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
I traded in my 2003 Legacy Outback Limited for the Tribeca as soon as it came off the production line. It's been such a blast to drive, and it's my very first automatic! I wasn't sure if I would like an automatic, so I decided to lease it. Well, almost three years later, and I'm still head over heels for it. I was a bit disappointed when they changed the front in the 2008 model, as that's what made it so unique. That's why I'll most likely purchase it at lease end. I'm going to check out the new Forester, and then make my final decision. I'm looking for a car to own for the next 10 years. Every time we have to climb a steep hill in the snow, we sing the Spiderman theme.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Good ride! It's great to hear that the car is sturdy and comfortable, especially since you drive 2 hours a day.
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Vehicle year: 2007
We owned a Forester for 9 years and loved it, but as our needs changed, we found it getting a little small, especially in the rear seat. So, we decided to upgrade to a Tribeca and we couldn't be happier with our decision. Although we won't use the 3rd row much, it's nice to have the option. The rear seat is incredibly roomy, and you can even slide it back further using the second lever. Once you figure it out, the nav is very good (watch the video it comes with!). The Tribeca handles very well for its size and has enough power, especially compared to the Forester. It gets lots of looks, and everyone says it looks even better in person than in pictures.
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Vehicle year: 2006
This is a great car! It's very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. The ride is smooth and it's fun to drive during the day. However, I have had some trouble with the low beam headlights, especially when driving in rural Montana where there are no streetlights and a lot of deer. It can be quite dangerous! I've tried taking it to the Subaru shop and another mechanic, but unfortunately, nothing can be done. If I had test driven this car at night, I would have been more cautious. Despite this issue, I still love this car and all of its other great features. I just have to be extra careful when driving at night.
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Vehicle year: 2006
I recently got my Tribeca and have only driven my newer Cadillac once since then. If you want to avoid getting a speeding ticket, it's best to use the cruise control. The Tribeca is a very well-engineered car, which you can feel as soon as you close the door and take it for a test drive. I was initially considering the Outback for winter driving and skiing, but after test driving the Tribeca, I was immediately sold. I also test drove the Murano and RX330, but I believe the Tribeca offers much more value for the money.
Are you having problems with your Subaru B9 tribeca?
Moshe Brakus 2025-08-02
Vehicle year: 2007
I purchased this Subaru with only 62K miles, which is considered low mileage. I want to start by saying that I have owned two Subarus before and have had great experiences with them. However, I have experienced some issues with this car since owning it for less than a year. The car has been losing power randomly, stalling, lurching, and losing power. I have taken it to the dealership for a total of 7 weeks, but the problem persists. Although it took some time, the dealership was able to identify the issue and replace 2 oxygen sensors, 1 catalytic converter, and fix an oil leak. Unfortunately, the problem still occurs after driving over 100 miles, which is a safety concern. I am disappointed with this experience, but I appreciate the dealership's efforts to fix the issue. I am hesitant to purchase another Subaru in the future.
Darrin Waters 2025-07-15
Vehicle year: 2006
Hey there! I'm having a bit of trouble with my headlights. They don't seem to be giving off much light and it's really hard to see what's going on about 12 to 15 feet in front of my car. I've had them adjusted a few times now, but it's still not working. It's so frustrating! Has anyone else had this problem?
Fred Mitchell 2025-07-11
Vehicle year: 2006
I bought this car used in 2013 with about 78k. It was the first car I bought on my own! Previously, I had a 1998 Chevy cavalier (my first car I got in high school)! The Subaru was a 7 passenger, limited, grey interior, with navigation. I absolutely loved this car when I first bought it. It was comfy, roomy, and had everything I needed and more! In 2015, my check engine light came on, the car would shake horribly, and completely struggled to accelerate...uh oh! But, problems are to be expected in a 9-year-old car! I took it to a local shop to see what the problem was. The store owner claimed to love this vehicle and knows all about them...yeah...! He told me it was the battery connection and changed the battery for me. Great! The check engine light turned off, shaking stopped, and accelerating went back to normal. I thought I was good to go. However, I live in Nebraska and the weather can change at the drop of a hat. One day, it began raining, and about two weeks later, all the problems came back. I took it back to the shop twice before they decided to shut down their store without notice and without actually fixing the problem. What a waste of $500. Whatever, the problem came and went as the weather changed for over a year. It was weird, but apparently, this vehicle is notorious for that, according to other reviews and Subaru forums. Fast forward to 2017. The problem continued to come and go, but now the car was overheating, and the air conditioning wasn’t working (in the awesome heat of the summer - we had upper 90’s this summer). Yay! I took it to multiple Subaru mechanics, and no one, I mean no one, could figure out the problems. I kept driving, probably dumb, but oh well. Finally, the power steering went out...while I was getting onto the highway. I let it sit for two weeks or more while I looked at buying a car. Well, as I was taking it in to be traded in, it literally shut off, like the entire thing.I had a lot of trouble with my Subaru. The car had several issues, including a bad spark plug and a faulty serpentine belt. I had to take it to a specialty shop to get it fixed. Unfortunately, the check engine light came back on a month later due to another bad spark plug. The car also had poor gas mileage, averaging around 12-15 mpg instead of the advertised 18/23 mpg. Despite these issues, I still think it's a good car. However, I decided to switch to a Honda CR-V due to the difficulties I had with the Subaru. If I were to buy another Subaru in the future, I would choose a more popular model like the Legacy or Forester. I hope this information is helpful for anyone considering this vehicle!
Anthony Keeling 2025-07-10
Vehicle year: 2006
I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with my experience with this B9. Despite four trips to the dealership, the car has not run properly since it started breaking down at approximately 40,000 miles. I had to have 2 Valve intakes, 2 valve exchanges, 13 o rings, and several gaskets replaced due to a loss of compression. It took two breakdowns to finally get the issue resolved, but now one cylinder is still not functioning. Despite my concerns, the dealership is not willing to acknowledge that this is a lemon and replace it as they should. I have reached out to the national Subaru corporation, but I am not optimistic about the outcome. I would advise caution if you are considering purchasing this auto, as you may also end up with a lemon.
Sam Hyatt 2025-06-23
Vehicle year: 2006
Our B9 Tribeca has covered 70,000 miles. Although we have had to replace the stabilizer bar bushings (under warranty) and control bar bushings, the recent repair has helped to reduce the knocking sound underneath where my feet are. While I appreciate the comfort of the car, I believe that SOA should recall the car due to these issues and the headlight problem. The headlight issue is particularly concerning as it impairs visibility at night. Despite these issues, I still like the car. However, given the cost of the car, I believe that these issues should have been addressed earlier.