2006 Subaru Impreza Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 Subaru Impreza Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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4,200 owners

On the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253, the 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes coolant-oil mixing, Subaru EJ25 head gaskets typically leak externally first. The boxer engine design means gaskets are at the bottom of the heads, making leaks drip downward and often go unnoticed. If left unaddressed, external leaks can progress to internal coolant-oil mixing and overheating.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Oil seepage visible on bottom of engine near head gasket area
Coolant level slowly dropping without visible external puddles
Sweet coolant smell from engine bay
Oil spots on garage floor near front of vehicle
Overheating in severe cases (internal gasket breach)
Bubbles in coolant overflow reservoir

How to Fix

Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets (Subaru OEM 11044AA770 or Six Star MLS set). Resurface both cylinder heads to within 0.002 inch flatness spec. Replace timing belt, water pump (21111AA370), thermostat, and all seals while the engine is apart. Add Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (SOA635071) after repair. Budget 8-12 hours labor for the complete job.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 4,200+ owners who fixed this issue

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Tip
Tip
UpgradeComplete timing belt kit with water pump for a comprehensive replacement (Gates Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump)
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UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $2,800

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4,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence4,200 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2002-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253, the naturally-aspirated EJ253 2.5L engine in 2002-2011 Imprezas suffers from the same head gasket failure common across Subaru's EJ-series engines. The composite head gaskets degrade over time and begin leaking coolant and oil externally along the cylinder heads. The horizontal boxer engine layout makes the leak path run down the sides of the engine. Failure typically occurs between 80,000-150,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Audi A7, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Oil or coolant weeping from head-to-block mating surface
Sweet coolant smell after driving
Coolant level dropping slowly over weeks
White crusty deposits on lower engine block
Overheating if internal failure develops

How to Fix

Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Machine both cylinder head mating surfaces to ensure flatness. Replace the timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump, and thermostat while the engine is disassembled — all are accessible with heads removed. Use Subaru OEM coolant and properly bleed the cooling system (boxer engines trap air easily).

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)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$1,600 - $3,200

Research This Issue

0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️NHTSA Recalls22 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Campaign #19V14900028/02/2019

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 (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

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

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

+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2006-2006 Subaru Impreza has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), EJ253 Head Gasket External Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 2006-2006 Subaru Impreza has 2 known issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and EJ253 Head Gasket 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 Impreza problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $1,500 to $3,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?

The 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2002-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket External Leak?

The naturally-aspirated EJ253 2.5L engine in 2002-2011 Imprezas suffers from the same head gasket failure common across Subaru's EJ-series engines. The composite head gaskets degrade over time and begin leaking coolant and oil externally along the cylinder heads. The horizontal b… Repairs typically run $1,600-$3,200. Severity: high.

2006 Subaru Impreza Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

1999-2011 Subaru Impreza: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2002-2011 Subaru Impreza: EJ253 Head Gasket External Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?

Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?

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

What is the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?

What is the 2002-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket External Leak?