2006 Subaru Forester Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 15%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the fuel system of the 2006 Subaru Forester, 15% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 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.
“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“Upon start up in cold weather there is a very strong smell of fuel inside the cabin of the car. It made myself and my daughter feel very ill. Had to exit my 2006 Subaru Forester xt. Inspected engine under the hood to find leaking fuel lines. Googled the problem to discover it is reacurrent with this make/model/year as evident by similar complaints in Subaru forums, google search, and fb pages. This is a danger to health and safety and should be recalled. Vehicle is under 100,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936146, filed 2016-12, 80,000 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“In february 2013 my Forester developed a very strong fuel smell. After investigation I discovered the rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold were cracked and leaking fuel onto the engine block, a significant amount of fuel. I paid $550 for repair. Now today I have once again started to develop a fuel odor and assuming when I investigate I will find another leak. Upon researching I see numerous posts in forums and other social media as well as some on your guys website indicating similar issues. Additionally a recall was issued for 2003 wrx for the exact same problem (09v46800). …”
NHTSA complaint #10676627, filed 2015-01, 90,000 miles“This incident first occurred shortly after my last oil change at about 38,000 miles. During four of the last eight times I have refueled my 2006 Subaru Forester, which now has about 40,000 miles, the filling pump has not automatically shut off when my gas tank was full. As a result, gasoline overflowed from my fuel tank and spilled out. Fortunately, no fire has resulted, and I have managed to dodge the spray. However, I am concerned about spilling gasoline, and I fear that I will one day spill gasoline on myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230180, filed 2008-06, 38,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10032510Oct 1, 2009Subaru service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel tank one way fuel valve. Certain models require permanent removal of the one way fuel valve located in…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 17 | 17% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 4% |
| 2017 | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 57 | 9% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 24% |
| 2004 | 124 | 57% |
| 2003 | 57 | 30% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2006 Subaru Forester
20 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsEngine cooling
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 30, 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