart; Automatic transmission cannot be shifted into park; Emergency brake fails to hold vehicle on slope; Vehicle rolls downhill uncontrolled
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed electronic computer malfunction and performed expensive repairs that did not resolve the issue. Final diagnosis revealed worn wire loom with bare insulation causing electrical short; rewiring or reloom replacement was ultimately required.
Torque Converter Shudder and Stall on Braking
Transmission shudders and stalls when the vehicle comes to a stop, creating a safety hazard in traffic. Subaru service bulletin TSB #16-90-13R documents this issue and calls for torque converter replacement along with associated components.
When: Occurred on various occasions; complaint filed 2/6/2017 at 96,404 miles; vehicle well-maintained with service records
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudders on approach to stop; Engine stalls when coming to a stop; Happens intermittently on various occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter and associated components replacement; cost quoted as $1,546 plus tax
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #16-90-13R issued by Subaru; no recall mentioned
Transmission Cooler Line Fitting Failure
Transmission cooler line fitting stripped and failed while driving on the highway, causing complete loss of transmission fluid and transmission failure. The OEM fitting has very few threads that are easily sheared and came coated with factory Loctite from the plant. The component is not regularly inspected or listed on any maintenance schedule and is difficult to detect during routine service.
When: Occurred while driving on highway; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission cooler fitting suddenly strips out; Transmission fluid drains completely; Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required due to fluid loss from stripped fitting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru claimed the failure was regular wear and tear, not defective, and outside the powertrain warranty. Owner noted Subaru had recently settled a class action lawsuit regarding faulty powertrain components.
Rear End Instability (Floating/Fishtailing) in Winter Conditions
On icy, snow-covered, or slushy asphalt roads, the rear of the vehicle exhibits a rhythmic floating or mini-fishtailing sensation, as if the rear wheels are alternately pushing the car or wind gusts are buffeting it. The problem occurs even on straight roads under steady throttle at safe speeds (under 45 mph). It is not present on all winter road conditions. The owner, an experienced Subaru driver with 18 years of AWD winter experience and nine previous Subarus, reports that no prior Subaru (through the 2004 Outback) exhibited this behavior. New Michelin tires and a dealer alignment did not resolve the issue.
When: Occurs in winter road conditions (ice, compacted snow, slush); most frequent on asphalt; one incident noted after new tires and alignment service
Symptoms owners cite: Rear of vehicle floats or fishtails rhythmically; Sensation of rear wheels pushing car back and forth; Feeling as if wind gusts are hitting the vehicle; Instability continues for many miles until road conditions change; Condition worse at higher speeds; eases below 40 mph; Risk of loss of control with any steering, acceleration, or braking input
Repairs/costs cited: Only workaround found is reducing speed to under 40 mph; new tires and dealer alignment performed but did not fix issue
Engine Misfire and Idle Instability
Engine misfires, with check engine light and cruise control light blinking on. Engine chokes and wants to stall at low idle, eventually stalling completely. Diagnostic codes indicated cylinder #4 misfire. Shop inspection found compression of only 25 PSI and recommended engine shop inspection for possible valve problem. One owner also reported a prior transmission rebuild on this vehicle.
When: Complaint filed at 97,000+ miles after prior transmission rebuild; vehicle otherwise well-maintained
Symptoms owners cite: Engine chokes and misfires; Check engine light illuminates and blinks; Cruise control light blinks; Engine wants to stall at low idle; Engine stalls while parked in driveway
Codes mentioned: P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Compression test showed 25 PSI in affected cylinder; shop recommended engine overhaul for possible valve problem
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Subaru Outback?
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 powertrain problem on the 2006 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 73,956 and 153,000 miles, with the median around 138,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 73,956; a quarter make it past 153,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/Outback.
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.