2006 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 281 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 7 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
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.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 27, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Campaign 13V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
281 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2015
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECCELERATE. I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND GOT NO RESPONSE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AT THIS TIME AS WELL. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD (SPEED LIMIT 40 MPH) AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP ALONG TO A PULL OFF. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR 5 MINUTES. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I INITIALLY STARTED THE CAR BUT TURNED OFF WHEN I BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN. THE SAME EVENT OCCURRED 4 DAYS LATER WHEN I WAS TAKING MY 4 YEAR OLD TO PRESCHOOL. I TURNED OFF A 25 MPH STREET INTO HIS SCHOOL WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS PEDAL QUIT WORKING. I SHOULD NOTE THAT WHEN THE GAS PEDAL "QUITS WORKING" THE CAR WILL NOT LET ME GO ABOVE 15 MPH. ONCE AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP THE GAS PEDAL WORKED AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SENSOR. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON RURAL ROADS WHEN BOTH OF THESE EVENTS HAPPENED, BUT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN TERRIFYING IF I WAS ON A BUSY ROAD OR FREEWAY, ESPECIALLY WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WHEN I GOT ONTO THE EXIT RAMP, THE VEHICLE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT. I COASTED INTO A DEALERSHIP WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON AT ABOUT 10MPH. DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR STILL ON THE INTERSTATE. CAR ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 27, 2015
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55, MILES PER HOUR THE ENG WENT TO IDE SPEED, THE CHECK ENG LIGHT CAME ON. I DRIFTED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE THROTTLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE. READ THE CODE OUT AND IT WAS FOR THROTTLE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE, THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IF IN MAJOR TRAFFIC SUCH AS ON A FREEWAY. IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH SUBARU, I HAVE RESEARCHED IT AND MANY PEOPLE REPORT THIS IN FORUMS ON THE INTERNET.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2015
FALL OF 2011 I STARTED TO NOTICE A FILM, WHICH WAS ALL OVER THE DASHBOARD, THIS FILM WAS OF STICKY SUBSTANCE AND IT WAS MAINLY OR MORE NOTICEABLE ON THE PARTS OF THE DASHBOARD THAT WERE MOST DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE SUN. THIS FILM WAS OF SUCH STICKINESS THAT HAIR, DUST PARTICLES, PAPER, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH IT WOULD GET TRAPPED AS IF IT WAS FLY PAPER. I DID EVERYTHING THAT COULD HAD BEEN DONE IN ORDER TO IF NOT ELIMINATED, TO MAKE IT ACCEPTABLE AND NOT SO STICKY AND GLUE LIKE. I WENT TO THE SUBARU DEALER, WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED, IN ORDER TO GET SOME RE-DRESS TO THIS PROBLEM, IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS I WAS TOLD THIS FILM, THIS STICKINESS CAME FROM USING ARMOR ALL, THAT IT MUST COME FROM SOME PRODUCT I MUST HAVE USED ON IT. WELL, NOTHING EVER CAME OUT OF MY MANY VISITS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, AS THE LAST RESORT THE LAST TIME OF MY VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I INSISTED ON THEM OPENING A CASE SO SUBARU HEADQUARTER WOULD BE AWARE OF IT, AFTER I CALLED AND OBTAIN A COMPLAINT #, THE SUBARU DEALER IN SANFORD WAS NOTIFIED AND THEN THEY MADE THE APPT TO TAKE THE PICTURES, THIS WAS SOMETIME THIS YEAR MARCH OR APRIL, ABOUT A WEEK OR SO LATER, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE SUBARU REGIONAL OFFICE AND THE REPRESENTATIVE WENT ON TO EDUCATE ME BY TELLING ME THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY,THEY HAD NO COMPLAINT OF STICKY DASHBOARDS ON RECORD, AND 3RD THAT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIME I WENT TO THE DEALER OR HEADQUARTERS, I WAS NOT GOING TO GET MY DASHBOARD FIXED OR REPLACED. IN CLOSING THUS LET ME SAY, THAT ANOTHER JAPANESE COMPANY TOYOTA HAS ALREADY OWNED UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STICKY AND SHINNY DASHBOARD ALSO REFERRED TO AS MELTING DASHBOARDS: HTTP://MECHANICS.STACKEXCHANGE.COM/QUESTIONS/14613/WHY-IS-MY-TOYOTA-DASHBOARD-SHINY-AND-STICKY-AND-HOW-DO-I-CLEAN-IT
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 28, 2015
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75MPH THE ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR IT WORKED FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 7 TIMES SO FAR AND AFTER READING MANY POSTS ON OUTBACK FORUMS IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIGURED OUT BY SUBARU.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2015
SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING; CONNECTION BETWEEN GAS PEDAL AND ENGINE CONTROL IS FAULTY. FORCES DRIVER TO COAST TO A STOP AND TURN OFF CAR. NO ABILITY TO USE GAS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY FASTER.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 8, 2015
WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE LIGHT WAS FLASHING, AND SPORT LIGHT WAS FLASHING, CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH AND COULD NOT GO ANY FASTER. IT WAS REVVED UP TO REDLINE AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE WITH THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS ONLY 2 MILES FROM MY DESTINATION, SO I LIMPED IT THERE AND SHUT IT OFF. I HAD IT SCANNED WITH A CODE SCANNER AND CODE "P2138" (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR) CAME UP. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I FOUND IT USUALLY IS RELATED TO GAS PEDAL ASSY. IT HAS NOT YET HAPPENED SINCE CLEARING THE CODE AND MAKING SURE THE PLUG ON THE PEDAL WAS TIGHT.
Air bags, Jun 1, 2015
TRAVELING FROM MY HOME TO DENVER, CO I NOTICED THE 'AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT' COME ON. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I CALLED THE AUTO NATION SUBARU DEALER TO TRY AND GET AN APPOINTMENT. THE SERVICE REP SAID THEY WERE FULL FOR THE DAY. HE ASKED ME WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE 'AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT' COMING ON. MOREOVER, HE SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT FUNCTION WITH THE WARNING ICON ON. HE THEN ASKED ME IF I MAY HAVE PLACED MY CELL PHONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT? I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD INDEED PLACED MY CELL PHONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE SERVICE REP ADDED FURTHER THAT MY CELL PHONE MAY BE INTERFERING WITH THE ELECTRONICS OF THE AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM. THIS SOUNDED VERY ODD TO ME. THIS PHENOMENA IS VERY DISCONCERTING AS IT COULD READILY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY IF THE AIR BAG SHOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I ALSO SPOKE TO A SERVICE TECH AT ANOTHER SUBARU OUTLET WHO TOLD ME THAT HE HAD HEARD OF THIS ODD CELL PHONE/AIR BAG SITUATION. AS THIS AIR BAG PHENOMENA THAT IS OCCURRING IN MY VEHICLE IS NOT AN ISOLATED SITUATION, I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.
Air bags, Mar 25, 2015
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER BIT TEST COMPLETED ON ENGINE START. OWNERS MANUAL STATES AN ILLUMINATED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COULD MEAN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT DEPLOY OR PERFORM AS DESIGNED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS RESULT OF A SUBARU DESIGN FLAW THAT SUBARU NEEDS TO ADDRESS AND CORRECT VIA RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2015
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED I ATTEMPTED TO GIVE THE CAR GAS TO BEGIN MOVING AND THERE WAS NO POWER IN THE PEDAL. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE ON AND THE RADIO WAS PLAYING. I HAD SOME POWER AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE FLOW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I PARKED BUT DID NOT TURN THE CAR OFF. I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS AND TRIED THE PEDAL AGAIN. NOTHING! I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. AT THIS POINT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I ATTEMPTED AND THIS TIME THERE WAS POWER IN THE PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT IS FLASHING. I HAVE DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT MY MECHANIC. THIS WAS SCARY WITH TRAFFIC BEARING DOWN ON ME AT RUSH HOUR AND NO WHERE TO GO INITIALLY. I AM JUST VERY THANKFUL I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 28, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING ON A 3-LANE HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED MILEAGE (60 MPH). SIMULTANEOUSLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS PEDAL LOST ALL POWER. THE CRUISE LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING. I TRIED FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER AND THE SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASED TO LESS THAN 20 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND NO TIME TO GET OFF A BUSY THOROUGHFARE. THIS OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM, SO FORTUNATELY THE TRAFFIC WAS NOT EXTREMELY HEAVY. I WAS ABLE TO CUT ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC THAT WAS GOING 60 MPH +, EXIT ON AN OFF-RAMP, AND GET TO A SAFE LOCATION TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE OUTCOME WAS CODE P2138 (ACCELERATOR SENSOR). THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $340. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2006, AND HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP PER THEIR SERVICE SCHEDULE. HOWEVER, UNTIL THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THERE?S NO DOUBT IT WOULD HAVE EVER BEEN CAUGHT BY THE DEALER TO REPAIR. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS. IF IT HAD BEEN AT ANOTHER TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED BY DRIVERS GOING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2015
P2138 CODE - THROTTLE ISSUE --- TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, LUCKILY ON A SIDE STREET,WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK. THEN I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. I NORMALLY TAKE THE HIGHWAY TO WORK BUT THIS DAY THERE WAS SNOW AND ICE SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE SIDE STREETS INSTEAD. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. I COASTED TO A SIDE STREET AND TURNED IN WITH NO INCIDENT, THANK GOD. I WAS NEAR A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND I ASKED FOR THEIR HELP BUT THEY SAID THEY DID NOT WORK ON SUBARU. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO CALL AAA WHEN I THOUGHT TO RESTART THE CAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD GO SO I COULD TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE. I GAVE IT GAS AND IT WENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ON. I DROVE SLOWLY TO ANOTHER SERVICE PLACE AND THEY FOUND THE CODE P2138 AND SAID I COULD DRIVE IT BUT TO GET IT TO A DEALERSHIP AS SOON AS I COULD. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT LOCATED IN MY TOWN AND TAKES 20-30 BY HIGHWAY TO GET TO ONE OF THEM. I AM VERY UNSURE OF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY NOW AND HAVE THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. I DRIVE THE HIGHWAYS A LOT IN ORDER TO FIT MY DAILY SCHEDULE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR ME TO SEE ELDERLY MOTHER WHO LIVES 30 MINUTES AWAY BY HIGHWAY. I LOVE MY SUBARU EVEN AFTER HAVING HAD THE TYPICAL 2006 PROBLEMS LIKE HEAD GASKET LEAK AND SUCH WHICH I CONSIDER ACCEPTABLE FOR THE MILEAGE I HAVE ON HER. I HAD PLANNED ON GETTING ANOTHER SUBARU IN THE FUTURE BUT NOT HAVING POWER IS EXTREMELY SCARY AND WILL MAKE ME SHOP ELSEWHERE IF THIS IS TYPICAL. *TR UPDATED 4/21/16 *JS
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2015
MY FIANCEE WAS DRIVING MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK ON THE HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE THROTTLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE, BUT THE ENGINE REMAINED IDLING. MY PARTNER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TRIED RESTARTING RIGHT AWAY BUT THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START. AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CEL WAS ON WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BLINKING. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET THE CODE READ IT GAVE THE P2138 ERROR CODE. IN THE LAST MONTH THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES, INCLUDING WHEN ON THE WAY TO THE MECHANIC THIS MORNING. THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAS HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY WITH '06 SUBARUS AND RECOMMENDED I GET THE WVU31 RECALL UPDATE, WHICH I AM REALLY HOPING WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND ESSENTIALLY MAKES MY CAR UNDRIVEABLE AS I AM NEVER CERTAIN WHEN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WILL OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENS WHERE THERE IS NO SHOULDER IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Steering, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 9, 2015, crash
WHILE TRAVELING THRU THE ADIRONDACK REGION OF NY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON RETURNING HOME FROM VT I PROCEEDED TO PASS A VEHICLE FROM THE CENTER LANE INTO THE LEFT LANE. SPEED WAS 65MPH ACCELERATING TO 69MPH TO PASS, NOT MORE THAN 250 FT LATER OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL THEN HEAD RIGHT INTO NUMEROUS 360 SPINS TAKING OUT 35 FT OR SO OF GUARD RAIL AND CRUNCHING AND DAMAGING ALMOST EVERY SIDE AND CORNER OF OUR OUTBACK. BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL, I DID NOT HIT ANY SNOW OR ICE THAT I AM AWARE OF AND I WAS NOT SPEEDING EXCESSIVELY. NOT ONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EITHER!! I AM CONFIDENT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL OF THE 2006 OUTBACK WE WERE DRIVING AND AM THANKFUL WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2015
VEHICLE IS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SEDAN 'LL BEAN EDITION. UPON TRAVELING TO WORK AT 5:30AM, GOING UP HILL AT 40 MPG, THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING BUT THE ENGINE WAS AT HIGH RPM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON STEADY WITH CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHING. HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, PUT ON HAZARD LIGHTS AS THIS WAS A DARK ROAD. TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TWICE TO GET THE CAR TO START. ON THE THIRD TRY IT STARTED AND PEDAL DID WORK BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON WITH THE CRUISE LIGHT FLASHING. DROVE SLOWLY TO WORK WHICH WAS A MILE AWAY AND THE SAFEST PLACE TO PARK THE CAR. UPON GETTING IT TO MY GARAGE LATER THAT DAY THEY SCANNED THE CODES FROM THE COMPUTER AND IT SHOWED A P2138-THROTTLE /PEDAL POSITIONING SENSOR. HAD TO GET THE COMPLETE GAS PEDAL WITH SENSOR FROM A AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND REPLACE IT. WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC OR A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *JS
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2015
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL ROAD, MY 2006 OUTBACK SEDAN LOST ACCELERATION CONTROL AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE IN WHICH IT WAS ONLY IDLING AND HAD NO CONTROL FROM ACCELERATOR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FROM DRIVE, MOVED THE SHIFTER TO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE OR SO. IT STARTED UP FINE BUT SEEMS TO BE IDLING LOW, SPUTTERING AND HESITATING A LITTLE. ESPECIALLY WHEN REVERSING SLOWLY OR PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR VERY LIGHTLY FROM IDLE. A MECHANIC NEARBY SAID THE PROBLEM CODE WAS READING "BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR." I BELIEVE THE ERROR CODE WAS P2138. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE AND AS OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED, THIS IS SUPPOSEDLY A COMMON PROBLEM YET NO REAL REASON FOR THE FAILURE CAN BE IDENTIFIED. SOME HAVE SAID THAT REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH INCLUDES THE AFOREMENTIONED SENSOR HELPED THE SITUATION. OTHER SAID THAT REPLACING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WHICH INCLUDES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR HAS HELPED. IN A FEW CASES WITH BOTH REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I AM BRINGING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO READ THE HISTORY OF FAILURE CODES AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. A NOTE TO FELLOW COMPLAINANTS OUT THERE, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR POST IF YOU HAD A REPAIR DONE WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM AND HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SINCE AN RECURRENCE IF ANY SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, IT REALLY WOULD HELP THE REST OF US OUT THERE WHO DON'T WANT TO LET THE DEALERSHIPS SCRATCH THEIR HEADS AND CHARGE US FOR UNNECESSARY REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 21, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND SHUT DOWN . WAS TOLD THAT THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND SENSORS STOPPED WORKING. THIS MALFUNCTION CAN KILL PEOPLE. OTHER HAVE HAS LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE THE CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2015
SUDDEN DECELERATION OF VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR GOES LIMP. VEHICLE IS RESTARTABLE AFTER 5 MINUTES, HOWEVER THE THROTTLE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AFTERWARD AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY, THUS IT DRIVES MUCH SLOWER, AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 60 MPH. PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO IDLE NORMALLY, BUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR HAD NO AFFECT ON THE ENGINE. SEARCHING FORUMS RETURNS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THE DRIVE-BY-WIRE THROTTLE OF THESE VEHICLES. HAD IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AS OPPOSED TO A 30MPH RESIDENTIAL STREET, IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Suspension, Jan 12, 2015
PURCHASED THIS CAR USED LAST JAN. NO INCIDENTS YET, BUT CAN NOT DRIVE (WITH PASSENGERS IN THE BACK OR WEIGHT IN THE CARGO AREA) OVER 35 MPH IN CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS, MAINLY WHEN THERE IS ICE AND DRY PAVEMENT TOGETHER. HAS DANGEROUS REAR STEER PROBLEM IN THOSE CONDITIONS. I HAVE DRIVEN EVERY TYPE OF VEHICLE FROM SEMI'S TO OLDER SUBARU OUTBACKS AND WAS BORN AND RAISED IN MICHIGAN. THIS CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH MY FAMILY OR OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE CAR! HAVE TRIED TIRES, STIFFER SPRINGS AND STRUTS AND ALIGNMENT. THE CAR IS 90% BETTER WHEN I AM THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. NOTE** I AM NOT AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER AND NOT EXPECTING TOO MUCH BECAUSE IT'S AWD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. SHE WAS DRIVING IN WINTER CONDITIONS. SHE WAS DRIVING THE 2 MILE BRIDGE TO OUR HOME WHEN THE ACCELERATION SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SLOWED FROM 55 MPH TO 35 MPH. THE ROADS HAD SNOW AND ICE ON THEM. THE VEHICLE BEHIND HER CLOSED IN ON THE REAR OF OUR SUBARU AND BEGAN HONKING AND FLASHING ITS LIGHTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IN OUR CAR CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FLASHED. SHE WAS SCARED BY THE MISFUNCTION. THE CAR REVVED UP ABOVE 4000 RPMS WHEN SHE PUT IT INTO PARK. SHE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND I CHECKED AND FOUND AN ERROR CODE. P2138. THE ACCELERATOR HAS 2 CIRCUITS THAT RELAY THE DESIRED SPEED TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER. WHEN THE CIRCUITS DON'T MATCH THE COMPUTER CUTS THE SPEED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I THINK THAT THE ENGINEERING BEHIND THIS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE RE THOUGHT SO THAT THIS DOESN'T OCCUR. I READ OTHER REPORTS ONLINE OF PEOPLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHO HAD NEAR ACCIDENTS. *TR
Engine, Dec 30, 2014
DRIVING ALONG - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. I IMMEDIATELY LOSE ACCELERATION - NEED TO PULL OVER (THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THIS ACCURS). HAVE TO TURN CAR OFF - WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND THEN RESTART. LIGHTS STILL STAY ON BUT ACCELERATION IS NORMAL. I HAVE SEEN MANY DIFFERENT REASON CODES FOR THIS PROBLEM - I AM NOW TAKING TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC TO HAVE HIM GO OVER IT AND HOPEFULLY FIX THIS. VERY, VERY SCARY SITUATION WHEN IT HAPPENS. DO NOT THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY LIFE IN MY HANDS WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE!!! ONE WOULD THINK THAT A REPUTABLE COMPANY LIKE SUBARU WOULD STAND BEHIND THIS DANGEROUS FLAW WITH THEIR PRODUCT AND CORRECT THE ISSUE!!! *JS
Engine, Dec 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 21, 2014
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN SNOW COVERED, SLUSH COVERED ROADS CONDITIONS VARIED DURING DAY. THE VEHICLE KEPT FEELING LIKE IT WAS WASHING OUT SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD 5 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE AND THEY ALL COULD FEEL IT AND IT SCARED THEM AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO A DANGEROUSLY SLOW SPEED ON INTERSTATE, THAT WAS CAUSING DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC FLOW. ON WAY HOME TOOK SECONDARY ROADS SO AS TO NOT DISRUPT TRAFFIC. THIS WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN TAKING THIS VEHICLE FOR DRIVE IN SNOW CONDITIONS SINCE IT IS NEW TO ME. WE PURPOSELY TOOK SUBARU FOR LEGENDARY HANDLING IN SNOW, IT DOWNRIGHT SHOOK ME UP AND WISHED WE HAD OUR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE PONTIAC VIBE. I INSPECTED VEHICLE, MADE SOME CHANGES TO FRONT SUSPENSION, BALL JOINTS, SWAY BAR LINKS, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, ONLY TWO CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE NOTABLY BAD ALL OTHER PARTS CHANGED BECAUSE I WAS THERE. BOTH TIE RODS WERE GOOD. I HAVE SINCE EXPERIENCED SAME ISSUE WHEN ENCOUNTERING PATCHES OF BLACK ICE, SNOW COVERED ROADS AS WELL AS DRIVING ON GRAVEL ROADS. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A CAR HANDLING LIKE THIS IN MY 35 YEARS OF DRIVING! THIS VEHICLE IS DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS!!! AND TOO THINK I BOUGHT THIS TO BE MY WINTER VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2014
WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH A FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT. WHEN I STARTED UP THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. MY CAR STARTED TO ROLL AND GOT UP TO 10 MPH ( THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45 MPH). THE RPM GAUGE STAYED AT 2000 RPMS. I PULLED ON TO A SIDE STREET WITH MY FLASHERS ON AND PARKED. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTED IT. STILL NO RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. I TURNED THE CAR OFF A SECOND TIME. THIS TIME THE ENGINE DIDN'T START. I TRIED AGAIN AND IT TAKE A LONG TIME (10 SECONDS) BUT IT FINALLY STARTED. NOW THE GAS PEDAL RESPONDED. I DRIVE MY CAR HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON AND THE CRUISE STILL FLASHED. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE WHERE THEY SAID THE CODE WAS P2138. THANK GOODNESS THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SIDE STREET. *TR UPDATED 12/21/15 *JS