Subaru B9 tribeca problems
The Subaru Tribeca is a mid-size crossover SUV made from 2005 to 2014. Released in some markets, including Canada, as the Subaru B9 Tribeca, the car derives its name from the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Built on the Subaru Legacy platform and sold in five- and seven-seat configurations, the Tribeca was intended to be sold alongside a slightly revised version known as the Saab 9-6X. Saab, at the time a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), abandoned the 9-6X program just prior to its release subsequent to GM's 2005 divestiture of its 20 percent stake in FHI.
Inspired by the B9X concept car, the Tribeca's original design was criticized at launch and subsequently revised in 2007 for the 2008 model year, and the model name was shortened to simply Tribeca in all markets.
Although not sold in Japan, North American markets received the Tribeca in 2005 for the 2006 model year, and it was introduced to Australasia and Europe in late 2006. In addition to these markets, the Tribeca was also sold in South America, South Africa, China, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia.
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Subaru B9 tribeca model years
Common Subaru B9 tribeca problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Subaru B9 Tribeca, several common problems have been reported:
- Rattle Type Noise From Front Suspension: Owners have reported a rattle type noise coming from the front suspension of the Subaru B9 Tribeca. This issue can be concerning as it may indicate problems with the suspension components, potentially affecting the vehicle's handling and comfort.
- Coolant Leak: Another common problem with the Subaru B9 Tribeca is coolant leaks. Coolant leaks can lead to overheating issues, engine damage, and potential safety hazards. It is crucial to address coolant leaks promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
- Electrical System Issues: Owners have experienced various electrical system problems with the Subaru B9 Tribeca. Electrical issues can manifest in different ways, affecting components like lights, sensors, and other electronic systems in the vehicle. Proper diagnosis and repair are essential to ensure the vehicle's safety and functionality.
- Powertrain Control System Malfunctions: Malfunctions in the powertrain control system have been reported by Subaru B9 Tribeca owners. Issues with the powertrain control system can impact the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. Timely inspection and repair are necessary to maintain the vehicle's reliability.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have faced transmission problems with the Subaru B9 Tribeca. Transmission issues can lead to gear shifting problems, unusual noises, and drivability issues. Addressing transmission problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
- Timing Chain and Cylinder Head Gasket Issues: The Subaru B9 Tribeca has been known to experience timing chain and cylinder head gasket problems. These issues can lead to engine overheating, loss of power, and potential engine damage. Regular maintenance and early detection of these problems are essential to prevent costly repairs.
These common problems reported by Subaru B9 Tribeca owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.
What year to avoid Subaru Tribeca?
Years to Avoid
- 2009. ...
- 2008. ...
- 2013. ...
- 2010.
Is the Subaru B9 Tribeca a good car?
Very reliable and safe.
Excellent family car. Lots of storage. We eventually owned 2 Tribecas because we liked them so much.
Is the Subaru Tribeca a reliable vehicle?
The Subaru Tribeca Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 18th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs.
What is the problem with the 2009 Subaru Tribeca?
Summary: 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.
Latest negative Subaru B9 tribeca car reviews
Latest positive Subaru B9 tribeca car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2007
The Tribeca SUV is truly one of a kind - powerful, solid, luxurious, and fun to drive. I had been searching for a premium quality SUV for some time and initially considered the ACURA RDX, but after test driving it multiple times, I found it to be too small compared to the Tribeca. The back seat and cargo area were too tight, and it was also quite noisy when speeding up from low speeds. In contrast, the Tribeca feels more solid when turning and smoother when speeding up. While some people have complained about the gas mileage, I am personally getting 21.5 to 23.9 mi/gal combined local and highway in the DC area, which I am quite happy with for an SUV of this size with AWD. The sport shift is also incredibly helpful for gaining speedy passes when needed and is easy to use.
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Vehicle year: 2006
This vehicle has met every one of my needs and then some. I was previously driving a Mountaineer which I liked for its space but hated for its gas mileage. The Tribeca surprised me with how much room it had in the back for loading and hauling. It is quiet (which is great for me since I drive on the interstate for work), smooth, and looks great. I have had some minor wear and tear problems (which is to be expected with any car) but everything has been covered by the warranty and fixed immediately. I also get great gas mileage (I have never seen it under 18 in town) and I am not an overly-cautious or slow driver! I plan on owning this car for many, many years!!
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Vehicle year: 2007
Sleek exterior and diamond gray color are awesome. The front grill is toned down with less chrome. The interior ergonomics are good and the quality is up there with European cars. The ride is comfortable yet firm enough to handle twisties easily. It's a quiet ride as well and the brakes are good. While it could use a bit more power, it's adequate for an SUV. The Honda Pilot is a bit roomier since it's a box, but after test driving both, you'll take the Tribeca for everything else it offers that the Pilot doesn't.
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Vehicle year: 2006
It's a fun vehicle to drive, but I'm having issues with the door locks. First, the driver's side front door lock stopped working. After a few months, I discovered that the front passenger side door lock was also not working. Recently, I found that the rear passenger side door lock is also not functioning. I tried to get it repaired at the dealership, but due to the mileage on the car, I have to pay $350 for each lock. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Could it be a defect in the locks from the manufacturer?
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Vehicle year: 2006
I just found headlights online and replaced them. The installation was a snap because Subaru put an access panel under the car to get to the 3 screws. However, the drive axles were a bit of a pain.
Are you having problems with your Subaru B9 tribeca?
Adam Macejkovic 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2006
The interior is very comfortable and equipped with all the latest features. However, the performance could be improved. I have noticed that when attempting to accelerate, the engine revs up to almost 7000 rpm before it kicks in, which can be frustrating. Additionally, there have been some issues with the headlights and visibility, as well as blind spots that can be dangerous. I have also experienced some trouble with the tire pressure light, which goes off for a day after filling the tires but then starts flashing again. Overall, I think the car has some room for improvement. By the way, I had a 2005 Ford Escape with 170K miles and I really enjoyed it, maybe I should have stuck with Ford.
Dennis Thiel 2025-03-16
Vehicle year: 2006
I purchased this car to replace my old Chevy Blazer with 112K miles. Although I fell in love with the styling and the kick, I have had to take it to the shop more often than my previous car for various unknown issues, particularly with the electrical system. On the bright side, the mileage is better than my old Chevy and I recently took a 3600 mile trip that was enjoyable the entire way. As a first-time Subaru owner, I am disappointed with the mechanical issues that have arisen and I hope that the company will stand behind their product. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the safety, quick response, and original styling of the car. However, I do hope that these maintenance issues will not continue to occur in a car that is still under the 50,000 mile warranty.
Keegan McCullough 2025-01-23
Vehicle year: 2007
Our car was purchased with 12,000 miles on it. Although it may not have as much power as some other cars on the market, we are confident in its performance. The transmission may have some issues with shifting, but we are taking steps to address this. Additionally, while the navigation system may not have the best graphics, it still provides reliable directions.
Quinton Fritsch 2024-10-24
Vehicle year: 2006
Although we have owned this car for a year now, I am confident in saying that it has not met our expectations. As a family with two kids, we were used to the spaciousness of our previous 4Runner, which the B9 lacks. Additionally, the fuel economy is poor and it requires a minimum of 89 octane fuel. While the heated seats and DVD player are nice features, the interior is the only aspect that stands out. Unfortunately, we have also encountered some mechanical issues, such as a loud rattle from the engine when accelerating from a stop. Overall, I am confident in saying that this car is not the best fit for our family's needs.
Verner Nolan 2024-09-09
Vehicle year: 2006
A common problem with the 3.0 engine is that the passenger side cylinder head often cracks in the middle cylinder. It can be quite difficult to find a used right cylinder head anywhere in the country, whereas left side heads are much easier to come by. To avoid lean running and elevated temperatures, it's important to keep an eye on and clean your MAF regularly. High temperatures can lead to head cracking!