The 2006 Subaru Forester has 3 recalls, the most serious being a front lower control arm that can break and cause the driver to lose steering control, raising the risk of a crash.
The control arm concern primarily affects vehicles registered or sold in certain states where road salt and moisture accelerate corrosion, and a broken arm can leave the front suspension unable to maintain wheel position. On the electrical side, a wire running to the immobilizer control module can get pinched between the two halves of its security cover, which can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. There is also an exterior lighting concern: moisture can work its way into the puddle light circuit board or connector over time and cause a short circuit, potentially knocking out the puddle lights entirely.
At a glance
What can fail
Puddle lights under the doors can develop electrical short circuits when road spray containing salt penetrates the light's circuit board or connector pins.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional fused harness to protect the puddle light circuit from moisture damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front lower control arms may corrode and break at the hanger brackets in vehicles exposed to salty, humid environments like roads treated with snow-melting salt.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms for corrosion and either apply rustproofing or replace them at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wire for the immobilizer control module can become pinched between the two halves of the security cover, preventing the engine from starting or causing it to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring and repair any damage found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
