One problem related to check engine light on has been reported for the 2006 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2006 Forester.
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 definetely 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 unconcienable 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.