repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2006 Subaru WRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2006 Subaru WRX, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-003 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 2, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Subaru WRX has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Power train
3Engine and engine cooling
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Engine
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Structure1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2006 Subaru WRX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other WRX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the WRX median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What WRX owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
AT 3500 RPM SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AT LOW LEVEL ACCELERATION THE 3RD GEAR TEETH SHATTERED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE GEARSET. 3RD GEAR NEEDED TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND METAL DEBRIS FLOATING IN THE CASING UNTIL CAR COULD BE STOPPED. 2000 MILES LATER AFTER SUBARU DEALERSHIP REPAIR AND ALL NEW PARTS…
BROKEN OIL PICKUP TUBE, DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE PICKUP TUBE BROKE CAUSING THE OIL IN THE OILPAN TO NOT CIRCULATE THROUGH THE SYSTEM. THIS DESTROYED ALL INTERNAL BEARINGS AND LIKELY FATIGUED MANY OTHER ENGINE INTERNALS. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL BEARINGS UNDER WARRANTY BUT DID NOT REPLACE ANY…
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…
Own a 2006 WRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.