The vehicle dossier US · 2006

2006 Subaru
FORESTERProblems & recalls

88 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 35 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 88 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components35 reports
Engine22 reports
Fuel system13 reports
Suspension12 reports
Steering9 reports
Electrical system7 reports
Body & structure7 reports
Air bags6 reports
Transmission & drivetrain4 reports
Brakes2 reports
See original component labels
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
SUSPENSION11
ENGINE11
STEERING9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
TIRES3
WHEELS3
AIR BAGS3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:FOOT CONTROL/VALVE1
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
STRUCTURE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
POWER TRAIN1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Nov 27, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

51,000 miles is the median among 69 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 18,983–95,200 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Sep 6, 2011 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 11V464000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: WVX-34

Read campaign 11V464000 at NHTSA
Feb 12, 2007 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 07V043000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: WVC-13

Read campaign 07V043000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

137 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-308-23RThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent …NHTSA ID 11036807

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036807 at NHTSA
Aug 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-304-22RThis Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)NHTSA ID 11036796

This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036796 at NHTSA
Aug 5, 2026 OtherArticle LocatorTechtips newsletter locator index.NHTSA ID 11036794

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036794 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-333-25RThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletinNHTSA ID 11036789

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036789 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Annoucement (EThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.NHTSA ID 11034249

This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034249 at NHTSA
May 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions01-167-08RThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.NHTSA ID 11033069

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033069 at NHTSA
May 4, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Announcement (RThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.NHTSA ID 11033056

This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033056 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07-240-26RThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.NHTSA ID 11032034

This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032034 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions03-97-26This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.NHTSA ID 11032040

This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032040 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions01-167-08RThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.NHTSA ID 11032039

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032039 at NHTSA
Apr 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions05-97-26This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.NHTSA ID 11032035

This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

Components: STEERING · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032035 at NHTSA
Mar 26, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-105-25RThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.NHTSA ID 11030560

This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030560 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Apr 7, 2011 ClosedFront suspension control arm failurePE11011

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Recorded closure: Sep 23, 2011

Campaign reference in the source: 11V464000

Find investigation PE11011

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