The 2006 Subaru WRX has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 497,922 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
AIR BAGS20V0010002020-01-02258,813 affected
Defect
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,…
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
AIR BAGS20V0030002020-01-02111,562 affected
Defect
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,…
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
AIR BAGS20V0020002020-01-02127,547 affected
Defect
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,…
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
Complaints by component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3
ENGINE
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2
POWER TRAIN
2
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1
1injuries
Total complaints14
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“Started my 2006 subaru wrx this morning in 5 degree temp, and there is an extremely strong smell of gasoline in the cabin. I have a short drive to work, but the smell stayed strong for a good 10mins. *tr”
“Raw fuel smell outside and inside the vehicle during and after cold starts”
“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…”
“Code p1410 secondary air injection system switching valve stuck open. This is a common error many 2006 and up subaru impreza wrx owners are having. The emissions system is prone to fail due to carbon buildup or moisture and rust contaminating valves, leading to repairs costing $700 to $1500. This…”
“Stud bolt connecting strut arm from rear hatch to car frame failed. This caused the strut arm to become disconnected with the rear hatch and the rear hatch door no long is able to remain ajar without manual support. Door will close on user without notice. *tr”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2006 Subaru WRX as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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