2006 Subaru WRX Problems & Complaints

Most common 2006 Subaru WRX problems

• Engine & cooling~105,000 miles
  536%
• Fuel & propulsion system~100,000 miles
  429%
• Transmission & drivetrain~35,000 miles
  429%
• Body & structure~60,000 miles
  17%

Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru WRX complaints by model year

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2006 Subaru WRX recalls (3)

What 2006 Subaru WRX owners say

Engine & cooling

The secondary air injection pump failed to turn off and nearly caught fire. Subaru has recalled this part and the related relay switch for 2008-14 imprezas, but this problem also exists with 2006 imprezas. My mechanic says this is very common failure point for my model.

Vehicle was being driven on a public road at 30 MPH. Engine oil pressure light came on so vehicle was parked in a business parking lot to check oil level. Oil level was full. Owner checked on internet for possible causes of this symptom and discovered numerous references to a broken oil pick up tube. Vehicle was towed to an independent shop for evaluation. Shop informed owner upon removal of oil pan that aluminum shavings were discovered in the oil and that indeed the oil pick up tube was broken. Shop informed owner that this is a common problem seen on certain model years of Subaru vehicles. Failure of this part causes oil starvation and catastrophic motor damage requiring rebuild or replacement of short block and other related inspections and cleanings of parts through which oil flows. Part in question is not a normal wear and tear part. …

Fuel & propulsion system

Upon start up of my 2006 Subaru WRX, there is visual evidence of fuel leakage under the intake manifold on the passenger side of engine. This only happens during times of cold weather. You cannot see the leak as it is underneath components however, you can smell raw fuel and see where it puddles up after a few moments of engine operation. This puddle accumulates on top of the engine block, directly in front of the turbocharger and exhaust system. This is cause of major concern for the safety of myself, my family, passengers in my vehicle and other motorist on the road. Soa, Subaru of America, has issued recalls for previous model years but should investigate to possibility of extending the recall to include more current model years. I have contacted soa with my problem to no avail.

Fuel system lines and hoses become unstable, leaking fuel and fuel odors are present in cabin of vehicle. The nature of this complaint follows NHTSA recall campaign number: pe04002. That report found that the condition manifested in "very cold" temperatures. However, it has started in 45-50 degree f. The undersigned request that the investigation be reopened. Further, the problem does not resolve itself upon engine warm up. Smell of fuel lingers in and around the vehicle even while parked in garage. Noticeable loss in range of car upon full tank of gas.

Transmission & drivetrain

While traveling down a major highway in fifth gear my car engine began to rev and the instrument panel was at 6,000rpms. I attempted to slow the car and make it to an exit ramp, but the clutch would not disengage. I pulled the car off the side of the highway and it stalled out. I had the car towed to fairway Subaru where I was told many different excuses that were all "driver related." I was told that "the clutch disintegrated under extreme heat from revving the engine." the clutch was taken apart and there were no "heat spots." I was then told that I must have shifted gears too slowly, and since that was also driver related the warranty still would not cover the repairs. This is a true safety issue, considering I was on a major highway and had no problems or warnings prior to the clutch "disintegrating." once the engine began revving, my car lost speed and would not drive properly. …

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 from the factory the same scenario occurs again 3rd gear chipped all teeth and car needed to be stopped immediately. Both incidents left the car with large amounts of metal debris which not only cause additional damage to other parts but also have the ability to cause the car to lock up and malfunction posing a serious threat to the driver and any passengers. This metal debris was observed in both transmission repairs. Subaru sighted "operator abuse" as the cause of the failure. …