Subaru · Known Issues
2006 Subaru Outback Problems: 4 Known Issues
2006 model year · 4,521+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2006 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2006 model year · 4,521+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2006 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,521+ owner reports, the 2006 Subaru Outback has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Head Gasket Failure ($1,500-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Head Gasket Failure with 4,521 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,521+ owner reports, the 2006 Subaru Outback has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Head Gasket Failure, P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off from Failed Lockup Solenoid, Bad Trans Ground, or Contaminated Fluid, Melting / Sticky Dashboard (Instrument Panel Degradation) Causing Glare. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2006 Subaru Outback has 4 known issues documented across 4,521+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Outback issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Head Gasket Failure, typically costs $1,500-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 2.5L non-turbo engine is known for external head gasket leaks. Oil seeps past the gasket and can contaminate the coolant. Subaru extended warranties and improved gasket design in later years. Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,500. Severity: high.
P0741 sets when the ECM/TCM commands the torque converter clutch to lock up but the expected reduction in converter slip doesn't happen. On the older automatic-transmission Outbacks (4EAT/5EAT, roughly 2005-2014) the dominant real-world causes are a failed torque-converter-clutch… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
On 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback models, the top surface of the dashboard/instrument panel degrades in heat and humidity, becoming sticky, shiny/glossy, and giving off a chemical odor. The high-gloss surface reflects into the windshield and can create glare for the driver. A propo… Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: low.
P0442 means the ECM detected a small leak in the sealed evaporative-emissions system during its self-test. On the Outback the three usual culprits, in order, are: (1) the fuel filler cap — its rubber O-ring hardens and cracks with age, or the cap isn't clicked tight, or a non-OEM… Repairs typically run $20-$400. Severity: low.