What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006-2006 Subaru Forester has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2006-2006 Subaru Forester has 1 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $1,800 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,800-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2006 Subaru Forester Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 Subaru Forester Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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On the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25, the EJ25 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine in 1998-2010 Foresters is notorious for external head gasket failure. Unlike typical blown head gaskets that cause overheating, the Subaru EJ25 gaskets fail externally, leaking coolant and oil down the sides of the engine. The failure is caused by the gasket material (composite) breaking down over time, combined with the horizontal orientation placing uneven stress on the gaskets. This is widely considered the most common and well-documented Subaru defect.

This issue also affects: Audi A4 allroad, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Sweet coolant smell from engine bay
Oil weeping down sides of engine block
Coolant level dropping with no visible external puddle
White residue or staining on lower engine block
Overheating in severe cases where internal gasket failure occurs

How to Fix

Replace both head gaskets with the updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Resurface both cylinder heads to ensure flatness within spec (0.002" max). Replace thermostat, water pump, timing belt, and all idler/tensioner pulleys while the engine is apart — these are all accessible during the job. Use genuine Subaru coolant (SOA868V9210). Budget 10-14 hours labor for a boxer engine head gasket job.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeComplete timing belt kit with water pump for a comprehensive replacement (Gates Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump)
View on Amazon
UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $3,500

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⚠️NHTSA Recalls23 recalls

SEAT BELTS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.

Campaign #22V83800010/11/2022

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V00300002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V00200002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V00100002/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

Campaign #19V29700011/04/2019

+ 18 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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2006 Subaru Forester Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

1998-2010 Subaru Forester: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What is the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?