2006 Subaru Impreza Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2006 Subaru Impreza
- Outscores the 2005 Subaru Impreza by 8 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (2.5l sohc) (major severity).
- Has 10 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2006 Subaru Impreza: Buy or Avoid?
The 2006 Subaru Impreza offers excellent all-wheel-drive capability and engaging handling, making it a compelling choice for many. However, you must meticulously inspect the engine for well-documented head gasket issues and be vigilant for rust, as these common pitfalls can significantly impact long-term ownership costs and overall satisfaction.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Robust chassis and suspension (especially WRX/STI)
- Strong resale value for well-maintained examples
2006 Subaru Impreza — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2006 Subaru Impreza. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2006 Subaru Impreza
10 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
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.
What breaks on the 2006 Subaru Impreza?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Impreza — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Impreza. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2006s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2006 Subaru Impreza
Parts and accessories matched to your 2006 Subaru Impreza
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Frequently Asked Questions
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