2006 Subaru Forester: fire, smoke or burning smell

8 of the 88 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Forester describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 9%
typical mileage: 82,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 57 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2025
1
2024
1
2023
3
2022
6
2021
4
2020
6
2019
11
2018
2
2017
3
2016
3
2015
8
2014
5
2013
4
2012
3
2011
5
2010
3
2009
10
2008
3
2007
1
2006
8
2005
1
2004
7
2003
1
2001
2
1999
1
1998
9

What owners say

Filed Jun 17, 2019 · Engine · 130,000 miles · HI · fire

Sitting in the car, engine running; had pulled over for a couple minutes to let passenger out. Noticed smoke started to seep out from engine. Checked temp gauge and saw it was cool. Turned off engine and moved away from the car immediately. After a minute or two, saw flames coming out from engine compartment. Called the fire department, they arrived within a few minutes and extinguished the engine fire. Engine, front tires, everything in engine area completely destroyed by the fire. Prior to this, no problems, no engine light lit, no unusual sounds or handling or smells, nothing to indicate anything was wrong.

Filed Sep 13, 2017 · Engine · 68 miles · MI · fire

On july 30, 2017, while driving on a southeastern michigan freeway (m-14), our 2006 subaru forester's engine suddenly and without warning caught fire. Emergency personnel responded and vehicle is a total loss. Even older vehicles should not spontaneously catch fire without a reason. This was a very traumatic event for occupants of vehicle and one had to take anti-anxiety medication. Updated 10/23/2017

Filed Apr 8, 2015 · Electrical · 82,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact stated that a fire started in the rear of the vehicle by the tail lights. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and determined to be destroyed. The dealer stated that the wiring harness by the rear passenger side light and under the spare tire caught fire and burn the rear of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MN

When the temp gets into the teens or lower gas leaks in and around the engine. This is dangerous!! I have found fuel near area that get very hot, and I am worried about my family starting on fire. Soa recalled a few years to repair this issue, but not all that are affected.

Filed Jan 20, 2015 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · OH

In february 2013 my forester developed a very strong fuel smell. After investigation I discovered the rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold were cracked and leaking fuel onto the engine block, a significant amount of fuel. I paid $550 for repair. Now today I have once again started to develop a fuel odor and assuming when I investigate I will find another leak. Upon researching I see numerous posts in forums and other social media as well as some on your guys website indicating similar issues. Additionally a recall was issued for 2003 wrx for the exact same problem (09v46800). This isn't a car specific issue, this is an engine specific issue and the designs of all of these engines are very similar, so all engines with rubber lines located in this area should be investigated. This is a very serious safety concern and is going to cost someone their life and/or cause serious injuries when one of these cars bursts into flames. Subaru should be much more proactive with this issue and fix fuel line leaks like this at no cost and immediately, there is no reason a 7 year old car should have fuel line failure. I should have never paid for it the first time around and I won't pay for it this time.

Filed Aug 24, 2012 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, he noticed that all of the warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. Within seconds, sparks were emitted from the instrument panel and the contact could smell burning. The contact turned off the engine and exited the vehicle. No one was injured. The fire department was called and extinguished the small fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Engine · 49,000 miles · TN

Head gasket leaking oil again (5000miles later) after being repaired by subaru dealer while car was under warranty. Can smell hot oil after a long drive on freeway and have seen wisps of smoke coming from under hood. There is the potential for an underhood oil fire if leak gets worse.

Filed Nov 17, 2006 · Electrical · 13,500 miles · MD

Dt*: the contact stated upon opening the driver door, there was a smell of burning plastic inside the vehicle. The interior dome light also did not illuminate upon opening the door. Upon opening the passenger door, the contact noticed that the floor of the front passenger side appeared to have been charred. The contact also noticed that the plastic around the manual gearshift had melted and resolidified. The fabric of both the driver and passenger seats appeared charred as well. There were no visible flames or smoke. Roadside assistance was contacted, and towed the vehicle to a service dealer, who was unable to determine the problem. The manufacturer was also notified, who stated that they would send a representative out to inspect the vehicle.