2006 Subaru WRX: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The secondary air injection pump failed to turn off and nearly caught fire. Subaru has recalled this part and the related relay switch for 2008-14 imprezas, but this problem also exists with 2006 imprezas. My mechanic says this is very common failure point for my model.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
“Started my 2006 subaru wrx this morning in 5 degree temp, and there is an extremely strong smell of gasoline in the cabin. I have a short drive to work, but the smell stayed strong for a good 10mins. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2014
“Code p1410 secondary air injection system switching valve stuck open. This is a common error many 2006 and up subaru impreza wrx owners are having. The emissions system is prone to fail due to carbon buildup or moisture and rust contaminating valves, leading to repairs costing $700 to $1500. This failure is common even with low mileage. Note these codes are also associated with this failure: 06/07 wrx: p0410 p0411 p0413 p0414 p0416 p0417 p0418 p2431 p2432 p2433 p2440 p2441 p2442 p2443 p2444 07 sti: p0410 p0411 p0413 p0414 p0418 p2431 p2432 p2433 p2441 p2444 *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2012
Show 5 more owner reports
“Stud bolt connecting strut arm from rear hatch to car frame failed. This caused the strut arm to become disconnected with the rear hatch and the rear hatch door no long is able to remain ajar without manual support. Door will close on user without notice. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2011
“1. Oil light flickers on and then stays on at idle or under low rev's 2. The failure is the oil pick up line resulting in a cracked line and damaged engine. 3. Usually damage is sufficient to warrant a replaced long block and turbo from manufacturer. However no sufficient replacement is made about part prone to failure even with a new engine. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2009
“Broken oil pickup tube, driving home from work the pickup tube broke causing the oil in the oilpan to not circulate through the system. This destroyed all internal bearings and likely fatigued many other engine internals. The dealership replaced all bearings under warranty but did not replace any other engine block components. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2008
“Fuel system lines and hoses become unstable, leaking fuel and fuel odors are present in cabin of vehicle. The nature of this complaint follows NHTSA recall campaign number: pe04002. That report found that the condition manifested in "very cold" temperatures. However, it has started in 45-50 degree f. The undersigned request that the investigation be reopened. Further, the problem does not resolve itself upon engine warm up. Smell of fuel lingers in and around the vehicle even while parked in garage. Noticeable loss in range of car upon full tank of gas. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2006
“I started my car on saturday may 18th and could not drive it. Clutch was bad. I've had the car 13 months, it has 13k miles on it and the dealer told me it was my fault-driver error. This is my 4th car with a manual transmission (ironically the first new car) and I have never, ever had a clutch problem with any of the others-ranging from an older saturn to an m series bmw. According to subaru, they can't/won't do anything if the technician says the problem was caused by driver error. They said all I can do is ask the service manager to give me a "goodwill" discount. I am not holding my breath. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
How other years compare
Check your exact WRX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Subaru WRX reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Subaru WRX. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2006 Subaru WRX have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.