2006 Subaru Outback electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 42 complaints for the 2006 Subaru Outback, 10% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 42 10% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 37 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 8 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 10 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 37 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 100,000 miles, and 3% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 fire.
What owners wrote
I was using an aftermarket trailer wiring harness with my 2006 subaru outback wagon. The converter unit that plugged into the car wiring and converted it to the 4 flat configuration for my trailer failed by shorting out and caused a fire. Had I not realized what was going on quickly the car would have been a total loss. The trailer wiring harness is manufactured by draw-tite and has a model number of 17499-101. I attempted to contact draw-tite directly but have received no response.
I was accelerating to get on the freeway entrance in my subaru outback (with my wife and two small children) when I notice a complete loss in throttle response. The car was just barely moving due to the engine idle. Check engine light came on. I drove at that pace to a parking lot to check my options. I had not noted, until now, that this car has no throttle cable and is completely drive-by-wire. I looked at the connection of wire harness to the pedal assembly and did not see any red flags - no corrosion, etc.
Other problems reported for the 2006 Subaru Outback
- Cruise control 99 complaints
- Engine 50 complaints
- Air bags 40 complaints
- Fuel system 40 complaints
- Suspension 37 complaints
- Brakes 21 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 17 complaints