2006 Subaru Outback Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the wheels of the 2006 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 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.
“2006 Subaru Outback head gaskets went bad at about 35,000 miles.had to replace those called Subaru and they help me get those replaced. Thought all was well soon after, the electrical system including the air conditioner and the heater .then I was told that the airbags were defaulted and to bring it into replace them which I did. The final straw is that they called me again two weeks ago to bring the rigging to replace that same airbag again. I asked them why they gave me a car that wasn't safe. The wheel bearings also wore out very early around 50 miles. This car has been so expensive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11404941, filed 2021-03, 160,000 miles“Recently had to replace a rear wheel bearing in my 2006 Subaru legacy Outback, which only has approx. 46,000 miles. My mechanic indicated that he has seen several of these failures in the newer subarus, but that Subaru has not issued a recall notice.”
NHTSA complaint #10284087, filed 2009-09, 46,000 miles“Front wheel bearings failed. Initially, the noise happened around 30-40 MPH. Then the noise (grinding/rotational) got progressively louder and started happening even at low speeds (under 20 MPH). Eventually, the noise was accompanied by vibrations/shuddering when the broken bearing supported the load of the car on every rotation of the wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10565184, filed 2014-02, 59,000 miles“Rear wheel bearings on both sides had to be replaced. This is a known problem (faulty wheel bearings) in 2005 and 2006 outbacks and Subaru has an extended warranty covering certain vins under 100k, but my VIN was not in that list.”
NHTSA complaint #10440480, filed 2011-12, 97,000 miles“Vehicle becomes very unstable on icy roads at relatively low speeds. Excessive rear tire wear suggests defect in construction of this vehicle. Problem persisted even after a 4 wheel alignment and new tires last winter. Rear tires completely worn out in less than one year.”
NHTSA complaint #10368848, filed 2010-11Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10026727Apr 3, 2008Subaru service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There is a slight possibility that one or both of the vehicle's rear wheel bearings may, over time, develop…
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 7% |
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 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