2006 BMW X3 vs 2006 Subaru Outback
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 2006 BMW X3 | 2006 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 143 | 276 |
| Recall campaigns | 2 | 7 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 70 | 200 |
| Investigations | 2 | 0 |
| Crash reports | 7 | 7 |
| Fire reports | 16 | 3 |
| NCAP overall rating | — | — |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 17–18 | 19–22 |
| Median reported mileage | 77,000 mi | 95,740 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | BMW X3 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 76 | 39 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 98 |
| Electrical System | 13 | 42 |
| Engine | 6 | 43 |
| Seats | 42 | 3 |
| Suspension | 0 | 37 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 29 |
| Power Train | 1 | 17 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Airbag warning light | 32 | 7 |
| Check engine light | 0 | 94 |
| Loss of power | 0 | 27 |
| Stalling | 0 | 11 |
| Rust / corrosion | 0 | 10 |
2006 BMW X3
2006 Subaru Outback
Compare all BMW X3 vs Subaru Outback years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.