2011 Subaru 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.
Social links
Common 2011 Subaru Tribeca problems
The Subaru Tribeca, produced between 2005 and 2014, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues are based on complaints from owners of the 2011 Subaru Tribeca
- Engine Issues: The Tribeca's engine is prone to overheating, which can lead to serious consequences such as a broken head gasket or seized cylinders. This problem usually manifests after 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers. Overheating can be delayed by monitoring the coolant level, radiator condition, and regular cleaning. Additionally, premature wear of piston rings or turning of liners can occur between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers. The timing chain, which is chain-type and relatively robust, can last for more than 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, but the chain tensioner may need to be replaced around 200,000 kilometers .
- Transmission Failure: The Jatco 5EAT 5-speed automatic transmission in the Tribeca is known for overheating, which can negatively impact the overall health of the vehicle. This issue is more prevalent in non-European versions, as they do not come with an additional radiator. Transmission repairs may be necessary after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers .
- All-Wheel Drive Malfunctions: The Tribeca's all-wheel drive system, known as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, is generally reliable. However, occasional issues with oil overheating in the rear differential can occur. Key components of the all-wheel drive system are generally reliable, but malfunctions are rare .
- Differential Warning Light: A differential warning light may come on due to banal corrosion of sensor contacts. This issue typically arises after 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers .
- Vibrations: Vibrations may occur due to wear of the propeller shaft crosses. This issue can be attributed to the low center of mass and independent suspension, which allows the vehicle to tenaciously hold onto the asphalt .
- Steering and Suspension Components: Front wheel bearings typically serve more than 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, while rear bearings last more than 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers. Springs may sag, especially in the rear, and front shock absorber supports can swell after 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The upper steering rack oil seal may start to flow after 100,000 kilometers .
- Body Corrosion: The Tribeca's body is not prone to corrosion, but small paint bulges can be found on the roof near the windshield, on the lower edge of the tailgate, and in the area of the wheel arches. Paint may also peel off the front bumper in places of chips after 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers .
- Central Monitor: After 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, problems with the central monitor may arise, such as ripples appearing, the image twitching or disappearing. The backlight of the round climate control regulators may also begin to dim or flicker, requiring the soldering of contacts of the microcircuit under the top cover of the radio .
- Catalyst Failure: After 200,000 kilometers, the catalyst may become unusable and need to be replaced with a flame arrestor, requiring re-flashing of the engine ECU .
These common problems with the 2011 Subaru Tribeca are based on complaints from owners and may affect the vehicle's performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction.
Are Subaru Tribecas reliable?
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.
Why did Subaru discontinue the 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 ...
How many miles can you get out of a Subaru Tribeca?
While results will vary and the big variable is always how well the car has been maintained, what I can tell you is a Subaru is capable of going 300,000 miles. And if you are a regular maintenance type of owner you should expect to get that type of mileage out of it.
What was unique about the Subaru Tribeca?
Tribeca is Subaru's largest and most luxurious vehicle, and the only Subaru that seats seven. Subaru recently discontinued production of the Tribeca but we stock used ones. Overview: Tribeca is constructed on a stretched Outback platform, so in terms of proportions and road presence, it is like a tall Outback.
Are Subaru Tribecas reliable?
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.
Why did they discontinue the Subaru Tribeca?
On October 18, 2013, Autoblog, Jalopnik, and Cars.com all confirmed that Subaru informed its dealers that production on the Tribeca would end in January 2014 due to slow sales. Subaru sold just under 77,000 Tribecas total in the United States, making it one of the worst-selling vehicles in the US in 2011 and 2012.
What was unique about the Subaru Tribeca?
Tribeca is Subaru's largest and most luxurious vehicle, and the only Subaru that seats seven. Subaru recently discontinued production of the Tribeca but we stock used ones. Overview: Tribeca is constructed on a stretched Outback platform, so in terms of proportions and road presence, it is like a tall Outback.
What kind of transmission is in the 2011 Subaru Tribeca?
All models come with all-wheel drive and a 5-speed SportShift automatic with a manual shiftgate. Tribeca has good power, and it's smooth and quiet at highway speeds.
2011 Subaru Tribeca car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Tribeca problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Subaru Tribeca vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Subaru Tribeca complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Subaru Tribeca.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-17
- VIN: 4S4WX9GD4B4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN ACCELERATING AND VEHICLE SHIFTS GEARS THE ENGINE SPINS AND MAKES A POPPING SOUND JOLTING CAR FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND POPPING INTO GEAR ABRUPTLY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-06
- VIN: 4S4WX9FD2B4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL RANDOMLY QUITS WORKING.. I WAS PASSING A SEMI AND THE CRUISE JUST SHUT OFF.. AND STARTING BLINKING.. HAS BEEN DOING THIS RIGHT ALONG, SINCE I BOUGHT IT AT 46,456 MILES ON IT.. I NOW HAVE 93,000 ON IT.. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND DO THE "GM" OIL RESET CODE.. TURN THE KEY TO ON POSITION, AND PUMP THE GAS PEDAL 3 TIMES TO RESET IT.. IT IS DANGEROUS... SPECIALLY WHEN IT TURNS OFF WHILE PASSING OR DRIVING.AT 70 MPH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-25
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5760784756.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: OUR CONTROL
2011 Subaru Tribeca recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2011 Subaru Tribeca.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be 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.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
- 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.
- Consequence: If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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).
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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).
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2011 Subaru Tribeca car reviews
Positive 2011 Subaru Tribeca car reviews
-
We upgraded from an '06 Outback to a '10 Tribeca due to our growing family and the limited space in the Outback for rear-facing car seats. The Tribeca has been a great all-around vehicle for us. It has plenty of power and handles corners with ease. The seats are wider than in the Outback, which makes long trips much easier, especially for a big guy like myself. While the third row is a bit tight, it's meant for kids, so it's not a big issue for us. We purchased the 'base' Tribeca, but it comes with standard features that are options in competing vehicles like the Traverse. Overall, we've been very happy with our purchase.
-
Great car!
-
The car is undoubtedly exceptional, however, it requires an oil leak repair and some of its parts are no longer available due to discontinuation. It is worth mentioning that I have been the proud owner of this car since 2011.
-
The leg room in the third row is quite limited, but it's perfect for my young grandkids. It's important to keep in mind that this is not a minivan, so the space is not comparable. Typically, I keep the third row down for extra storage until the kids come over. The Tribeca has no problem pulling my 1965 Bethany tent trailer and 1976 Alumicraft in and out of the water. If you're able to find a five or seven seater, I highly recommend it! Additionally, it handles well in snowy conditions.
-
I'm glad to hear that you're still enjoying your Tribeca after 2000 miles! The leather seats sound really comfortable, and the power moonroof is a nice touch. It's great to hear that you're getting better mileage than advertised, around 18.5 mpg city. I understand your concern about the lack of storage compartments up front, but it's good to know that the home-link on the sun visor helps eliminate remote control clutter. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Subaru Tribeca problems:
2011 Subaru Tribeca? : r/subaru
Jun 24, 2020 ... Any common issues around 100K miles I should look out for or expect? Any reason why you wouldn't recommend this year and model? And yeah, see ...
Tribeca reliability from long term owners | Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV ...
Apr 16, 2019 ... There are occasional headgasket and trans valve body issues - those are major repairs but not frequent enough to warrant excessive concern. If ...
Please help: 2010 Tribeca vs. 2011 Outback : r/subaru
Nov 21, 2022 ... The Subaru Tribeca engine (6 cyl ) will self destruct, avoid it. The Outback has a few issues common to those years. - through a design flaw, ...
2011 Subaru Tribeca Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2011 Subaru Tribeca? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Transmission Reliability on Tribeca | Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV Forum
Jul 22, 2010 ... There is a big difference between a 2011 X5 and a 2008 Tribeca. I'm still happy with my 2009 Tribeca and haven't experienced the issues you have ...
Other years of Subaru Tribeca
Are you having problems with your 2011 Subaru Tribeca?
Malcolm Schroeder 2024-10-01
I was very excited about my new car, but only for 2 weeks. I purchased used car with 12,000 miles. Then problems started- rattles and transmission. My new car didn't accelerate well, made strange noises, took it to the dealer, reflushed transmission and after 3 weeks the same problem came back. Extremely disappointed. Suppose to be fun car to drive but turned out to be a complete disaster. After 3 months I traded in my Tribeca, of course lost a lot of money : (.
Vladimir Hackett 2024-07-22
I was pleasantly surprised by the Subaru after test driving CUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Ford. The engine is very drivable around town and the ride experience is as luxurious as the premium brands. The Tribeca feels more like a car as opposed to the minivan roots of the Toyota Venza and the Ford Edge. Interior room for five is exceptional and rear storage area is huge. The build quality is comparable to luxury brands. If you are in the market for a vehicle in this class, I would recommend test driving them carefully. In my experience, it did not match up with the reviews on this site. It was almost as if the experts were driving different cars!!!
Jessy Blanda 2024-05-28
Hi there! I'm new to Subaru and recently made the switch from Toyota to the Tribeca because of its sleek design and great features. After driving over 1000 miles, I have a few minor gripes that I wanted to share. Firstly, I find the steering wheel mounted audio controls to be poorly placed, as I tend to accidentally change the radio station when making hard turns. Additionally, the gas mileage could be better, as I'm currently averaging 18.6 highway miles per gallon. I also haven't noticed much of a difference between regular drive mode and 'Sport' mode. The leather seats could use some improvement in terms of fit and finish, as there are a few bunched up spots. Lastly, I wish there was more small storage space for items like sunglasses, wallets, and my Garmin. Oh, and the Good-Year tires that came with the car aren't great in the snow! Overall, I'm still enjoying my Tribeca and look forward to more adventures in it. Thanks for listening!