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Vehicle safety record

2006 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (20) and the engine & cooling (12). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2005 has 75 and the 2007 has 68.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Impreza year, for its age

#133 most complained-about 2006 vehicle

Complaints
56
Recalls
10
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Most common 2006 Subaru Impreza problems

Share of all 56 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2006 Subaru Impreza recalls 10

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

20V003000111,562 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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.

Air bags: inflator module

20V002000127,547 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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.

Air bags: inflator module

20V001000258,813 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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.

Air bags: inflator module

17V02600069,529 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

Air bags: inflator module

17V01600062,764 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.

Air bags: inflator module

17V01400053,480 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Air bags: inflator module

16V359000146,010 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

Air bags: inflator module

16V358000302,127 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Suspension: lower arm

11V464000318,215 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
The risk
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Air bags: frontal

07V0430007,004 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain vehicles, the wiring harness for the air bag occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may have been pinched during production. Pinching of the wiring harness between the floor crossmember and the seat mounting bracket could result in a short circuit.
The risk
The passenger's front air bag could become disabled and may not deploy in the event of a crash increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Also an electrical short circuit could cause a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect to see if the wiring had been incorrectly routed under the seat bracket. If so, the dealer will repair any damaged wiring, reroute and secure the wiring harness in the correct location, and re-calibrate the occupant detection system as necessary. The recall began on march 9, 2007. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

What owners say

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56 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Impreza

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Airbags

My vehicle contains faulty airbags that can launch shrapnel at the passenger if it goes off, this is a common recall for many vehicles. This airbag system can put everyone in the car at risk if it ever triggers. Subaru has refused multiple times to fix this recall because the vehicle was originally Canadian and the VIN number is not in the US branches data base. Over the past 2 years I have made efforts to both Canadian and American corporate branches as well as multiple dealerships. At the end of the day the...

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duty to transfer the VIN between databases falls on the dealers efforts to reach out and the corporate branches cooperation - neither of which are happening. The vehicle is fully and legally imported, registered in California, stock, and has passed smog very recently.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11669766
Brakes

I was driving home, and my foot fell to the floor when I hit the brakes. Thankfully, I was coasting to the front of my house, so I was able to stop using the hand brake. Upon inspection and professional opinion from the Subaru dealership, the brake line rusted through just after the rear junction block, identical to the recall NUMBER: WQK-47. However, my VIN was not included in this recall, and I am learning on YouTube and from the dealership that this is a common failure with my year and model vehicle.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11656090
Fuel system

Fuel lines under intake manifold leaking during cold weather. Causing smell to be pungent in cabin and in engine bay. Inspection upon request is allowed. Adds safety risk for potential fire in engine bay. Has not be confirmed or inspected by nobody else at this moment for this car specifically, however it is a common issue for these model Subarus. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure. First appear when temperatures started to drop below 40 degrees F.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11565345
SteeringSuspension

Car passed inspection in May of 2022 and just last month (September) the passenger side control arm completely rotted out. I had to make emergency repairs but then discovered there is a recall.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11489088
Brakes

While my 75 year-old mother was driving home from the job she still works to pay her bills, the brakes on her subaru failed. The car was in motion, pulling out of the parking lot of the building where she works. Fortunately, she was able to get to a safe place and stop the vehicle, and thankfully she was not injured. Upon inspection, we discovered the failure was due to corroded brake lines. The lines leaked in the right rear area, near the wheel. Investigating online, I discovered a huge recall of subarus...

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around the same year, make and model as my mom's. But according to subaru of america and nhtsa, unfortunately, my mon's car is for some reason not covered by this recall. That seems like an oversight, because the lines are definitely corroded, and my mom lives in the same 'salt belt' area (western massachusetts) where the 600k+ other, covered, subarus are. I know recall investigations take time, so this complaint probably won't help us ' mom will have to pay out of pocket to repair the lines, which will likely cost all of her limited monthly income from social security and jobs ' but if making this complaint helps others, it's well worth the effort. Thanks very much for your attention and assistance.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11360422
Engine & cooling

Hard start, rough idle, drove 3 miles, check engine light turns on, code: p0021 bank1/2. Did research. It's a banjo bolt filter/screen mine was cracked in half inside the oil line restricting oil to the turbo. Managed to remove one easily accessible banjo screen which fixed half the problem. The other bolt virtually not accessible by me. Almost all turbo vehicles from subaru experience this problem as code: p0021 or just catastrophic turbo/engine/coolant failure.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11340469
Airbags

Possibly related to takata recall after local dealer serviced the recall, the air bag light came on. Dealer has said it is fault code 26, which is related to a failure of the passenger airbag indicator. This problem is pervasive and wide spread, a simple google search will garnish tens and possibly hundreds of people citing this failure. On top of subaru not being forthcoming with this information, the dealer has only made problem worse in their attempt to fix what should be a simple wiring issue that many people...

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are able to fix on their own. It is unclear if the passenger airbag will deploy while this code is present. We believe it to be related to recall as the passenger wiring harness is involved in the repair and could have been incorrectly installed or the problem was their and the dealer did not tell us about it.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11244924
Fuel system

In cold temperatures when starting the car there is a smell of raw fuel that fills the cabin to the point where I have to get out of the vehicle and air it out before it would be safe to drive. Subaru has tsb's on this issue for many vehicle models and years but does not seem to think it is worthy of a recall. This issue first started for me about 3 years ago and has been a constant problem since.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11155855
Engine & cooling

Takata recall I purchased this car six months ago from a small dealeership in vacaville, ca. I paid half the price for the car in cash the day I bought it after they assured me that it cleared the state inspection. Not even 4000 miles after I purchased this vehicle the motor is blown and there is the takata recall from 2016 that has not been handled. I just purchased the car in 09/2017.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11078441
Airbags

Takata recall, I received a notification in the mail that there is a recall for my subaru impreza's air bags, I have called the dealer to make an appointment for a repair which the notification said would take 45minutes. The dealer scheduled an appointment, I waited a week without being able to use my vehicle. Then the dealer called me and told me that they have been unable to get the part. They also told me that when they do finally get the part the repair will take 3 days. They still have not called me to...

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schedule a new repair time. I am stuck without a vehicle still and I use the vehicle for work. I have no idea how long I will be without a vehicle because they will not tell me how long it will take to get the replacement part. They are not repairing my car in a timely manner. I would like to be compensated. They can give me a new car or a working used car without defect. Thank you

Filed Incident Air bags · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11061056
Airbags

Takata recall -- I have a 2006 subaru. I received a letter from them in march 2017 telling me there was a serious issue regarding the takata passenger side airbags, at that time they informed me that they did not have a fix. It is now october 2017 and I have not received any information from subaru regarding a fix. What do I do? It concerns the safety of my passengers and quite possibly me as a driver. It is not a effective solution to wait for something to happen. The recall numbers are as follows: subaru -- tkc17; nhtsa 17v-016.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11040427
Airbags

Takata recall. I have received multiple recall notices, yet the local dealership has given me multiple dates by which they would have the parts, however, I keep calling them back and I feel that they are taking far too long to do this work. I called today, 10-13-2017 and spoke with tina marie at the dealership in the cumberland, md area and they said they have a call list but "another girl has the list" so tina marie could not verify even if I was on the call list or not. They had told me before it would be in august 2017 I could have the work done, then, they told me september. I am very concerned about this issue of having to wait over a year and a half to get this work done.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11033246
Airbags

Takata recall -- this is regarding the recall of the 2006 subaru impreza passenger airbag. I received a letter this year (in march 2017) letting me know that the airbag was subject to recall because of serious mal-function... Serious enough that they suggest I not have anyone sit in the passenger seat. Since then I have heard nothing from subaru... Not even a note saying when they anticipate that fix would be ready. I find this not only a serious lack responsiblity on their part. I really think they should be...

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require to provide a fix for this serious issue and that they should notify all concerned persons within 30 day maximum and that a fix must be available by the end of this year....I would appreciate a response from you concerning this issue.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11024040
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number 16v358000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10967177
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags). The contact stated that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10944284
Airbags

Takata recall: I first purchased this vehicle and it had an airbag light on, but without any history of an accident. The weight sensor on the dashboard which notifies you of someone sitting in the passenger seat changes from on to off just fine. However, the airbag light has remained on for the length of my ownership. I want to know if this is a defective takata airbag and my specific make and model was not included in the recall list of vehicles, but in truth that is the main issue. I has had the vehicle inspected an there does not seem to be any other contributing factor including a fuse shortage or faulty dome light.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10944126
Airbags

"Takata recall" we have been contacting our trusted subaru dealer (carlsen subaru, 480 veterans blvd redwood city,ca 94063) frequently since july when we have received the attached recall notice. During our recent visit about this recall to the dealership we were told that parts are still not available, and that since california has a dry climate it is not likely that we have rusted components. That is an incorrect and dangerous assumption! We live in half moon bay, on the coast, quarter mile from the ocean -...

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where breeze, moisture and salt result in accelerated rusting (both indoors and outdoors). The car is 10 years old, it has been 6 months since the recall. I request that you address this dangerous situation immediately. Regards, [[redacted]] cc: www.Subaru.Com (via contact us) subaru of america (via usps) www.Safercar.Gov (via file a vehicle safety complaint) carlsen subaru (via contact us and usps) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10936239
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10930046
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags). The dealer indicated that the parts were unavailable to schedule the repair and may not become available until the last quarter of 2017. The dealer also indicated that they would provide a loaner vehicle, but the contact never received one. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10917669
Airbags

TAKATA RECALL

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10917217
Airbags

July 30 received a recall notice for passenger airbag in 2006 subaru impreza. I have called subaru at least 5 times to ask when parts will be available. Each time I call subaru to check on parts I get a different answer as to when parts will be available. In july, I was told 6-8 weeks. After 8 weeks, I was told that parts would be showing up in 1-2 weeks (at the end of september). At the end of september, I was told parts would be available sometime between september and february. When I called a week later, I was...

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told parts would be available at the end of september. I didn't hear from anyone so I called at the beginning of october, when I was told parts would be available in february. It has already been over 12 weeks since I received the recall and have not been able to drive with anyone in the passenger seat of my car. I would like to know what nhtsa is doing to assist in getting these cars repaired.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10916399
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect. Dg

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10916395
Airbags

Takata recall. This car is unsafe to drive due to the airbag issue. Yet, subaru is not replacing the airbag in a timely fashion. Thus, my child is forced to drive this unsafe car because we can't afford a new car. The airbags need to replaced immediately.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10914942
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of a manufacturer recall concerning the air bags. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that the parts may not be available for two months. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired. The vin and nhtsa campaign number were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10895059
Wheels & tires

The rear wheel bearings emit a low pitch noise that increases in amplitude with speed. The noise has been getting progressively worse, to the point where at highway speeds, it is difficult to hold a conversation with anyone sitting in the back seat. I am told there is a wheel bearing recall for a different model subaru of this same model year, but the subaru dealership says it does not include my vin. They estimate the repair at $850.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 10735868

Subaru Impreza: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2010461531Engine & coolingC
20091131523Transmission & drivetrainD
200820915104Transmission & drivetrainF
200768962AirbagsC
2006561030AirbagsC
2005756101Fuel systemC
200496872Fuel systemD
200364681Fuel systemC
20022966123Fuel systemF
All Impreza years

2006 Subaru Impreza vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2006 Subaru Impreza

Does the 2006 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2006 Subaru Impreza: inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2017) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Impreza?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (20), engine & cooling (12), fuel system (7).

How many complaints has the 2006 Subaru Impreza had?

56 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 4, 2006 and the latest on June 27, 2025. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2006 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 53 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Subaru Impreza year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Subaru Impreza years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2006 Subaru Impreza has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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