2006 Subaru WRX Reliability ReportKeepScore 75/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2006 Subaru WRX
- Outscores the 2005 Subaru WRX by 7 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine internals (ej255) (critical severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2006 Subaru WRX: Buy or Avoid?
The 2006 Subaru WRX offers exhilarating performance and legendary AWD, making it a cult classic for enthusiasts. However, this vehicle demands meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a vigilant maintenance schedule to avoid significant and costly engine or transmission failures. It's a fantastic driver's car, but only for those prepared to address its specific, well-documented vulnerabilities.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) traction and stability
- Engaging turbocharged performance and handling
- Strong aftermarket support and community
2006 Subaru WRX — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2006 Subaru WRX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2006 Subaru WRX
4 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 (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.
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 WRX?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru WRX — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru WRX. 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 WRX
Parts and accessories matched to your 2006 Subaru WRX
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Frequently Asked Questions
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