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: 2006
We purchased the Tribeca to replace our Pontiac minivan. We were specifically looking for a midsize SUV with 4WD/AWD, 7 usable seats, and better gas mileage than Sequoias and Tahoes. After considering the Pathfinder and the Tribeca, we chose the Tribeca because it was the only midsize SUV, other than the Pilot, with usable 3rd row seats. We found the Honda Pilot's interior too plain, like a work car, and the Pathfinder drove like a truck. We absolutely love our Tribeca! We have already taken it on a 400-mile trip, and the kids had no problem in the 3rd row. It is a great car that is fun to drive, and we have all the room we need. The gas mileage is decent for an AWD SUV, and it drives more like a car. The only thing we wish it had was automatic lights like GM cars.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Bought this car in 2005. Handles the Michigan snow great. One of the best handling cars out there. The engine is a little weak for the size of the car and the gas mileage is poor for a 3.0 liter. Interior is nice and comfortable, and quality is good. If maintained properly the car will be in great mechanical condition.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Hi there, thank you for your message. I completely understand that you will be picking up the Tribeca in 2 days. It's great to hear that you were able to take a 1 hour test drive and that you found the perfect car for you after looking at so many different options. The car sounds amazing with its quiet ride, excellent radio, navigation, AWD, and loaded safety features. I hope you have a great experience with your new car!
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Vehicle year: 2007
Good choice! This vehicle is a safe and reliable option for your wife, especially during the winter months with its full-time AWD and stability control. It also comes with heated features and all the bells and whistles at a very reasonable price. The mileage is also quite decent, averaging around 20 miles per gallon. Additionally, the vehicle has a great look that we really like!
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Vehicle year: 2006
In August 2005, we test drove and compared several SUVs including the new Subaru B9 Tribeca, Highlander LDT, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Nissan Murano, Infinity FX3, and used Lexus RX300. After careful consideration, we chose the Tribeca. The Tribeca stood out due to its superior handling, especially in sudden high-speed maneuvers. It has a slight lean that never gets worse than slight, and it has quick, accurate steering and shifting response. The 255/55/18 tires with 18
Are you having problems with your Subaru B9 tribeca?
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.
Emery Koss 2025-06-19
Vehicle year: 2006
If you are experiencing any of these issues with your SUV, rest assured that you are not alone. These quirks can be frustrating, but they are not uncommon. It's important to address these issues with confidence and assertiveness, and to seek out a solution that works for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted mechanic or dealership for assistance. Remember, you deserve a vehicle that meets your needs and expectations.
Elwyn Klocko 2025-06-16
Vehicle year: 2006
Subaru's lack of support for their expensive models is unacceptable. Despite less than 84000 miles on the car, the timing chain failed causing the cam gear to fail. The dealer's solution was to replace the entire motor, which cost me $2400. However, this did not solve the problem as the main bearing was also damaged beyond repair. It is disappointing that Subaru does not stand behind their products. This experience has taught me to never trust them again.