2006 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Subaru Forester, 13% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the temp gets into the teens or lower gas leaks in and around the engine. This is dangerous!! I have found fuel near area that get very hot, and I am worried about my family starting on fire. Soa recalled a few years to repair this issue, but not all that are affected.”
NHTSA complaint #10684241, filed 2015-02, 60,000 miles“I have a hesitation when accelerating from a stop caused by my vehicle's drive by wire throttle body. This hesitation is ongoing despite an ECM reprogramming done by the dealer on 12/16/08. It is bad enough that I'm afraid I'm going to get into a collision sometime.”
NHTSA complaint #10252993, filed 2008-12, 43,944 miles“There are two problems with the 2006 Subaru Forester that I have. It has less than 5000 miles on it and continually fails to start, whether from a cold start or a warm start. The engine will attempt to crank but will not catch and actually turn over. This issue has happened multiple times. I took the car into the dealership and they stated that I had to hold the ignition switch in the acc position to prime the lines. I've never head of having to prime a car in this day and age. However, I since have tried doing that and the issue still persists. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174190, filed 2006-11, 2,500 miles“Vehicle was repaired several months ago pursuant to a safety recall involving the fuel filter. As a result, the catalytic converters were damaged and required replacement, conducted as part of the recall. Recently, the vehicle unexpectedly overheated and caused significant damage to the engine, without any check engine sensor or other indicator signifying such a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10343081, filed 2010-07, 73,000 miles“Head gasket leak on the driver's side cylinder head of a 2006 Subaru Forester x. Mom's car (also a 2006 Subaru Forester x) has identical head gasket leak but on the passenger's side cylinder head. There is the possibility of oil dripping on the hot exhaust manifold. My car has had the head gaskets replaced under warranty. Her car is yet to be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10252931, filed 2008-12, 34,576 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10173117Mar 10, 2020This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
- 10131702Feb 6, 20172.5 Liter N/A engine only. REVISED. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. A modification to the Engine…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10038970Jun 3, 2011Subaru service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Ecm reprogramming procedure. 2006-2010 legacy/outback/forester/impreza. *rm updated 9/26/11.
- 10024965Mar 19, 2008Intake manifold modification.
- 10020531Oct 9, 2006Vehicles equipped with 4 eat diagnostic procedures for p0851/p0852.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2006 Subaru Forester
20 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology