2006 Subaru Forester Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,090miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,090 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“This is a repeatable event that could lead to an injury: purchased a new 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5x end of october 2005. After approx. Two weeks car began to experience unexpected engine RPM increases immediately after a cold start. When car is first started, engine rpms are at around 1500. Put car into reverse and back out of parking space. When the clutch is depressed, engine rpms shoot up to 3000+. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146199, filed 2005-12, 180 miles“My wife and leased two new 2006 Subaru foresters in may 2006. Since we obtained the vehicles both exhibited a hesitation when attempting to accelerate. We brought the vehicles to the dealership three times to have the problem corrected, but they were unable to do so. I then contacted Subaru customer service to report the problem. I did not get any satisfaction. I then sent two letters to the president of Subaru. …”
NHTSA complaint #10189274, filed 2007-04“The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing at 5 MPH, the vehicle surged backward and crashed into a house. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired for the body damages. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 10/21/11 the consumer stated the transmission failed as well. Updated evoq 10/26/11”
NHTSA complaint #10428330, filed 2011-10, 104,000 miles“Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11494619, filed 2022-11Related service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10150949Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10150924Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10089957Jan 15, 2014Repair procedure for high-pitched sound from extension housing area using latest generation production parts - this bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and…
- 10234828May 22, 2013This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension…
- 10234261Dec 12, 2012Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 | 15 | 7% |
| 2020 | 32 | 5% |
| 2019 | 38 | 5% |
| 2018 | 23 | 5% |
| 2017 | 46 | 8% |
| 2016 | 51 | 12% |
| 2015 | 95 | 15% |
| 2014 | 41 | 10% |
| 2013 | 6 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 10% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 11 | 15% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
| 2002 | 16 | 18% |
| 2001 | 23 | 17% |
| 2000 | 21 | 28% |
| 1999 | 32 | 24% |
| 1998 | 23 | 23% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTires
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