2006 Subaru Forester: check engine light

6 of the 88 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Forester describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 73,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 19 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2026
1
2025
2
2023
4
2022
4
2021
2
2020
45
2019
69
2018
5
2017
10
2016
9
2015
30
2014
19
2013
5
2012
10
2011
9
2010
19
2009
16
2008
7
2007
6
2006
6
2005
4
2004
1
2003
2
2002
1
2001
2
2000
5
1999
4
1998
3

What owners say

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · TX

Five years ago my "check engine" light came on and the cruise control light came on and it would not work. I took it to Suberu in Fort Worth and they couldn't find the problem bu tsaid my gas cap was not sealing. God new one but didn't help. This year when I went to get it checked for regisration they woudn't pass it. Took it to mechanic who installeda new Evaprotive Vapor Canister for $920. That didn't work but wouldn't try again. Later another mecanic said the problem was "Not enough driving". (less that 100 miles a month. I have been driving the car with the check engine on an no cruise control for 6-7 years with no trouble, so it is a fault of the car's systems. I can't get it registered because of this problem. I can disconnedt the negative battery post briefly and the light goes off for a day or two. So what can you do for me? I love the car but hate the problem. I am 90, but that's not the problem.

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 Nov 24, 2014 · Engine · 95,200 miles · FL

I took my car in based on a recall sent by my dealership for my 2006 subaru forester ll bean model original owner. They completed to service recalls on my vehicle none of which are listed on this website.wvl22 and wvu31. The wvu31 was to reprogram my ECM. As I was driving home afterwards the check engine light immediately came on and my cruise light began to flash. I called the dealer immediately who advised it was safe to drive if the check engine light was solid and not flashing which it was. He denied it could be related to the wvu31 reprogram of the ECM but I advised that my vehicle was fine not due for any service and had no issues prior to bringing to the dealership for the reprogram. I now have to return the car to the dealership and they said only "if the check engine light is related to the recall" would they fix it. I believe this is definitely caused by the reprogram of the ECM and there are a multitude of complaints on a website regarding many people complaining that within miles of driving after the wvu31 reprogram fix that the same thing happened and they were all told that they had to fix something or repair something at a cost. This is unconceivable as I now have to return to a dealership that is out of my way, miss work and return the vehicle and only hope that they do not claim it is another problem. If they do then I am stuck with another repair. I believe that this wvu 31 reprogram is defective and is causing issues that are leading to additional and unnecessary repairs. My car was just fine and believe had I done nothing as I am planning to buy a new car this year it would have been fine. But I tried to do the right thing and take it in for service due to the recall notice. I believe this is totally error prone.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Acceleration · 60,000 miles · ME

The cruise control light has started flashing and the check engine light is on. It started out of the blue. The cruise control is not working. This seems to be a common problem among other subaru owners and subaru seems to have issued a service bulletin but they won't admit its their problem.

Filed Jul 13, 2010 · Engine · 73,000 miles · TX

Vehicle was repaired several months ago pursuant to a safety recall involving the fuel filter. As a result, the catalytic converters were damaged and required replacement, conducted as part of the recall. Recently, the vehicle unexpectedly overheated and caused significant damage to the engine, without any check engine sensor or other indicator signifying such a problem.

Filed Jun 13, 2009 · Engine · 54,611 miles · CA

Engine light, failure of cruise control. Dealer replaced air pump (part #14828aa030) and engine control modulator. Dealer discount 50% "goodwill." part was 4,611 out of warranty. One week later same problem returned, dealer states car needs oxygen valves and there is a national back order on parts. Subaru is offering the parts for free (indicating there is a known problem) but wants to charge labor ~$500. Parts may be unavailable for several weeks. First service failed to properly diagnose problem.