2006 Subaru WRX Problems: 3 Known Issues
2006 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Subaru WRX has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Takata passenger air bag inflator — Subaru recalls incl. 16V-358, 19V-007 to 19V-009 and 20V-001 to 20V-003. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls13 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Subaru WRX has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Takata passenger air bag inflator — Subaru recalls incl. 16V-358, 19V-007 to 19V-009 and 20V-001 to 20V-003, Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion Causing EVAP Leaks, Fuel Smell, and Check-Engine Light, Front Wheel Bearing Grease Breakdown Causing Premature Bearing Failure and Highway Hum on GD-Chassis WRX. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru WRX reliable?
The 2006 Subaru WRX has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Takata passenger air bag inflator — Subaru recalls incl. 16V-358, 19V-007 to 19V-009 and 20V-001 to 20V-003. 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru WRX issues range from $250 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2014 Subaru WRX Takata passenger air bag inflator — Subaru recalls incl. 16V-358, 19V-007 to 19V-009 and 20V-001 to 20V-003?
The front passenger air bag uses a Takata-sourced, non-desiccated inflator containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate. After long exposure to heat, humidity and temperature cycling, the propellant can degrade and the inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys in a crash. Met… Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion Causing EVAP Leaks, Fuel Smell, and Check-Engine Light?
Rust-belt GD-chassis WRX models are known for corrosion of the steel fuel filler neck and vent tubes behind the right rear wheel area. As the neck rusts through, owners notice a raw fuel smell, difficulty filling the tank, or EVAP leak codes from the compromised venting system. S… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Front Wheel Bearing Grease Breakdown Causing Premature Bearing Failure and Highway Hum on GD-Chassis WRX?
2002-2007 (GD chassis) WRX front wheel bearings fail early — often well under 80k miles — with a speed-dependent hum or roar that changes when the car is loaded into a turn. Owners commonly blame heat breaking down the factory grease; the Subaru grease and bearing production chan… Repairs typically run $250-$700. 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.