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2006 SUBARU Outback

7 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #14V311000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The brake lines in your vehicle are the tubes that carry brake fluid to help you stop. In some 2005-2014 Subaru models, salt water can seep into the lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, causing corrosion.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lines corrode, they could start to leak brake fluid. This might make it take longer to stop your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will check your brake system for leaks, and if necessary, replace the brake lines and apply a rustproofing treatment to protect against further corrosion. This service is free, and you'll be notified when it's time to bring your vehicle in.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V110000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's brake lines are the tubes that carry brake fluid to the brake pads. In some 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy models, a gap in the fuel tank protector can let saltwater splash onto these lines, causing corrosion.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lines corrode, brake fluid can leak out, making it harder to stop your vehicle. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially on long or steep hills.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will inspect your brake lines and either apply a protective coating to prevent corrosion or replace the lines if there's a leak. Either way, this service is free of charge, and you'll be notified when it's time to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V003000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to cushion your body. In some older Subaru models, the airbag inflator could fail due to exposure to humidity and temperature changes, causing it to burst and send sharp metal fragments flying.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal shards into your body, leading to serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening risk that demands immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your Subaru or Saab dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one, at no cost to you. This repair is essential to ensure your safety on the road, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V002000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger air bag in your vehicle is a crucial safety feature that deploys to protect you in a crash. In certain Subaru models, this air bag's explosive module could fail due to exposure to high humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If this module explodes while you're driving, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a safer one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V001000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is the part that protects you from serious injury in a collision. In some 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX, 2003-2014 Legacy, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X models, the airbag inflator may blow apart and shoot sharp metal fragments into the passenger compartment.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal flying into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safer, more reliable one – and it's free. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V323000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The air bag in your passenger seat is designed to protect you in a crash. But in some 2003-2008 Subaru models, it could be vulnerable to water damage that could cause it to explode when it deploys.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash and the air bag deploys, it could burst apart, sending sharp metal fragments towards you and your passengers, which could cause serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Subaru will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new one, free of charge. You'll receive a notification with instructions on how to schedule the repair, and you should take care of it as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #19V297000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The ignition switch in your vehicle is the part that turns the engine on and off. In some 2005-2014 Subaru models, a small metal spring inside the switch can break, weakening its grip on the key.
Risk if Unfixed
If the spring breaks, the weight of your key ring or certain road bumps could cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly, making it hard to steer and increasing the risk of a crash. If a crash happens, the airbag might not deploy, putting you and others at risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will inspect the ignition switch, and if it's faulty, they will replace it with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notification letter, and you should schedule the repair to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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