2006 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2006 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,500 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.
“No heat, air and of all defrost for the front window stops working while driving, also everything is controlled thru the radio whick could have bad cold solder joints . Very dangerous when shuts down while driving on the highway”
NHTSA complaint #11312200, filed 2020-02, 125,000 miles“The 2006 Subaru Outback limited was moving at about 60 MPH down the highway with no traffic around. A noise of shattering glass was heard, although no evidence of broken glass was immediately noticed. When the car was stationary, the owner observed the vehicle and found the front panoramic sunroof glass panel had shattered. There were no vehicles around when this incident happened and the temperature had been very stable up to that point in the day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11034349, filed 2017-10, 191,000 miles“I noticed a glare in the windshield above the dashboard making it difficult/annoying to see. This appears to be due to the dashboard melting and losing the grainy effect which reduced the glare. The dash is sticky and very reflective in the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10650987, filed 2014-10, 122,000 miles“Rear wiper ceased functioning. The problem was due to broken wire(s) in a wiring harness that passes through a rubber accordion boot between the car body and the tail-gate (near the right-hand tailgate hinge). Many of the other wires, affecting upper brake light, license plate lights, backup lights, and tailgate latch/lock, were frayed and were replaced due to imminent failure of the above listed components. Research at an online forum for Subaru owners showed that many other owners (of 2005 and 2006 Subaru outbacks) have experienced similar failures due to broken wires in this wiring harness. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498538, filed 2013-02, 60,000 miles“My new 2006 Subaru Outback will not fully defrost the front windshield on the passenger side. My dealer told me there have been complaints in the past, but there is nothing they can do about it! I feel it is a real safety hazard while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10175528, filed 2006-12Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 108 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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