Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Subaru Impreza
The 2006 Subaru Impreza has significant airbag recall issues and some owner-reported engine and suspension concerns. Buyers should prioritize inspecting these areas thoroughly. While generally a reliable vehicle, it's essential to ensure all recalls are addressed and to be cautious about potential engine and suspension wear.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Subaru Impreza has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 56 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V026000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V016000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V359000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V464000 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM/TRANSVERSE LINK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V043000 AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 20 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 7 complaints
- Power Train 7 complaints
- Engine 5 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4 complaints
Of the 56 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 56 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator malfunction
How to check: Confirm airbag recalls have been serviced.
Front control arms may corrode
How to check: Inspect control arms for rust and damage.
Engine cooling system issues
How to check: Check for overheating signs and coolant leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine start time and noise level.
Red flag: Difficult start, unusual noises
- 02
Acceleration from stop
What to check: Smooth acceleration and engine response.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking
- 03
Straight-line driving
What to check: Listen for suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunking or rattling sounds
- 04
Braking
What to check: Brake responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or grinding
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Stable handling and steering feel.
Red flag: Vibration or pulling to one side
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been completed?
- Any history of engine overheating?
- Has the suspension been inspected recently?
- Any recent repairs or modifications?
- Are there any outstanding issues with the car?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall completion proof
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Emission test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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