2006 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,674miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,674 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.
“Subaru has recall on wheel bearings and state my Outback does not fit into recall. However it is the same part that has failed, yet they state they fixed the problem. Headgasket is leaking at 125,000, Subaru states replacement gaskets are better however I am expected to pay 2000 for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10448264, filed 2012-02, 100,000 miles“Incident happened at a red light in traffic at rush hour. After pulling up to a red light to a full stop, the light turned green and the throttle stuck open at exactly 2500rpm. The car accelerated from a dead stop and continued to do so with no input from me. The gas pedal does nothing at all. I had to apply brakes and move off the road to avoid traffic. Check engine light is solid and the cruise control light flashes.”
NHTSA complaint #10432350, filed 2011-10, 81,000 miles“After slowing to a near stop at the bottom of an interstate highway exit ramp, my car suddenly, and without warning, died and I lost all systems, including engine and power steering. All I was able to do was drift to the side of the road. Subaru initially believed that the ECM had failed. After replacing the ECM, it became apparent that that was not the issue. Subaru ultimately determined that the wiring harness housing had melted against the coolant crossover pipe, exposing wiring which was then shorting out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10378988, filed 2011-01, 59,500 miles“While driving on a limit access highway, the check engine light came on and the vehicle immediately went into limp home mode. This event nearly resulted in a high speed rear end collision.”
NHTSA complaint #10437608, filed 2011-11, 117,000 miles“Engine lost power and had to pull to side of road. Retrieved error code p2138 (accelerator pedal position sensor) from (dlc) data link connector in car.”
NHTSA complaint #10446839, filed 2012-02, 151,965 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
- 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.
- 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2006 Subaru Outback
98 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsSuspension
37 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Subaru Outback
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