2006 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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Common 2006 Subaru B9 tribeca problems
The Subaru B9 Tribeca, produced in 2006, has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues can be categorized into engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, climate control, and electrical system problems.
- Electrical System:
Difficulty starting the engine on the B9 Tribeca can be caused by a flat battery due to a faulty alternator. The vehicle may also start but soon die out, especially when several electrical devices are running simultaneously. This is an indication of alternator failure, which requires re-charging the battery and fitting a replacement alternator to fix the problem.
In summary, the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include engine overheating, transmission problems, all-wheel drive system malfunctions, climate control failures, and electrical system faults. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when evaluating the vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate these problems and ensure the vehicle's longevity.
Is Subaru Tribeca 2006 a good vehicle?
Very reliable vehicle
Runs very smooth. strong engine requires little maintenance very roomy and comfortable. awesome stereo sound. powerful engine.
Is Subaru Tribeca B9 reliable?
Subaru B9 Tribeca Reliability Problems
B9 Tribeca owners have made 19 complaints over 2 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 9th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models , with real body and transmission concerns.
Is Subaru Tribeca expensive to maintain?
The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs.
Why did Subaru stop making Tribeca?
Subaru, however, when celebrating its 50th year as an automaker in America, owned up to the fact that the Tribeca wasn't the best it had to offer, stating: "The model was quickly found to be too small for the U.S." and "the model never achieved its planned-for sales and was dropped in 2014 with the announcement of a ...
Is Subaru Tribeca 2006 a good vehicle?
Very reliable vehicle
Runs very smooth. strong engine requires little maintenance very roomy and comfortable. awesome stereo sound. powerful engine.
Is Subaru Tribeca B9 reliable?
Subaru B9 Tribeca Reliability Problems
B9 Tribeca owners have made 19 complaints over 2 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 9th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models , with real body and transmission concerns.
Is Subaru Tribeca expensive to maintain?
The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs.
What is the fuel consumption of the Tribeca B9?
Based on data from 33 vehicles, 3,085 fuel-ups and 651,777 miles of driving, the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.92 with a 0.09 MPG margin of error.
2006 Subaru B9 tribeca complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Subaru B9 tribeca.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2006 Subaru B9 tribeca car reviews
Positive 2006 Subaru B9 tribeca car reviews
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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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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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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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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
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This vehicle is such a pleasure to drive, especially when compared to other SUVs I've owned. The interior is truly impressive, with a fit and finish that rivals that of our Teutonic friends from Germany. The design almost gives it a 'cockpit' feel, reminiscent of a fighter jet, and the electroluminescent gauges are simply awesome. Don't forget to get the 'puddle' lights, they really add a nice finishing touch to the vehicle! The Boxer motor is incredibly smooth, as is the transmission. Shifts are seamless and there's hardly any road or wind noise. The driving experience is truly enjoyable, with sharp and precise handling thanks to the low center of gravity provided by the Boxer motor. It's like having sports car handling with SUV clearance!
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What are your thoughts on 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca? : r/subaru
Jul 15, 2022 ... As long as you like the looks, 2006 was one of the best years in terms of reliability. Not really any big common issues. Upvote 1. Downvote
2006 Subaru Tribeca - Tribeca troubles? - Maintenance/Repairs ...
May 27, 2023 ... He was quite happy with the car when he traded it for an Outback last year. What issues did you have with yours? VDCdriver May 28, 2023 ...
1st Generation (2006-2007) B9 Tribeca Problems
Worst Issues · hood flew up in the 2006 B9 Tribeca. 2 complaints · locks into gear intermittently in the 2007 B9 Tribeca. 2 complaints · faulty head gasket in the ...
Tribeca reliability from long term owners | Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV ...
Apr 16, 2019 ... Tribeca reliability from long term owners · 1) Serpentine belt idler or tensioner bearing failure · 2) Coolant leak · 3) Not checking oil often ...

Subaru B9 Tribeca Transmisson Problems — Car Forums at ...
Oct 3, 2006 ... Has anybody had issues with the transmission when the car is cold, and when it is shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear? My 2006 Tribeca, w/30k miles, ...
Sam Hyatt 2025-06-23
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
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
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.
Adam Macejkovic 2025-03-26
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
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.