- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Vehicle safety record
2012 Subaru Tribeca Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Tribeca with NHTSA, most often about the lights (2) and the transmission & drivetrain (2). It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in January 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 4 and the 2013 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Tribeca year, for its age
#259 most complained-about 2012 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2012 Subaru Tribeca problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2012 Subaru Tribeca recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Tribeca vehicles manufactured November 16, 2004, to January 27, 2014. Due to a possible malfunction of the hood safety system and hood lock system, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.
- The risk
- If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will complete this recall in two phases. Phase one will involve inspection, cleaning, and lubricating the hood safety and hood lock systems. If after this is performed the hood latch does not operate properly, it will be replaced with a new current style part. Phase two will involve installing an improved hood safety system and hood lock system. Interim notification was mailed March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQX-59 (phase one) and WQY-60 (phase two).
- The problem
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
- The risk
- Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Tribeca
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Vehicle had been on the highway for about 20 minutes when the transmission temperature light and other warning lights came on. Pulled off the highway and checked transmission fluid level and temp, all were normal. Pulled away and the engine reved up then banged into gear. Drove normally for several miles. The warning lights went off. Drove the next day and for several days with no incidence. Occurred again when on the highway the next week. On the subaru owners forum found several other owners with similar...
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problems. They stated that the subaru dealers called it a known issue with the 5eat transmission. The vehicle only has 59,000 miles. Dealer solution is a $2000 valve body. Drives normally for short distances and at slower speeds. When the problem occurs no power is transmitted to the wheels. Unsafe situation.
2012 Subaru tribeca- torque converter failure known issue on subaru cars from that year, recall/extended repair doesn't cover model. Car stalls when automatic transmission downshifts. Started as strong hesitation and progressed rapidly to unpredictable/sudden stalling. Happened at both high speeds on highway and at slow speeds in traffic. Results in total engine shut down and requires time for engine restart. Highly dangerous. Occurs randomly and without warning. Crash hazard. First issue 9/28. Total stall...
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on major highway 9/30. Cannot be driven without stall. Two attempted repairs before identified. Subaru dealer confirmed known issue for that year but has not been sufficiently reported for this car to help cover repair. Repair estimated at $5000 to replace part and rebuild transmission.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru tribeca. While parked, the front driver and passenger side doors failed to open from inside the vehicle. There was also an oil leak under the vehicle and the headlights and brake light bulbs were replaced several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil and head gasket leak. There was no diagnosis for the doors not being able to open and the frequent bulb outages. The vehicle was repaired for the oil and head gasket leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Subaru tribeca 2012 is only 3 years and 7 month old. Was purchased new for $41,000 for best safety features, and fuel economy. My car never was in accident, not driven to the mountains or harsh weather condition. Only 43000 miles. Has many issues with electrical, oil leak, steering wheel. After driving, on the short stop (drop off or pick up kids), in shifting to p position, the front right/left doors frequently not unlocked. Even with a manual unlock button to the driver left side panel. So, in the case of...
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emergency, it may be a problem to get out from the front seat. In 2014 -2015 had already issue with front headlights that was replaced 3 times the same part, and 2 times was replaced the same break lights. 2015 Left side window the motor broke. Subaru auto nation mazda garage charged $2,473 to replace both headgaskets leaking, timing cover. Steering wheel has a balance issue. I replaced battery. Front tire tread is 0 nds, back 5 nds. And I can't replace just 2 front, I have to replace all tires at once. Has very insufficient fuel usage. Additional storage space at the rear of driver seats is a manufacture defect. It was fixed in 2015 and ripped again in 2 weeks. It's always breaks down something. I came to replace just a battery and end up paying to the garage $3,225.65
Subaru Tribeca: every year compared
All Tribeca years2012 Subaru Tribeca vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Tribeca | 4 | 7 | B | |
| 2012 Subaru Outback | 295 | 16 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza | 243 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI | 239 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 107 | 15 | B | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru Legacy | 90 | 16 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru WRX | 2 | 12 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru Crosstrek | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2012 Subaru WRX STI | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2012 Subaru Tribeca
Does the 2012 Subaru Tribeca have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca: inflator module (January 2019); inflator module (January 2019); inflator module (January 2019); inflator module (January 2018) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru Tribeca?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (2), transmission & drivetrain (2), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 2012 Subaru Tribeca had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 24, 2016 and the latest on February 1, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2012 Subaru Tribeca a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 67 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Tribeca year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Tribeca years have the most complaints?
2006 (93), 2007 (30), 2008 (30). See every Subaru Tribeca year compared.
What should I do if my 2012 Subaru Tribeca has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data