The Lemon Index2006 Subaru Outback.
The 2006 Subaru Outback is better than average by owner complaints: 34 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 83, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 277 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Subaru Outback year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 60K to 134K miles on the car (222 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 76K–134K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 71K–131K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 76K–119K miles
Recalls 7
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 7 recalls
- electrical 2019
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, c.
- brakes 2014
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
- brakes 2013
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 209 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Tires are falling apart. At less than 10,000 miles Subaru advised us to replace them. They are bridgestone potenza re92a 225 55r 17.
2006 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 10169379
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Subaru Outback reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 83; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2006 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (41%), tires (15%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru Outback have?
7 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Subaru Outback get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 60,000 and 134,700 miles. The middle report was at 95,300 miles, from 222 complaints.
Does the 2006 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works