2006 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,268miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Subaru Legacy, 5% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,268 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.
“On june 24, 2008 my 06 Subaru Legacy lgt wagon suffered a serious engine failure. My oil pickup tube completely sheared off from the engine block due to a design flaw. Apparently this is a known problem with these pickup tubes for the Subaru Legacy & impreza models. I called the dealership to report my oil light was flashing, and I was told by the dealership rep to drive it in and they will check it out . I asked again are you sure its ok to drive and was told yes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232580, filed 2008-06, 37,837 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10237821, filed 2008-08, 29,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Legacy. While the vehicle was stopped, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. Once she pulled the vehicle over, she opened the hood and noticed flames coming from the radiator. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to her local mechanic and repaired. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The vehicle was never diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 36,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10230810, filed 2008-06, 36,700 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.
- 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…
- 10131701Feb 6, 2017REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain severe…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10120976Jun 13, 20162006-2009MY Legacy Spec B and 3.0R Limited Models with Bilstein® Front Struts models only. This bulletin provides an inspection method for the threaded portion of the front strut…
- 10235911Oct 10, 2014Intercooler/Intake Air Duct
- 10233441Apr 17, 2014Intercooler/Intake Air Duct
- 10084453Apr 17, 2014This bulletin announces availability of a revised replacement air intake duct for the turbocharged vehicles specified.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2006 Subaru Legacy
30 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Subaru Legacy
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