2006 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2006

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2006 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (35%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (19%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (25%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 321 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2006 Subaru Outback.

2006 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (42%)

< $100 (30%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 267 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2006 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Jul 2015 - Jul 2016
May 2016

113100 mi

US $3728
Typical head gasket issue. Subaru paid $750 toward repair. Again right around 90,000 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Apr 2014 - Jul 2014
May 2014

80500 mi

US $300
Poly rib belt failed. It should have been done at 75K, but I let it slip 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2015
Nov 2013

120000 mi
Replaced ignition coil for one of the cylinders to fix an intermittent rough idle problem. 
Jul 2014

129000 mi
Replaced power steering pump 
Aug 2014

129500 mi

US $250
Replaced the turbo in order to fix an oil leak (warranty maneuver). Replaced driver-side sun visor. Replaced speaker in driver's door. 
Dec 2014

132000 mi
Replaced power steering pump (again). This one was making a whining sound. Third one's a charm. Disassembly of radiator precipitated a break in a hose attachment piece. Could not re-attach, had to replace radiator. 
Mar 2015

135000 mi
Replaced Oil Cooler seal to fix oil leak. Replaced front driver side CV Boot 
Subaru Outback in Florida, United States
Aug 2013 - Jul 2018
Sep 2013

61000 mi
Rear wheel bearing noise. Was noticeable at highway speeds Subaru of America paid for the repairs. 
Oct 2013

61700 mi

US $1591
Had the car inspected prior to buying, several things came up. Had them fixed after I purchased the car. Needed new CV joint,  oil cooler oring, timing belt, brake pads, labor. 
Jan 2018

122000 mi

US $3000
The engine removed from the car and was taken apart to replace all the seals as it was leaking oil horribly. The oil would fall on the exhaust pipe and burn. Smoke then entered driving compartment. Also they replaced the all the vacuum hoses since alot of them were worn, cracked and leaking. 
Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2018
Jul 2013

71000 mi

US $5285
Fuel injector failure caused a burned exhaust valve. Engine-out rebuild of valves and cylinder heads performed. Replace damaged CV Joint boots with new boots 
May 2017

104557 mi

US $442
Car was handling poorly and making noise going over bumps. Replaced front sway bar bushings and end-links. Replace rear end-links. 
Feb 2018

111000 mi

US $131
HVAC and radio buttons stopped responding. Replaced OE stereo and HVAC control unit with a used/junkyard part. 
Jun 2018

114503 mi

US $398
Wheel bearing was making a lot of noise, especially at highway speed. It was found to be faulty and replaced with a new unit. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Mar 2010 - Oct 2014
Apr 2012

56000 mi

US $16
Rt front low beam headlight burned out. Easy to change in a few minutes. 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Dec 2010

62000 mi
Subaru replaced the computer as there was a known issue (TSB). The computer was replaced at no cost to me.  
Jun 2011

67000 mi

US $582
Brakes and CV joint boots 
Nov 2011

72000 mi

US $200
Bad Panasonic stereo was causing battery drain and the battery kept dying. They replaced the entire stero unit and that has fixed the problem so far. 
Jan 2014

72800 mi
Throw out bearing and clutch replacement 
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $1500
Timing belt, front end alignment & maintenance 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

59200 mi
Turbo replaced. Repair covered by the factory 6 mi./60k powertrain warranty. Turbo replaced. Repair covered by the factory 6 mi./60k powertrain warranty. 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2008 - Oct 2012
Oct 2008

32000 mi
Steering brace and steering pump failed. 
Apr 2009

44000 mi

US $420
Removal of Damaged Heat Screen. Dealer said probably deformed by engine heat. Awaiting part. 
May 2009

44000 mi

US $137
Replace damaged heat shield with new part. 
Sep 2010

65000 mi

US $360
SWAY BAR AND BUSHINGS REPLACED.  ONE HEADLIGHT REPLACED. 
Oct 2011

77700 mi

US $550
Alternator died. Had battery sensor warning but it was misdiagnosed, so I just made it to a repair place. 
May 2012

83800 mi

US $420
Battery low, replaced. Faulty alternator, replaced just a few months ago, proved to be actual problem. No parts warranty since the earlier repair was done while out of state. 
Jul 2012

86000 mi

US $250
Third repair of a defective alternator shown by check engine and brake light indicators. Repair cost about $250, with the rest covered by defective part warranty. I believe this is a general part defect. 
Aug 2012

86300 mi

US $360
The passenger side CV joint was broken. This required a new CV joint and axle replacement and alignment. 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Nov 2015 - Dec 2015
Dec 2015

113000 mi

US $550
repeatedly generated a code and went into limp mode 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Kansas, United States
Mar 2011 - Sep 2015
Sep 2014

62000 mi

US $700
Front brakes were close to failure, service manager recommended repair/replacement of some parts. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2010 - Mar 2017
Jun 2011

69000 mi
Intermittent loud squeal from rear while in motion. It takes some distance at highway speed to start so dealer has not yet observed the noise, but they're making a good effort to replicate it. 
Oct 2012

79300 mi

US $300
Sway bar end links and rearmost bushings on front LCA worn out. Replaced end links & bushings. Bushing wear caused some cupping of tires but not enough to warrant tire replacement (phew). 
Jun 2013

83000 mi

US $5800
Two cracked exhaust valves in #2 cylinder, most likely due to bad work done by dealership. 
Nov 2013

85100 mi
Adjustment to improve drivability of recently installed clutch 
Jan 2014

85500 mi

US $200
Front O2 sensor replaced to fix surging idle. MIL did not illuminate. Shop reported that sensor was unusually difficult to remove. 
Jun 2014

89000 mi
Leaking inner front CV boot. Replaced boot. 
Sep 2014

91000 mi

US $600
Replaced shocks & struts to correct rapid rear tire wear. Replaced other front inner CV boot. 
Jan 2017

89000 mi

US $1100
Clutch again. Lining wore out within about 30k miles. I think there was something wrong to cause such rapid wear (shuddered a lot even when new), but mechanic couldn't find an obvious cause. Clutch fork was cracked but they didn't think that did it. and front stabilizer endlinks. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2007 - Aug 2008
Jan 2008

26040 mi
Replace a defective ONR rear hub bearing. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Nov 2008 - Dec 2012
Jul 2010

74000 mi

US $65
Code P1844 - Lower Clutch Pressure Fault Cleaned electrical connections and cleared code. If problem returns they'll need to drop the pan and check electrical connections in transmission. If that fails, they will have to replace valve body. 
Subaru Outback in New South Wales, Australia
May 2012 - Mar 2023
Aug 2012

42160 mi

A $209
Engine had coolant smells and showed loss of coolant from bottle and low level in radiator. Problem was not solved with thorough coolant flush and new coolant. Radiator cap rubber showed wear marks. Replaced cap with new one. 
Sep 2013

52700 mi

A $140
Cracked LHS inner CV boot expelled grease all over LHS catalytic converter and LHS exhaust pipe. 
Dec 2013

55800 mi

A $48
Drivers door-open switch on c post broken by the seatbelt buckle caught when closing the door. 
Sep 2014

62000 mi

A $130
RH Front inner CV boot leaking. Replaced with after market brand. 
Jun 2015

66340 mi

A $85
Oil leaking from AVCS gasket for solenoid and pressure sensor. Cleaned area and ordered new gasket. 
Sep 2015

68200 mi

A $20
Oil leaking from rear of heads. Cleaned area and found AVCS control valves source of leaks. Removed valves and replaced the 19mm Orings. No more leaking. 
Dec 2015

70060 mi

A $120
Transmission vibration for a few seconds or short rough shudder of transmission mostly in a straight ahead direction. ATF oil changed at 100,000km to Dexron 111. This had to be swapped to Castrol ATF 'J' to stop the problem. 
Feb 2016

71920 mi

A $300
Shudder continues in transmission even with new Castrol J fluid. ATF fluid changed to Idemitsu ATF-HP 8-litres on recomendation of independent long term Subaru repair shop. Loud wheel bearing noise. Shop changed left front bearings. 
Feb 2017

79360 mi

A $4
Oil leaking from rear of heads again. Replaced 19mm O rings on AVCS valves. Using Neoprene O rings but these are unsuitable for the high temperature. No O rings available from dealer. Dealer practice is to replace the whole valve. His price for the valve is too high. 
Mar 2017

79360 mi

A $10
Tie rod end rubber boot broken- Possibly by wheel alignment shop when toe in was readjusted.. 
Jul 2017

83700 mi

A $338
Drive system variable vibration under load problem for over a year. Thought it was transmission. But solved with replacement of LHF CV joint shaft assembly with new genuine Subaru (NTN) unit. Old unit had worn inner CV only from lack of grease due to garage fitting wrong boot at 85,000km. RHF CV is fine and had genuine boot change at 100,000km not loosing any grease.. 
Oct 2017

84320 mi

A $10
Transmission lever locking intermittently and ABS light comes after brake operation and Cruise control turns off. Multiple brake pedal operations required to get transmission unlocked. This got worse over a few months. Eventually after not using the car for several weeks the problem became nearly permanent. After disconnecting battery and unplugging ABS and wheel sensors plugs and cleaning fault reduced a little. Then found brake pedal switch plug was slightly oxidised. Plugged this in and out 5 times and problem has been fully cured. 
Dec 2017

85560 mi

A $50
Transmission unable to move out of park intermittently and Cruise control off intermittently. Replaced foot brake switch. 
May 2021

114917 mi
For 7 days had Engine fault light. Checked fault code P0420. Catalyst system efficiency below threshold. Checked air leaks. Loose clamp on intake hose. Tightened clamp. Fault cleared and never came back. 
Feb 2022

119660 mi

A $300
Replaced cracked radiator and coolant. 
Dec 2022

124000 mi

A $300
left HID headlight failing intermittently. Both HID headlights became weak. Replace HID bulbs. 
Jan 2023

125240 mi

A $585
Severe front tire wear. Unable to do wheel alignment. Found torn rubbers in front wish-bones. Replaced wish-bones. Replaced tires and did wheel alignment. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014

179000 mi

US $300
Check engine light came on. Bad O2 sensor 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2017
Apr 2017

107 mi

US $450
Check Engine Light. Stutter when accelerating. Replaced coil and spark plug wires. 
Subaru Outback in Lithuania
Apr 2016 - Apr 2017
Jul 2016

116560 mi

$200
cracked radiator replace CV boot torn to pieces. Boot replaced. 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
- Sep 2009
Sep 2009

940775 mi

US $240
replace RF axle shaft  
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

48000 mi

US $335
Left front strut. 
Jan 2010 Rattle from loose heat shields. 
Mar 2010

57000 mi

US $595
Front sway bar and links. Rear wheel bearings. 
Aug 2010

65700 mi

US $700
Car was misfiring. Replaced coil, wires, plugs and performed other routine maintenance.  
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Nov 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014

117000 mi

US $4800
Transmission stuck in 5th gear (even when shifter was in neutral). Used transmission replaced the damaged one. Oil leak from drain pan. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Nov 2013
Nov 2011

109640 mi

C $400
Rear wheel bearing exhibited loud whining noise. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2018
Oct 2013

80300 mi

US $460
Replaced left rear wheel bearing 
Aug 2015

104000 mi
Replace accelerator pedal. 
Jan 2016

113000 mi

US $136
Power steering pump failed. Replaced power steering pump. 
Jul 2016

118700 mi

US $52
Check engine light intermittently comes on. Check codes. codes point to a problem with catalytic converter. Trying better gas. 
Dec 2016

126000 mi

US $498
Car loosing power, check engine and cruise light on. Cleaned catalytic converter. Lost power again soon after. Replaced rear shocks. 
Jan 2017

1280000 mi

US $800
Car Had no power. Replaced catalytic converter. 
Sep 2017

141000 mi

US $95
Power steerng pump failed. Replaced pump. Replace rear brake pads 
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Oct 2015 - Sep 2017
Oct 2015

83000 mi

US $1200
inner right half shaft boot right strut dead. 
Dec 2015

89000 mi

US $400
Poss Moisture intrusion in plug wires causing misfires. Problem seems to have cleared up, but waiting to see... 
Aug 2017

109000 mi

US $100
Engine is starting to use oil at a higher rate 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - Jan 2018
Jul 2012

89500 mi

US $369
Replace axle 
Feb 2013

96000 mi

US $1863
Replace center differential bearings and transfer case 
Jul 2013

99700 mi

US $612
Alternator not functioning. Replaced. 
Jan 2014

97500 mi

US $15
Headlight bulb replacement. 
May 2014

115000 mi

US $798
Replaced both front wheel bearings (worn). 
Jun 2015

123000 mi
Replace ball joint Replaced loose sway bar bushing 
Jul 2015

124000 mi

US $354
Misfire in a cylinder. Removed, cleaned, and replaced fuel injector. Update: Problem recurred less than a month later. Passenger air bag indicator fault; replaced map light/air bag indicator assembly. 
Aug 2015

124700 mi

US $279
Replaced ignition coil. 
Sep 2015

126000 mi

US $10
Replaced headlight bulb. 
Nov 2015

127100 mi

US $385
Replaced rear wheel bearing - hub assembly and ABS sensor. 
Jun 2016

133000 mi

US $737
Replaced dry/cracking drive belts (2). Trailing arm bushings were worn and separated from the metal arms. Replace bushings. 
Apr 2017

141536 mi

US $100
Free and lubricate a stuck caliper 
Aug 2017

146244 mi

US $279
Replaced ignition coil to address two cylinders misfiring. 
Oct 2017

147704 mi

US $10
Replaced R headlight bulb. 
Nov 2017

148695 mi

US $2091
Replaced catalytic converter; also replaced a leaky Y-pipe in the exhaust system. 
Dec 2017

149268 mi

US $1224
Replaced right rear wheel bearing. Replaced battery. Replace front brake pads and rotors. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Feb 2013 - Oct 2015
Jun 2014

78000 mi

US $500
replaced front transaxles Replaced rear swaybar 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Oct 2006 - Jun 2018
Aug 2006

5000 mi
New spark plugs/wires. Apparently they got wet and the car was misfiring. Covered under warranty. 
Jul 2012

67200 mi

US $355
inner cv boots almost worn through 
May 2013

72500 mi

US $300
Lower control arm bushings and sway link end. 
Sep 2014

80000 mi

US $325
Y pipe rusted through. Rust cut out and repaired/replaced with new pipe section. 
Feb 2015

81000 mi

US $875
Front drivers side caliper stuck, lubricated and new pads installed. Power steering pump working intermittently. Pump replaced. Clutch fluid bled and flushed. Starter was sluggish and grinding upon cold start. Starter replaced. 
Jun 2015

84000 mi

US $20
Exhaust heat shield rattling. Welded and repaired. 
Sep 2015

88000 mi

US $200
sway links replaced 
Oct 2017

92200 mi
Noticed on visual inspection that both rear brake lines are badly corroded. Have decided to park it until It warms up and I can change them. 
Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2008 - Jun 2017
Aug 2010

40000 mi

US $210
Air conditioning was working poorly and compressor was cycling on and off every few seconds. Found that it was low on coolant. Recharged the coolant. 
Jul 2013

66700 mi

US $690
All drive belts (except timing belt) were cracking and needed to be replaced. Oil Oil pressure sensors on both cylinder banks leaking. Replaced sensors. left side CV joint boots cracked and leaking grease. Replaced left side drive shaft, CV joints, and boots. 
Nov 2013

70000 mi

US $300
Right side CV joint boots cracked and leaking grease. Replaced right side drive shaft, CV joints, and boots. 
Jun 2014

75000 mi

US $185
Replaced right front axle seal 
Jul 2014

75200 mi

US $350
Intermittent engine misfire under load at low RPM. Sometimes would produce check engine light. Found two spark plug wires with above spec resistance. Replaced all plug wires and now works fine. 
May 2016

88000 mi

US $720
Left and right front CV joints, half shafts, and boots replaced with new new Subaru parts. 3 years ago the same work was performed at a Subaru dealer using remanufactured parts.They began to fail a year ago. 
Subaru Outback in South Dakota, United States
Feb 2007 - May 2011
May 2009

106000 mi

US $697
also had passenger CV boot replaced. 
Nov 2009

131000 mi

US $452
replaced rear drivers wheel bearing 
Sep 2010

142000 mi

US $301
I had the driver's side half shaft replaced. The CV boot was torn. 
May 2011

147000 mi
TSB said to come in and get ECM reflashed. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Feb 2015 - Oct 2016
Sep 2016

83000 mi

US $300
Drivers side window would not roll up and down 
Oct 2016

83000 mi
CHeck engine light comes on and cruise control is disabled. Per dealer, I tightened the gas cap and that seems to fix it for a while, but the problem repeats later. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2015 - Sep 2016
Jul 2015

107700 mi

US $134
hestitaion stumbling under stop and go situations. replaced plugs and wires with NGK specified parts. Situation slightly resolved continuing issue suggested part to replace in addition to this coil pack. 
Sep 2015

111000 mi

US $150
cooling system, no heat, blocked heater core. Backflush new coolant added. 
Jul 2016

123000 mi

US $150
A/C recharge 
Sep 2016

123000 mi

US $38
Climate control fan from Rock Auto. Hesitation and stumbling never fixed. Driver-side driveshaft needed to be replaced. Driver-side wheel bearing needed to be replaced. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Apr 2017 - Nov 2018
Mar 2018

170000 mi

US $300
Bad wheel bearing 
May 2018

173000 mi

US $10
Variable timing sensor needed replacement 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Mar 2015

165000 mi

US $200
Top seal on radiator leaking. Replaced radiator with OEM part. 
Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Aug 2008 - Dec 2014
Jun 2011

88000 mi
Reflash computer module 
Nov 2011

96000 mi
newly replaced drive belt was causing sound when turning the wheels. Shop mentioned that they had a bad batch and replaced it with a heavy duty version at no cost. No problems so far. 
Aug 2012

110400 mi

US $300
replaced rear brake pads and installed new rear cv boot 
Nov 2012

114300 mi

US $136
Replaced front right CV boot 
Dec 2012

119000 mi

US $1600
Replaced Head Gasket 
Mar 2013

125000 mi
Replaced Oil sensing unit. Gasket within unit was bad. 
May 2013

127700 mi

US $180
Cleaned Throttle body Replaced spark plugs and ignition wires. Car had a CEL light in the dash. Clicking noise when car was making turns. Replaced right front axle. 
Jun 2014

153000 mi

US $220
Wiring in rear hatch was broken which created a short when car was put in reverse. 
Dec 2014

166000 mi

US $544
Replaced rear passenger side wheel bearing Driver's side Shocks 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Mar 2018 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

150000 mi

US $1200
Replace worn bushings 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Sep 2013 - Dec 2014
Jul 2013

105026 mi

US $81
Replaced Front Passenger CV shaft. 
Jan 2014

110095 mi

US $1690
Head gasket replacement, heads machined, thermostat replaced. 
Oct 2014

114500 mi

US $484
Replaced both front CV shafts Replaced broken control arm. 
Subaru Outback in Alabama, United States
Jul 2016 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

95000 mi

US $67
replace oxygen sensor that was the cause for Check Engine Light illuminating. 
Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
Nov 2014

240300 mi

US $100
Dead battery and PCV valve replaced. Used car so maintanence was unknown, but based on excessive oil consumption I figured it was plugged. After removal, diagnosis was confirmed and car is no longer using oil excessively. 
Jun 2015

244000 mi

US $45
Bad growling coming from rear left bearing since bought,finally got around to replacing. Took 3.5 hours, used cheap ebay part with lifetime warranty so we will see how it goes. Not hard, just time consuming working around suspension. 
Sep 2015

245000 mi

US $130
Check engine light, dealer said was front O2 sensor, I replaced it myself for $96 since dealer wanted $350 for 15 minutes of work. But then code reads misfire cyl #2. Replaced spark plugs and wire set and so far so good. 
Sep 2016

252000 mi

US $20
Rear wiper never worked, assumed broken wires, typical issue. Checked and it was actually the motor was seized. Replaced with functioning junkyard wiper $23. Sway bar link on drivers side broke. Replaced 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2010 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

169000 mi

US $2300
transmission failed to engage anything above 2nd gear. suffered hesitation and jerking for 1 week prior to trans failure. 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Jun 2015 - Jan 2017
Aug 2016

55100 mi

US $2000
60K Service done including passenger side CV booth leak repair.  
Jan 2017

50000 mi
Currently at 65K have small oil leak in back of engine and driver side CV booth have small leak. 
Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2006 - Jan 2016
Nov 2012

91000 mi

US $150
Sway bar links worn 
Aug 2014

117000 mi

US $3000
Blown head gasket Both CV joint boots damaged. Remaining grease contaminated. 
Jan 2016

91000 mi

US $500
Lower control arm bushing 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Sep 2006 - Apr 2017
Jan 2008

25000 mi
Wheel hub replaced under warranty. 
Feb 2011

67000 mi

US $500
Replaced Front passenger side axle due to leaking CV Boot 
Nov 2011

79000 mi

US $200
Drive Belt was worn so it was replaced 
Jul 2013

101700 mi

US $2200
The head gasket was leaking and about to blow 
Oct 2013

105500 mi

US $2200
The catalytic converter was busted and the header had a 1/4" crack in it 
Jan 2014

108500 mi

US $1200
Engine was pinging, took it to my mechanic who advised the engine needed to be 'decked' 
Sep 2014

118000 mi

US $300
I had a weld break loose in the exhaust and the rattling noise kept getting worse so I took it to a local muffler shop and got a new exhaust 
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Sep 2006 - Jun 2013
Apr 2013

87000 mi

US $1500
Diagnosed oil leak as a failed head gasket. Didn't actually do the repair. Chose to buy a new car instead. (another Outback). Estimated cost included in my amount paid. 
Subaru Outback in New Mexico, United States
Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Aug 2007

8000 mi
misaligned shifter cover plate and glove box cover; replaced under warranty 
Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Mar 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

103000 mi

US $1240
Holes in exhaust & bad catalatyc converter 
Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2007 - Feb 2015
Nov 2011

37200 mi

C $300
cruise not working, need to replace roll connector. too expensive decided not to bother. 
Aug 2014

59520 mi

C $310
cracked CV boot resulted in replacing CV joint and axle assembly ($160 parts, $150 labor) 
Feb 2015

61380 mi
Cruise control never fixed. 
Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Sep 2008 - Feb 2014
May 2011

61000 mi

US $325
Axle Both front DOJ Boots replaced. 
Jul 2013

81300 mi
Both rear wheel bearings replaced 
Jan 2014

78500 mi

US $25
Wires that run from body to rear hatch are inside two rubber boots. These wires bend each time the rear hatch opens and closes. Wires controlling the rear hatch lock, rear window wiper, and radio antena booser were broken. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2022
Aug 2016

69000 mi

US $140
Had to have the rear harness wires repaired again. Mechanic states that frequent opening/closing of rear hatchback lends to this problem 
Mar 2017

73000 mi

US $88
Repair rear hatch wiring 
Jun 2017

76434 mi

US $105
key fobs stopped working so ordered new ones on line and shop re-programmed them 
Oct 2017

78405 mi

US $519
Passenger side windshield wiper fluid ejector not working - repaired... Replaced all wiper blades.  Replaced battery. 75K intermediate service. 
Mar 2018

81000 mi

US $216
One headlight went out so I requested that both be replaced. 
Dec 2021

101000 mi

US $161
Rear deck shocks replaced 
Mar 2022

102000 mi

US $109
Broken wire to rear gate lock 
Subaru Outback in Idaho, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2018
Mar 2017

83000 mi

US $650
Radiator cooling fans need to be replaced. 
May 2017

88000 mi

US $2200
Head gaskets burn out on each side. The car has all the maintenance done, dealer perform.  
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Sep 2013 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013

130000 mi

US $200
replaced wheel bearing 
Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2008 - Jul 2022
Nov 2009

27280 mi
Replaced carpet that had been miscut at factory. 
Jul 2011

39260 mi

C $300
Symptoms: Ran rough after/in heavy rain. Check engine light on. Scan: Misfire cylinder #3. Diagnosis: Cracked Coil. Repair: Replace Coil. So far, so good. 
Aug 2011

39680 mi

C $200
Clunking noise especially in potholes. Garage diagnosed worn front stabilizer bar links and replaced them. Now clunk is gone.  Symptoms: lots of squeaking while driving. Garage removed front calipers and cleaned and lubricated bushings (right front was seized). Problem better but suspect rear calipers need maintenance as still minor squeaking. NB: THIS COST ME $50 
May 2012

46240 mi
Bumpy ride. Brought to shop and they re-replaced a part that failed. Part under warrenty 
Dec 2012

54560 mi

C $300
Noticed a noise. Girlfriend suspected wheel bearing. Dealer diagnosed rear right wheel bearing problem and replaced it. 
Dec 2016

111600 mi

C $2300
head gasket leaking. smoking after hill climbs. Garage changed gaskets transmission fluid pan dinged and very rusty. was changing transmission fluid so replaced pan. tie rod replaced 
Apr 2017

117800 mi

C $25
Burnt out headlight 
Sep 2017

119660 mi

C $150
Connector broke at front of muffler. Garage welded and installed new connector. 
Jun 2018

125860 mi

C $200
Noticed smell of burning oil. Checked level, very low. Went to garage and found leak from oil pressure sensor. Garage replace sensor. Engine running rough in wet weather. Replaced coil. 
Mar 2020

136400 mi

C $2000
Stalled in wet weather. Replace muffler system Replace condenser 
Jul 2022

161200 mi

C $2000
Play in steering Replace rack and pinion Also replaced all front end bushings replaced front shocks and springs 
Subaru Outback in Montana, United States
Mar 2014 - May 2015
Jan 2015

US $55
Steering belt whining. Got worse and worse until power steering fluid overflowed from reservoir (air bubbles in reservoir). Replaced O-ring seal on top of power steering pump. Make sure to look for bubbles in reservoir before replacing pump. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2010 - Aug 2017
Jul 2011

39260 mi

C $900
car overheated in traffic - we brought it home and took it in after the long weekend; repair shop identified faulty relay motor and 2 faulty rad fans+motor assemblies; test/tune A/C also did oil chg at same time. $700 parts and $200 labor 
Nov 2012

48240 mi

C $645
oxygen sensor(threading stripped) was causing check engine light to be on and disabled cruise control;(400) also, battery needed replacement (200) and swapped snow tires on (45) chk eng lt had been on and off problem for months; now fixed 
Mar 2015

62620 mi

C $300
replace rt rear sway bar link replaced battery - mechanic tested old one and recommended replacement 
Jul 2015

63740 mi

C $1100
alternator needed replacement exhaust sensors x 2 
Nov 2016

74400 mi

C $300
ventilation fan motor and housing replacement - parts 165 $CDN and labour $100 and taxes. Old motor was buzzing/failing - hence replacement. 
Jun 2017

77500 mi

C $200
replaced rad hoses that were soft 
Aug 2017

78410 mi

C $1752
r&r rack & pinion// both outer tie rod ends//then alignment/ then safety certificate right front drive shaft 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2011 - Apr 2017
Oct 2011

42000 mi
Engine shuddering, "Check Engine" and "Cruise" light began flashing, engine lost all power. Vehicle was purchased 2-3 weeks prior, still under a 60-day, 5K mile warranty. Dlr found 1 Defective spark plug, replaced all for free. 
Sep 2013

53000 mi

US $10
Exhaust shields. 1 fell off, another very loose. 
Mar 2016

68000 mi

US $1400
Steering rack leak. Entire Steering rack replaced One front CV joint damaged. Replaced damaged, and replaced other side as preventive maintenance. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Mar 2011 - Aug 2014
Oct 2011

71000 mi

US $80
REAR LINK KITS FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REAR LINK KITS FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS 
Jan 2013

91000 mi
transmission oil filter leaking 
Feb 2013

92200 mi
transmission oil filter leaking again 
Jul 2013

98500 mi

US $80
head gasket leaking oil on both side on the exhaust pipe 
Sep 2013

101000 mi

US $1978
head gasket. afterwards started to leak again. preventive: water pump straps thermostat valves adjustment 
Dec 2013

103000 mi
head gasket leaked oil pressure sensor leaked valve cover leaked 
Feb 2014

106000 mi
pressure oil sensor leaking 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2016
Dec 2009

41000 mi

US $10
Shudder when shifting and vibration at certain speeds. 
Jan 2011

55000 mi
#4 cylinder head gasket leaking . Replaced under 60k 5 year powertrain warranty 
Aug 2012

81700 mi

US $600
replace both rear wheel bearings 
Sep 2012

82000 mi

US $520
Inner pass side boot split. Had both pass and driver side boot replaced. DS was about to split also. 
Feb 2014

101000 mi

US $250
Had pass side headgasket replaced. 
Aug 2014

108000 mi

US $139
Loose pass side trailing arm link tightened, 4 wheel alignment 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

58000 mi

US $100
Steering rack leaking fluid (ATF in a Subaru) into boot. Rack replaced with new. Covered under extended warranty. $100 deductible. First time issue with this otherwise very reliable car 
Subaru Outback in Florida, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2020
Mar 2011

77000 mi

US $20
Fluid leak and air introduced into fluid due to failed O-ring on top of power steering pump. Replace O-ring and replaced power steering fluid to eliminate air in system. 
May 2011

78000 mi

US $200
Passenger-side inner CV joint boot torn, grease lost, replaced drive axle with high-quality rebuilt unit. 
Mar 2012

85000 mi

US $190
Replaced front driver's side axle due to damaged inner CV joint boot. 
May 2013

97000 mi
Engine went into limp home/idle mode when started, check engine light with code 2138; cleaned electrical connector to throttle body, connector to gas pedal assembly. 
Jun 2013

97000 mi

US $400
Replaced both rear wheel bearing assemblies 
Sep 2013

98000 mi

US $400
Replaced front and rear struts 
Oct 2014

110300 mi
Code P2138 - accelerator pedal unresponsive, engine lost power. Removed accelerator pedal, disassembled, cleaned all contacts with electrical contact cleaner, reassembled and reinstalled pedal 
Mar 2015

114000 mi

US $382
Replaced driveshaft to fix bad carrier bearing (mid-driveshaft support bearing) 
Jun 2016

123000 mi

US $150
Replaced front control arm bushings, sway bar links, sway bar bushings 
Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2007 - Jun 2014
May 2007

8000 mi
Ignition key suddenly would not turn lock. Ignition replaced. 
Jun 2012

72000 mi

US $850
No cruise control, replaced o2 sensor to fix it. Burnt oil smell after long drives. Replaced axle and boot to stop burnt oil smell (original boot was torn and spraying oil). 
Feb 2014

93200 mi

US $2500
Head gasket. Planned timing belt.  CV boot. Recall check on bearings. 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2013
Feb 2009

42358 mi
Replaced both rear wheel bearings. No charge as work was under warranty. 
Oct 2010

67500 mi

US $807
New rear brake pads and rotors and replaced front lower control arm bushings. 
Oct 2011

79700 mi

US $300
Replaced torn right front inner axle boot. 
Jun 2012

90000 mi

US $3019
Blown head gasket. Also had new timing belt and tension adjuster done during the HG replacement. 
Jun 2013

103000 mi

US $2300
Axle replaced Replaced alternator - was making noise. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jul 2010 - Mar 2014
Feb 2014

61000 mi

US $1040
Replace front axles. Also replace battery (8yo) and light bulb. Also wiper blades and oil change. 
Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2013
Aug 2013

150300 mi

US $3200
This is the second repair I have had on this car in 12 months with the engine. This time per the mechanic I burned a valve an, the piston hit the cylinder head and then the camshaft broke. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2010

14000 mi
I took the car in for rattling noise. They told me that the heat shield was rusted out and needed to be replaced for over $800! Can't believe it since I usually keep my Subarus for 8+ yrs and never had this happen before. Took car back in to look at the heatshields. There was no rust problem. The problem is the pads inside the heatshields which cannot be repaired without replacing the heatshields. Why can't they replace the pads only and save the enviroment 
Jul 2010

14000 mi

US $107
Shifting bushing replaced. Car wouldn't start because sensor didn't know it was in Park. Paid extended warranty deductible. Again, dealer said the problem was because I don't drive the car enough! This is my 4th Subaru, this is BS. 
Oct 2012

19200 mi

US $1000
Replaced brakes and rotors, alignment, something with the fuel injection. 
Dec 2012

20000 mi

US $144
Headlights replaced plus rear wiper since I was there. 
Dec 2013

24000 mi

US $33
Tire had to be remounted due to corrosion on wheel. This is a consistant problem I have run into with the last 2 Subaru Outbacks (1998 and 2006) 
Dec 2015

27000 mi

US $750
O2 sensor failed. Replaced spark plugs, and while it was there had all systems flushed and fluids replaced. 
Jun 2016

28000 mi

US $500
2nd exhaust sensor was bad. 
Jan 2017

21500 mi
Again, check engine light and cruise control light. Replaced battery after less than 2 years. Check engine light came back on a few days ago for a short time. I am always told that I don't drive enough. lol 
Jan 2018

30000 mi

US $500
Starter replaced 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Jul 2010 - Apr 2014
Sep 2010

80000 mi

US $309
Diagnosis of rotational noise as failing left rear wheel bearing. Replaced left rear wheel hub. 
Subaru Outback in Arizona, United States
Apr 2013 - Jan 2014
May 2013

93000 mi

US $65
AC recharged - recommended new compressor and evap can. for $1300 but I declined - it works ok even in the AZ heat. First aware of AC problem summer 2012. 
Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Oct 2011 - Jan 2017
Jan 2012

72200 mi
Noticed an oil leak prior to purchase. Dealer agreed to fix as part of the purchase. After purchase dealer diagnosed a leaking head gasket. Dealer made the repair. 
Jul 2012

65700 mi

US $150
Loose sway bar identified by shop performing oil change 
May 2014

85000 mi

US $480
CV joints/boots leaking grease onto exhaust. 
Sep 2015

105000 mi

US $200
Loud wobbling sound from tire. Worn wheel bearing/hub was determined to be the cause. 
May 2016

113400 mi

US $250
Passenger rear wheel bearing began making noise. Rotated wheels. Sound remained in the same location. Shop replaced wheel bearing 
Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Jul 2010 - Dec 2014
Jun 2014

69000 mi

US $140
Ripped DOJ boot. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2022
Dec 2008 Fail code ZJK43. Know issues with Radio Faceplate EWP385 replaced under warranty as goodwill gesture due to the low mileage. When turning the steering wheel the radio volume and passenger Climate temperature would change. 
Jun 2009

18600 mi
Noticed that when the steering wheel was turned it would adjust the auto climate and change the radio volume. Local dealer called Subaru America and they honored out of warranty (replaced face plate). Started again live with it? 
Jul 2017

42000 mi
The first visit was to handle the airbag recall. The second was to reinstall the navigation correctly back into the dash. I'm very displeased with the technician hew had to know it would be coming back!!! 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2017
Mar 2013

176000 mi

US $73
idler bearing began making howling noise 
Jun 2013

183000 mi

US $315
Pressure fitting in radiator for transmission fluid cooling blew out, dumping all of the fluid. 
Jan 2015

US $720
Removed and replaced both front axles. Replaced RH lower ball joint. 
Mar 2016

255000 mi

US $368
upper control arm bushings 
Oct 2016

258000 mi
Passenger airbag recall 
Apr 2017

263000 mi

US $118
Remove and replace Rh lower tie rod. Replaced RH lower ball joint 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2022
Dec 2013

61000 mi

US $3199
Oil Smell. Had dealer perform CPO inspection to see what the car needed. Had to replace both head gaskets and opted to also replace, Timing belt, Water pump, Thermostat and spark plugs.  At this time they also replaced to rear bushings. 
May 2015

81000 mi

US $129
Replaced the rear sway bar link. 
Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2014
Mar 2013

178000 mi

US $995
replace catalytic converter 
Nov 2013

190000 mi

US $130
Power steering belt and one other belt 
Feb 2014

195000 mi

US $130
Fuel sensor was dirty 
Apr 2014

197500 mi

US $100
One of the belts needed to be replaced. Rack and bearing is going out 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2008 - Apr 2011
Jun 2010

63000 mi

US $1700
starter, new break pads, timing belt 
Mar 2011

72000 mi

US $600
steering pump had to be replaced water pump replaced 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Maine, United States
Apr 2013 - May 2013
May 2013

285000 mi

US $185
Engine bogs down on acceleration. Replaced both exhaust sensors, still not fixed. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2006 Subaru Outback Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2006 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.