What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

The biggest group in the complaints is speed control, with 128 complaints. Engine has 70 and electrical has 59.

Does the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?

Yes. The by-year facts show 7 recalls for this year. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

How many miles does a 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback last?

We do not have a mileage limit to give. The engine complaints show a median mileage at failure of 95,666. These are unverified owner reports.

Is the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?

There are 364 complaints on file. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a guide only. Check the by-year section and the recalls on this page.

What is the gas mileage of the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 364 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback^[1]. The biggest group names the speed control component group, with 128 complaints^[2].

364owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

19–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most often, biggest first.

Speed Control. 128 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe the car not answering the gas pedal, a throttle that stays open, and cruise control that acts oddly on downhill roads. Some also describe the check engine light coming on at the same time.
Engine. 70 complaints^[5]. Owners describe sudden stalling, lost power while driving, and an oil system part that broke inside the engine. A few stories mention smoke and flames under the hood.
Electrical System. 59 complaints^[6]. Owners describe the car shutting down without warning, dashboard lights that stay dark, and a limp mode that kicks in on the highway. One story tells of a trailer wiring part that shorted out and started a fire.
Air Bags. 53 complaints^[7]. Owners describe air bags that did not open in a crash. Others describe a passenger air bag light that switches off on its own.
Suspension. 41 complaints^[8]. The median mileage at failure is 60,000^[8].
Fuel/Propulsion System. 41 complaints^[9]. The median mileage at failure is 110,000^[9].
Brakes. 29 complaints^[10]. The median mileage at failure is 93,000^[10].
Power Train. 25 complaints^[11]. The median mileage at failure is 73,000^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2006 Legacy/Outback is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V001), January 2020. About 258,813 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V003), January 2020. About 111,562 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V002), January 2020. About 127,547 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch (19V297), April 2019. About 511 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (15V323), May 2015. About 432,016 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (14V311), June 2014. About 461,338 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (13V110), March 2013. About 274,402 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[19]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[20]	20 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[4]	20 / 27 / 23	$2,900
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	17 / 23 / 19	$4,350
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	20 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	20 / 27 / 23	$2,900
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	17 / 23 / 19	$4,350
Outback AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	17 / 23 / 19	$4,350
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[30]	17 / 23 / 19	$4,350
Outback Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[31]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[32]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[33]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	15.9%

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR AWD^[34].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5 GT^[35]	187 in	69 in	56 in	105 in	3,428 lb
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5i^[36]	187 in	69 in	56 in	105 in	3,252 lb
LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5 GT^[37]	189 in	69 in	58 in	105 in	3,351 lb
LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5i^[38]	189 in	69 in	58 in	105 in	3,351 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Legacy/Outback model year. The 2006 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	184	2
1996	169	3
1997	218	5
1998	241	4
1999	205	3
2000	301	3
2001	248	7
2002	197	4
2003	153	14
2004	139	10
2005	457	9
2006	364	7
2007	162	9
2008	291	9
2009	171	13
2010	510	18
2011	819	16
2012	384	16
2013	363	12
2014	261	10
2015	670	5
2016	790	4
2017	1,038	4

NHTSA's counts for the Legacy/Outback show 364 complaints and 7 recalls for 2006^[3]. Among the 23 model years listed, 15 have fewer complaints than 2006 and 7 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2004 (139) and the most are for 2017 (1,038)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2006 Legacy/Outback?

These are unverified owner reports, so they show patterns and do not prove how any one car will behave^[1]. The speed control group is the largest on file at 128 complaints^[2]. Air bag complaints number 53, and that group has the most crashes attached to it, with 6^[7]. A used car from this year deserves a careful inspection and a look at its repair history. Check the recall section above, since this year has 7 recalls on file^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: The biggest group in the complaints is speed control, with 128 complaints^[2]. Engine has 70^[5] and electrical has 59^[6].
Does the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?: Yes. The by-year facts show 7 recalls for this year^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many miles does a 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback last?: We do not have a mileage limit to give. The engine complaints show a median mileage at failure of 95,666^[5]. These are unverified owner reports.
Is the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?: There are 364 complaints on file^[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a guide only. Check the by-year section and the recalls on this page.
What is the gas mileage of the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

2006 this page
2008 291 complaints, 9 recalls
2010 510 complaints, 18 recalls
2011 819 complaints, 16 recalls
2012 384 complaints, 16 recalls
2013 363 complaints, 12 recalls
2014 261 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 670 complaints, 5 recalls
2016 790 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 1,038 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

Other Subaru models from 2006

2006 Subaru Tribeca 93 complaints, 8 recalls

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2006: compact cars

2006 Pontiac G6 1,910 complaints, 6 recalls
2006 Saab 9-3 179 complaints, 2 recalls
2006 Saturn Ion 1,235 complaints, 4 recalls
2006 Volvo S60 31 complaints, 3 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 364 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback (13 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
128 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Legacy/Outback model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
70 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,666). NHTSA vehicle records
59 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
53 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 112,000). NHTSA vehicle records
41 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
41 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 110,000). NHTSA vehicle records
29 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V323, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V311, filed June 10, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V110, filed March 27, 2013: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5 GT: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,428 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5i: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5 GT: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5i: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy