2006 Subaru Wrx: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2006 Subaru Wrx
On the 2006 Subaru Wrx, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 4 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 65,000 miles.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 7 named failure modes on the 2006 Subaru Wrx, and the three most-reported carry 71% of everything filed, so the trouble here is concentrated rather than scattered.
Other engine problem leads with 4 reports and about 0.8 per 1,000 vehicles.
Fuel leak or fuel odor follows with 3 reports, median 100,000 miles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 3 reports, median 20,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (6), transmission (4) and fuel (3).
At what mileage it happens
13 of the reports on the 2006 Subaru Wrx came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 65,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 31% by 50,000 miles and 54% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 100,000 and 110,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
23% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 1 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.14, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, fuel leak or fuel odor at $300–$2,500, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500 and turbocharger or supercharger failure at $1,500–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
71% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures, so more than half of what owners complained about here is expensive.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 4 | 3 | — | 105k | — | 0.8 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 100k | — | 0.6 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 22k | — | 0.6 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 139k | — | 0.2 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| Intake carbon buildup | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.2 | $400–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 111k | — | 0.2 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.2 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Subaru Wrx draws about 2.9 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 78th percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 4,792 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
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
Vehicle was being driven on a public road at 30 MPH. Engine oil pressure light came on so vehicle was parked in a business parking lot to check oil level. Oil level was full. Owner checked on internet for possible causes of this symptom and discovered numerous references to a broken oil pick up tube. Vehicle was towed to an independent shop for evaluation. Shop informed owner upon removal of oil pan that aluminum shavings were discovered in the oil and that indeed the oil pick up tube was broken. Shop informed owner that this is a common problem seen on certain model years of subaru vehicles. Failure of this part causes oil starvation and catastrophic motor damage requiring rebuild or replacement of short block and other related inspections and cleanings of parts through which oil flows. Part in question is not a normal wear and tear part. Aftermarket manufacturers such as killerbee have engineered a better product and conducted independent investigation of issue with oem part and explain that the brazing process used to join the bracket and the tube in fact weaken the tube. In addition, the flux used during brazing is not…
Fuel leak or fuel odor
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
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
Other powertrain problem
While traveling down a major highway in fifth gear my car engine began to rev and the instrument panel was at 6,000rpms. I attempted to slow the car and make it to an exit ramp, but the clutch would not disengage. I pulled the car off the side of the highway and it stalled out. I had the car towed to fairway subaru where I was told many different excuses that were all "driver related." I was told that "the clutch disintegrated under extreme heat from revving the engine." the clutch was taken apart and there were no "heat spots." I was then told that I must have shifted gears too slowly, and since that was also driver related the warranty still would not cover the repairs. This is a true safety issue, considering I was on a major highway and had no problems or warnings prior to the clutch "disintegrating." once the engine began revving, my car lost speed and would not drive properly. I avoided an accident that could have been fatal. *tr
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
Recalls on the 2006 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2006 Subaru Wrx, affecting an estimated 9,889 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module and exterior lighting. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
127,547 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
111,562 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
258,813 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
87,745 vehicles 2006-06-29- Defect
- 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."
- Consequence
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
Where 2006 sits in the model line
Across the 15 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 64 and 2022 worst at 83.
Within the 2002–2009 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 64 and 2003 the weakest at 77.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2002-2009 generation, 2008 Subaru Wrx scores best at 64 and 2003 Subaru Wrx worst at 77.
What this page cannot tell you
14 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 14 reports, 13 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 93% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru Wrx?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (4 reports, median 105,000 miles), fuel leak or fuel odor (3 reports, median 100,000 miles) and other powertrain problem (3 reports, median 20,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Which year of the Subaru Wrx is best?
Within the 2002–2009 generation, 2008 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2003 worst at 77. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed