2006 Subaru Legacy Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance3023.8%
- Engine2015.9%
- Electrical1713.5%
- Fuel system1612.7%
- Airbags1310.3%
- Brakes107.9%
- Powertrain (other)54.0%
- Suspension43.2%
- Transmission32.4%
- Steering21.6%
- Visibility10.8%
- Interior & seats10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED NOR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
CAR LOSS POWER AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH A SOLID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BLINKING CRUISE ON THE DASH. THE RPM JUMPED HIGH WITH OUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING PUSHED DOWN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING AT 25 MPH BEFORE THE AFOREMENTIONED HAPPENED.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS ONLY AFFECT 05-06 LEGACY GT OWNERS. THE UP-PIPE FOR THE SUBARU LEGACY GT IN THESE GIVEN YEARS HAVE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THERE AND AFTER A CERTAIN MILEAGE, THE DEBRIS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING DOWN WOULD SHOOT BACK INTO THE TURBOCHARGER. THAT WOULD CAUSE THE TURBO FAILURE AND STALL THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THE UP-PIPE DOES NOT HAVE ANY INDICATION OF % OF WEAR AND MOST NON-CAR ENTHUSIASTS WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS CAUSED BY EXCEPT FOR AN EXPENSIVE TURBO REPLACEMENT AND UP-PIPE REPLACEMENTS. MOST OF THE OWNERS OF THESE ISSUES TURN OVER TO CATLESS UP-PIPE BUT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OVERBOOSTING OR THE ENGINE RUN RICH, FURTHER DAMAGING THE ENGINE. THIS CAN BE PRETTY DANGEROUS IF A PERSON IS ON A ROAD TRIP AND HAVING A LONG DRIVE AS IT DIRECTLY IMPACT THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. SUBARU HAS RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE AND THEREFORE 07+ TURBO MODELS ALL HAVE A CATLESS UP-PIPE WITH THE ECU TUNED TO THAT SPECIFICATION. I BELIEVE IT IS NOT FAIR FOR 05-06 LEGACY GT OWNERS TO HAVE TO SUFFER FROM SUCH A CRITICAL ISSUE WITHOUT SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION OR RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
I HAD RUN INTO A FEW SMALL PROBLEMS THIS WINTER, LIKE MY STEERING WHEEL NOT TURNING WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD, BUT I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST MAJOR PROBLEM WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, BUT HAD BEEN RUNNING. I WAS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH, HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK, THEN WHEN I WENT TO SHIFT IT BACK INTO DRIVE, NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. IT WAS STUCK IN PARK. I DON'T THINK THE PROBLEM WAS TEMP. RELATED, IT WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON/OFF FOUR OR FIVE TIMES I WAS ABLE TO GET IT GOING, BUT MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE. WHILE DRIVING HOME I NOTICED THAT THE "BRAKE" LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE NEXT DAY, I STARTED MY CAR BEFORE WORK TO DEFROST MY WINDOWS. THE CAR STARTED JUST FINE (ALL THE ELECTRICS WORKED AND THE ENGINE WAS ON AND RUNNING), AND I WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER I CAME BACK TO MY CAR, AND THE ENGINE HAD TURNED OFF. AT FIRST THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WORKED. MY FRIEND CAME AND TESTED THE VOLTAGE ANYWAY, BECAUSE A DEAD BATTERY IS COMMON WHEN IT GETS COLD, AND THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THE WARNING LIGHTS THAT I NOTICED WERE ON WERE THE "BRAKE" LIGHT, AS WELL AS THE "ABS" LIGHT. AFTER TRYING TO TURN IT ON A COUPLE TIMES, ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. IT WILL START IF I LEAVE IT FOR A FEW HOURS, BUT I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR LOSS POWER AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH A SOLID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BLINKING CRUISE ON THE DASH. THE RPM JUMPED HIGH WITH OUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING PUSHED DOWN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING AT 25 MPH BEFORE THE AFOREMENTIONED HAPPENED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SLOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE JOHNSON SUBARU OF CARY (919-238-6864, LOCATED AT 5010 OLD RALEIGH RD, CARY, NC 27511, WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL UNDER THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY. 136,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS ONLY AFFECT 05-06 LEGACY GT OWNERS. THE UP-PIPE FOR THE SUBARU LEGACY GT IN THESE GIVEN YEARS HAVE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THERE AND AFTER A CERTAIN MILEAGE, THE DEBRIS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING DOWN WOULD SHOOT BACK INTO THE TURBOCHARGER. THAT WOULD CAUSE THE TURBO FAILURE AND STALL THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THE UP-PIPE DOES NOT HAVE ANY INDICATION OF % OF WEAR AND MOST NON-CAR ENTHUSIASTS WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS CAUSED BY EXCEPT FOR AN EXPENSIVE TURBO REPLACEMENT AND UP-PIPE REPLACEMENTS. MOST OF THE OWNERS OF THESE ISSUES TURN OVER TO CATLESS UP-PIPE BUT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OVERBOOSTING OR THE ENGINE RUN RICH, FURTHER DAMAGING THE ENGINE. THIS CAN BE PRETTY DANGEROUS IF A PERSON IS ON A ROAD TRIP AND HAVING A LONG DRIVE AS IT DIRECTLY IMPACT THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. SUBARU HAS RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE AND THEREFORE 07+ TURBO MODELS ALL HAVE A CATLESS UP-PIPE WITH THE ECU TUNED TO THAT SPECIFICATION. I BELIEVE IT IS NOT FAIR FOR 05-06 LEGACY GT OWNERS TO HAVE TO SUFFER FROM SUCH A CRITICAL ISSUE WITHOUT SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION OR RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE UPON ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AFTER PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING . I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE AND MISSED BEING HIT FROM BEHIND FROM ON COMING TRAFFIC...I NOTICE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND FLASHING CRUSE CONTROL LIGHT... SECOND TIME SOME WEEKS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
OUR CAR WAS RECALLED DUE TO A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN 2016, SO SEVERE THAT THE LETTER STATED THAT DEATH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. AFTER AN INITIAL APPOINTMENT, WE WERE TOLD WE HAD TO WAIT ABOUT A MONTH FOR THE REPLACEMENT TO BE DELIVERED. DURING THIS TIME, WE WERE NOT ABLE TO HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. WE HAD TO ARRANGE FOR OTHER TRANSPORTATION ON THE DAY THAT OUR CAR WAS REPAIRED AS WELL AS WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY INSPECTED FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE, WE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK A THIRD TIME BECAUSE IN THE COURSE OF FIXING THE AIRBAG, THE DEALERSHIP DAMAGED OUR KEYLESS REMOTE (WHICH THEY FIXED). WE LOST VALUABLE TIME FROM WORK. NOW, LESS THAN 3 YEARS LATER, THE SAME CAR IS BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG POSSES A SAFETY HAZARD, THIS TIME DUE TO THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. WE ARE TAKING IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, BUT AGAIN, THE SOONEST THEY CAN GET IT INTO THE SHOP IS MARCH 11. AGAIN, WE ARE LEFT WITH A CAR THAT CANNOT TRANSPORT A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER FOR OVER A MONTH. THIS TIME, THE DEALERSHIP IS OFFERING A FREE LOANER CAR ON THE DAY THAT OUR CAR WILL BE IN THE SHOP, BUT WE ARE STILL LOSING VALUABLE TIME DUE TO THIS. THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE OWNED IT. THE FIRST WAS A BRAKE LINE RECALL.
TAKATA RECALL
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving down the highway I had to slam on my brakes to avoid colliding with someone and at that time the brake pedal went soft. Upon further inspection 2 different brake hard lines running to the rear of the vehicle have corroded and failed. This issue was supposed to be remedied under 14V311000 and the vehicle was originally taken in for that recall. Subaru of America was contacted and said because the recall work had already been completed they would not address the issue.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TPS MALFUNTION. STOPS ACCELERATION AT THE HIGHWAY THAT ALMOST CAUSES AN ACCIDENT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUNE 2012 - REPLACED FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WHICH WERE WORN AFTER ONLY ~80,000 MILES, EARLIER THAN WOULD BE EXPECTED. REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE ALSO WEARING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. AUGUST 2013 - AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SHOP WHO INFORMED ME IT WAS A FAULTY MAP LIGHT ASSEMBLY. WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH SUBARU'S WHICH RESEARCH ONLINE CONFIRMED. *JS
OUR 2006 LEGACY OUTBACK WAS OUR 4TH FAMILY SUBARU, AND WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED USED. I'M A DRIVER WITH OVER 48 YEARS OF ACCIDENT-FREE EXPERIENCE IN NEW ENGLAND AND THE NORTHERN US, TRAVELING ON PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TRIPS DURING ALL TYPES OF SEVERE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO-LANE STATE ROAD, LIGHT SNOW HAD JUST BEGUN. SPEED LIMIT (50) AND JUST DEVELOPING CONDITIONS WARRANTED NO SPECIAL CONCERNS, HOWEVER ONCE OR TWICE THE BACK END FELT AS THOUGH WIND WAS AFFECTING TRAVEL (THERE WAS NO WIND), I SLOWED TO 30-35 MPH ALTHOUGH SNOW STILL HADN'T COVERED THE ROAD. MINUTES LATER WHILE ON A STRAIGHT-AWAY WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING AT A DISTANCE, THE FRONT END BEGAN DRIFTING INTO THE OTHER LANE. WITHOUT BRAKING OR ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN ACCELERATION, I SLOWLY CORRECTED AND THE CAR BEGAN TO COME BACK TO THE RIGHT, HOWEVER AS I STRAIGHTENED THE WHEEL, THE CAR BEGAN PUSHING HARD TO THE RIGHT, AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO MY COUNTER STEERING. THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE NEAR THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. NOW I CAN UNDERSTAND THE CAR DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT AFTER MY INITIAL CORRECTION, SINCE THE ROAD WAS CROWNED IN THE CENTER AND THE ROAD HAD SNOW ON IT. HOWEVER, I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR HAD DRIFTED TO THE LEFT INITIALLY. IT WAS A STRAIGHT-AWAY, I WAS STEERING STRAIGHT SO IT WASN'T A CASE OF UNDER-STEER, AND THE PECULIAR THING WAS THAT AT THE TIME IT FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR END WAS PUSHING ME OUT OF MY LANE. NONE OF THIS MADE ANY SENSE UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN WE BEGAN RESEARCHING AND LEARNED OF SIMILAR REPORTS DESCRIBED AS 'GHOST WALKING'. THE INITIAL EXPERIENCE OF THE 'WIND' SENSATION WIGGLING THE BACK END, AND THE INEXPLICABLE 'PUSH' FROM THE REAR RIGHT SEEMED TO FIT WELL WITH THE EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS. ONE OTHER NOTE, BETWEEN OUR TWO DOGS AND SOME LUGGAGE, WE DID HAVE ABOUT 250 LBS LOADED FROM THE REAR SEATS TO THE STORAGE AREA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 06 SUBARU LEGACY GT.AT MY 30,000MILE CHECKUP THE REPORT STATES GOOD EXCEPT THE REAR BRAKE PADS & ROTORS WHICH IS RATED; MAY REQUIRE FOLLOW UP ATTENTION.THE REAR ROTORS WERE MACHINED. AT 37,778 MILES THE RADIO WAS REPLACED DUE TO IT SHORTING OUT. AT THIS MILEAGE MY COOLANT CAP IS NO LONGER HOLDING PRESSURE & HAS TO BE REPLACED. AT 44,542MILES, THE INVOICE SAYS REPLACE REAR BRAKES AS ONLY THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED & THE REAR ROTORS WERE MACHINED 6,000MILES AGO. AT 47,560 MILES FOURTH GEAR IS GRINDING.THE INVOICE STATES; FOUND LOW/DIRTY MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID.THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 30,000MILES & THE FLUID LEVELS ARE TO BE CHECKED AT EVERY VISIT WHICH WAS LAST AT 47,478 MILES.TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS REPLACED.AT 47,560 MILES; FOUND REAR BRAKE ROTORS WARPED EXCESSIVELY.THIS WAS NOT MENTIONED AT 44,542MILES WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AT THIS TIME AGAIN; AS THE FRONT ROTORS WERE TO THIN & WERE REPLACED. FROM 3-5-08 WHEN THE LAST MAJOR INSPECTION WAS DONE THE FRONT ROTORS WERE MARKED;MAY REQUIRE FOLLOW UP ATTENTION.ON 4-17-08 THE ROTORS ARE TOO THIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED.AT 50,129 MILES THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED.THE LEAKING INNER AXLE SEALS WAS UNNOTICED BY THE TECHNICIAN UNTIL I MENTIONED IT. THE INVOICE STATES;THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE FRONT INNER AXLE SEALS LEAKING. FOUND KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH FRONT AXLES CAUSED BY LACK OF GREASE DUE TO LEAKING BOOTS. THE AXLE BOOTS WERE REPLACED. AT 53,455 MILES FOUND FRONT ROTORS WARPED, RESURFACED FRONT ROTORS AS THEY WERE JUST REPLACED AT 47,560 MILES. THE CLUTCH FEELS THAT IT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY,FOURTH GEAR IS GRINDING AGAIN & IS DIFFICULT TO GET INTO GEAR.WHEN SHIFTING AT TIMES, CLUTCH WILL BE COMPLETELY DISENGAGED AND VEHICLE REVS TO 5000+RPMS FOR NO REASON.I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP TO TAKE TO MY TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOR A 2ND OPINION; THE HOOD WASN'T CLOSED, IT WAS ONLY LATCHED.
CAR HESITATES FOR 1 SECOND BEFORE MOVING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 20MPH DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE LOST IT'S THROTTLE CAPABILITIES. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS I COULD ONLY CHANGE LANES AT IDLE SPEEDS. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AND SIDE SWIPED. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL YEARS OF LEGACY/OUTBACK MODELS. *TR
OUR 2006 LEGACY OUTBACK WAS OUR 4TH FAMILY SUBARU, AND WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED USED. I'M A DRIVER WITH OVER 48 YEARS OF ACCIDENT-FREE EXPERIENCE IN NEW ENGLAND AND THE NORTHERN US, TRAVELING ON PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TRIPS DURING ALL TYPES OF SEVERE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO-LANE STATE ROAD, LIGHT SNOW HAD JUST BEGUN. SPEED LIMIT (50) AND JUST DEVELOPING CONDITIONS WARRANTED NO SPECIAL CONCERNS, HOWEVER ONCE OR TWICE THE BACK END FELT AS THOUGH WIND WAS AFFECTING TRAVEL (THERE WAS NO WIND), I SLOWED TO 30-35 MPH ALTHOUGH SNOW STILL HADN'T COVERED THE ROAD. MINUTES LATER WHILE ON A STRAIGHT-AWAY WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING AT A DISTANCE, THE FRONT END BEGAN DRIFTING INTO THE OTHER LANE. WITHOUT BRAKING OR ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN ACCELERATION, I SLOWLY CORRECTED AND THE CAR BEGAN TO COME BACK TO THE RIGHT, HOWEVER AS I STRAIGHTENED THE WHEEL, THE CAR BEGAN PUSHING HARD TO THE RIGHT, AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO MY COUNTER STEERING. THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE NEAR THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. NOW I CAN UNDERSTAND THE CAR DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT AFTER MY INITIAL CORRECTION, SINCE THE ROAD WAS CROWNED IN THE CENTER AND THE ROAD HAD SNOW ON IT. HOWEVER, I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR HAD DRIFTED TO THE LEFT INITIALLY. IT WAS A STRAIGHT-AWAY, I WAS STEERING STRAIGHT SO IT WASN'T A CASE OF UNDER-STEER, AND THE PECULIAR THING WAS THAT AT THE TIME IT FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR END WAS PUSHING ME OUT OF MY LANE. NONE OF THIS MADE ANY SENSE UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN WE BEGAN RESEARCHING AND LEARNED OF SIMILAR REPORTS DESCRIBED AS 'GHOST WALKING'. THE INITIAL EXPERIENCE OF THE 'WIND' SENSATION WIGGLING THE BACK END, AND THE INEXPLICABLE 'PUSH' FROM THE REAR RIGHT SEEMED TO FIT WELL WITH THE EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS. ONE OTHER NOTE, BETWEEN OUR TWO DOGS AND SOME LUGGAGE, WE DID HAVE ABOUT 250 LBS LOADED FROM THE REAR SEATS TO THE STORAGE AREA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED OFF AFTER 5 HOURS OF USE. THE WIPERS CAME BACK ON AND WENT OFF AGAIN THREE TIMES BEFORE QUITTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND LEFT OVER NIGHT BEFORE IT COULD BE INSPECTED THE NEXT MORNING. UPON INSPECTION THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL THERE IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT TURNS OFF THE WIPER MOTOR BEFORE IT BECOMES TOO HOT. ALTHOUGH THE CIRCUIT BREAKER DID NOT APPEAR TO BE FAULTY THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. DURING THE RETURN TRIP THE WIPERS FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP. *NM UPDATED 2/28/2006 - THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FAULTY BRUSHINGS IN THE WIPER MOTOR. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS FAULTY RESULTING IN THE CAR NOT REALIZING WHEN A PERSON IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO GO OFF WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE PROJECTOR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS PROVIDE LIMITED VISIBILITY WHEN TRAVELING UP OR DOWNHILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER DETERMINED THIS WAS A DESIGN ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BEFORE THIS - ENGINE REPLACED WITH VERY FEW MILES - SUBARU CLAIMED NO WARRANTY - INSURANCE PAID BASED ON TINY LEAK IN RADIATOR - CAR JUST QUIT. NEVER KNEW OF ANY LEAK - NOT WATER IN GARAGE FLOOR EVER. THEN ON 12/28/10 HAD HEARD LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN FRONT END. SUBARU SENT WRECKER (2 HRS_ 1-WAY) TO PICK UP CAR - REPLACED FRONT END PROBLEMS. CONTINUED/CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE - TRULY A LEMON. I AM 77 - HAVE BEEN STRANDED MORE THAN 2 X'S RECENTLY - CAR JUST LOSES POWER - CK ENGINE & CRUISE LIGHTS - ALSO 10/9/12 DASH LIGHTS ON DROVE 6+ HOURS TO SERVICE IN NEW BRAUNFELS, TX. NEAREST DEALER IS 2.5 HRS AWAY 1-WAY. NEED DEALERS NO ONE ELSE WILL EVEN LOOK AT SUBARU. THIS IS TRULY THE SUBARU FROM HELL!!!!! LIMITED INCOME CANNOT BUY ANOTHER CAR BUT I SHOULD WOULD IF I COULD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I HAD BOUGHT A 2006 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5 GT LIMITED AND I LIVE IN THE HILLS OF WESTERN MA, SO MY CAR SAW 2 WINTERS. COMING BACK FROM BOSTON, MA 14 MILES FROM HOME (OUT OF 135 MILES) AS I WAS ENTERING CHARLMNT I SLOWED DOWN TO 30 MPH. AS I APPROACHED A CORNER WITH A CAR COMING IN MY LANE. I THOUGHT IF I WENT INTO HIS LANE BEST CASE SCENARIO I COULD MAKE IT. BUT WE CLIPPED BACK BUMPERS AND WHEN I PUT MY BRAKES ON THE CAR STARTED GOING FASTER AT THAT TIME I JUST SAID THERE WAS PUDDLE WITH ICE UNDERNEATH. BUT NOW WITH THE RECALL ABOUT THE BRAKE LINES IN CERTAIN STATES BEING RECALLED, THAT MAKES SINCE BECAUSE WHEN I SLAMMED ONTO MY BRAKES THE CAR STARTED TO GO FASTER NOT SLOWING DOWN. I CONTACTED ABOUT THE ACCIDENT [XXX] VP OF SUBARU OF AMERICA OR SOA. ALL HE KEPT ON DOING WAS DENYING ABOUT THIS AND OFFERING $500.00 IF I BOUGHT A NEW SUBARU AND NOW WITH THE RECALL OF THE BRAKES IT MAKES SENSE AND EVEN THE RECALL HE WON'T REPLACE MY VEHICLE IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT MY SUBARU WAS A LEMON AND AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR A CAR LIKE MINE TO SWAP IT OUT WITH. [XXX] PS: I BET THAT NEVER WILL I FILL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hub was replaced in June of 2019. Car was driven about 14,000 miles (estimate) since then. While driving down the road, I hard a noise on the front right tire. When I pulled the hub cap off, two bolts were sheared off, one nut was loose. I checked the torque on the remaining two bolts, and it was about 80 ft-lbs, which is what is specified in the manual. Since I torque all 5 in star order (twice) when I change tires, there is no change they were under or over torqued. Tires were changed twice a year by myself, so nuts went on/off four times since installing the hub. No other failures on any other studs, on two subaru cars that I followed the same practices on. I used a press to press out the studs (as pictured), but due to a defective design, the studs can't be removed without pressing out the bearing and separating the halves. Additionally the replacement studs I bought are a larger diameter, and have a shoulder that would have protected against this failure. As such this looks like a defective design. It's not an OEM replacement, it does not last a reasonable time, and presents a real risk of losing a tire at speed on a car. Manufacturer phone number as listed on Amazon is disconnected. Their web site is broken, and does not allow "chat" to work. Their listed phone number refused to allow a connection unless the dialer states their age, which makes it sound like a scam number. They claim a 10 year warranty, but want me to call them to process. Apparently I cannot do so, as they have made it impossible.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .