Problems · NHTSA complaints
2006 Subaru Forester problems
Owners filed 88 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Forester with NHTSA between Nov 2005 and Nov 2023. The most-cited component is vehicle speed control (20).
Complaints
88
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Vehicle speed control20
- Suspension12
- Engine11
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Steering9
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Electrical system7
- Structure7
- Air bags6
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Power train4
- Tires4
- Exterior lighting4
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
6
12
6
3
4
4
5
3
3
5
8
1
4
8
2
4
4
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Vehicle speed control
20 reports6 crashes
“Five years ago my "check engine" light came on and the cruise control light came on and it would not work. I took it to Suberu in Fort Worth and they couldn't find the problem bu tsaid my gas cap was not sealing. God new one but didn't help. This year when I went to get it checked for regisration they woudn't pass it. Took it to mechanic who installeda new Evaprotive Vapor Canister for $920. That didn't work but wouldn't try again. Later another mecanic said the problem was "Not enough driving". (less that 100 miles a month. I have been driving the car with the check engine on an no cruise control for 6-7 years with no trouble, so it is a fault of the car's systems. I can't get it registered because of this problem. I can disconnedt the negative battery post briefly and the light goes off for a day or two. So what can you do for me? I love the car but hate the problem. I am 90, but that's not the problem.”
Suspension
12 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“Front drivers side control arm broke at bracket point and lost control of vehicle steering. And car was damaged hitting a post. Vehicle per recall for control arm had already been “fixed” contacted Subaru if control arms were replaced under recall or the “rust proofing” applied.”
Engine
11 reports2 crashes2 fires
“As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50”
Engine and engine cooling
11 reports1 fire
“WHEN THE TEMP GETS INTO THE TEENS OR LOWER GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! I HAVE FOUND FUEL NEAR AREA THAT GET VERY HOT, AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY STARTING ON FIRE. SOA RECALLED A FEW YEARS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT ALL THAT ARE AFFECTED. *TR”
Steering
9 reports1 crash
“Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.”
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IN COLD WHETHER, THE CABIN FILLS UP WITH THE SMELL OF GAS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND TALKING TO A MECHANIC, IT IS CLEAR THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. I ALSO SEE THAT MANY MORE OF THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT NOT OPENNED AS AN INVESTIFGATION. THE GAS LINES (SOME SAY GASKETS TOO) SHRINK IN COLD WHETHER AND FUMES OR GAS LEAK. WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP, THE RUBBER COMPOUNDS EXPAND AND THE SMELL THIS GOES AWAY. THIS CAN TAKE 10-15 MINUTES. IT SEAMS LIKE MOST PEOPLE JUST LIVE WITH THIS BEACSUE IT GOES AWAY AT WARM UP, BUT I HAVE A PREGENANT WIFE AND THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS TO HAVE TO PUT UP WITH GAS FUMES IN THE CABIN AT ALL, NOT TO MENTION THERE IS NO TELLING IF SOME OF THOSE FUMES ARE ACTUALLY GAS LEAKING NEAR THE CYLINDER. THIS COULD BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS EVERYWHERE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.