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2006-2014 · 9 model years

Subaru Tribeca Problems by year

Owners have filed 186 complaints about the Subaru Tribeca across 9 model years, and it has 17 recalls. The 2006 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (93). The most reported problem area is the body, doors & structure, followed by the airbags.

Share your Tribeca experienceCompare years17 recalls
Most complaints for its age200693 complaints · 8 recallsSee the 2006
Complaints
186
Recalls
17
Crashes
12
Fires
14
Injuries
10
Deaths
0

Tribeca complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20140400-A
20133600AirbagsB
20124700LightsB
20114810AirbagsB
201081001Electrical systemC
200914920BrakesC
200830913AirbagsD
200730812AirbagsD
200693878Body, doors & structureF

Most common Tribeca problems

Subaru Tribeca recalls 17

Latest Tribeca complaints

2013 Subaru TribecaTransmission & drivetrain

Alt temp light continues to come on the care will have a funny shift then a strong jerk, speed can only go under 20 mph and then the alt temp light comes on along with the check engine light and curise control lights.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11738386
2008 Subaru TribecaFuel systemFire1 injury

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated that upon extending her hand underneath the vehicle by the middle section of the hood, the fluid dripped onto the contact's hand, and the contact became aware that it was fuel dripping. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning off...

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and restarting the vehicle, the fuel stop dripping. The contact stated that upon pulling into a store parking lot two days later, bystanders alerted the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that prior to the fire, the contact had noticed black colored smoke coming from the vehicle while driving; however, the contact assumed that the smoke was coming from a Diesel truck that was in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that bystanders assisted in extinguishing the fire with water and a fire extinguisher. The fire department later arrived at the scene but a fire report was not filed. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that she sustained burns on both hands, and the skin came off the right hand's knuckles, but the contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it remained. The vehicle was inspected by several independent mechanics who determined that the fire was caused by a defective fuel line. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11686801
2009 Subaru TribecaAirbagsCrash1 injury

The contact owned a 2009 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated while driving on ice, at a low speed, the contact's vehicle slid and rolled before slamming into a culvert. The contact stated that the driver's door air bag was deployed, however, no other air bags deployed. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle in 2023. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The Police and paramedics were at the scene. A Police report was filed, however, some of the...

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information was unavailable. The contact was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained bruises, scratches, and body pain. The vehicle was condemned to total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11631418
2007 Subaru TribecaElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was running but continued to randomly shutdown. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to...

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the ignition. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11627529
2006 Subaru TribecaElectrical systemLightsVisibility & wipers

I have had 3 Subarus in the last 2 years. All 3-a 2006 Subaru Tribeca B9, a 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9, and a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek have had electrical and lighting problems. They all have burnt out headlights, interior lights and fog lights, have loose wiring that has affected the computer and navigation system. 2 of them lost all lighting. The Subaru Crosstrek burnt out all the lights in one incident and the 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9 had an alternator problem that fried all the lights at one time as well as the navigation system. They all have more lights lit on the dash than there should be.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11567387
2008 Subaru TribecaBrakes

After starting the vehicle in sub freezing temperatures the brakes would not work. After applying extreme pressure it was found that the brake would operate but without any power assist. The error "er bb" was displayed on the instrument panel. After applying the brakes several times, the power assist started working and braking was normal again. This condition has repeated several times after the vehicle sits in sub freezing temperatures for a period of time. I believe this may be caused by a frozen check valve in the vacuum line to the brake booster.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11496016

Questions about the Subaru Tribeca

Which Subaru Tribeca years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2006 (93), 2007 (30), 2008 (30). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2006 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Subaru Tribeca years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2014, 2013, 2012 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Tribeca years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Subaru Tribeca problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the body, doors & structure (46), airbags (45), electrical system (30) most often.

How many recalls does the Subaru Tribeca have?

NHTSA lists 17 recalls across all Subaru Tribeca model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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