2006 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2006 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,500 miles.
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.
“The headlights leak I had to replace one about $450.00 because it had water in it . The passenger side now has water in it I will have to replace it also. The vehicle only has 25,000 miles I would think in this day and age you could make a headlight assembly that does not leak and become a safety hazard. The passenger headlight in dec 2016”
NHTSA complaint #10837408, filed 2016-02, 20,000 miles“Purchased in ak in 2007. Approximately 13,000 miles on engine. Paperwork listed entry-point: hawaii. Current 2016 mileage: less than 60,000. Ongoing intermittent problems since purchase: doors' locks electronic-responses unpredictably fail. Sometimes they work; other times locks must be opened manually. (side note: windows rattle distinctly when opening and closing doors; windows and doors have always felt too loose.) headlights and tail-lights fail sooner than normal, indicating an electronic problem causing shorts.these issues have been ongoing from purchase in 2007 to current 2016.”
NHTSA complaint #10863821, filed 2016-05, 13,000 miles“2006 Forester low beam headlights failed to provide sufficient light for safe travel. ***transferred to nvs220**** the head light unit has a grooved, straight-line designed at the top of the glass area that apparently causes the room darkening effect in front of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10154059, filed 2006-03Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2006 Subaru Forester
20 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 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 31, 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