2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › B9 Tribeca › 2007
These records cover every 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was running but continued to randomly shutdown. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There were no…
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was running but continued to randomly shutdown. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the ignition. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed…
Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed on the brakes to slow down and stop as I was steering my car into a parking space. This was a terrifying experience for which I had zero control. My car continued to propel forward and surge with such power that it plowed into a “safely parking Boulder” which rolled down the hill. This caused my car to go airborne off a steep embankment, sideswiped a tree (airborne), landed on another part of the driveway and continued to propel forward and part way back up the hill! All this occurred while my foot was on the brake pedal! It is a miracle that I am alive and that I didn’t injure or kill someone in the process. I was wearing my seatbelt and my dog were in the car. They appear to me ok. However, neither of the airbags deployed! I am again grateful to be alive. My car was totaled, but I would not feel safe even if it were repaired. I survived this time, but maybe not the next time. I definitely want this documented for safety purposes! Thank you!
- Unknown or other
We were sold a car that had the odometer miles setback 101,000 miles back. Moved from 211,000 to 110,000. Refusing to take back the car.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Recently, my vehicle was found to have a rusted fuel filler neck. the rusting IS toward to "top", well away from road salt and water. the problem IS causing fuel fumes to escape, including directly into the passenger compartment. in my case, a full tank of fuel causes the interior fumes to be so…
Recently, my vehicle was found to have a rusted fuel filler neck. the rusting IS toward to "top", well away from road salt and water. the problem IS causing fuel fumes to escape, including directly into the passenger compartment. in my case, a full tank of fuel causes the interior fumes to be so strong that the car can not be driven. a search for a replacement filler neck showed the part IS on national back-order, leading one to suspect that the problem IS common.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Car has fuel fumes very strong smelling in car. I look on this as a safety problem for me and the kids travelling in my car. but I guess people has to die first before any action IS taken like the boeing airlines. the car IS overheating and tgey cannot tell you why it IS doing it.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Serious, health hazard and a very dangerous problem arise with my smelling gasoline in the interior of car. It happens when tank IS full and as soon as it drops to about 3/4 it stops, imagine the tank IS full and the fumes are saturated in the car. the smell IS overwhelming.even with the windows…
Serious, health hazard and a very dangerous problem arise with my smelling gasoline in the interior of car. It happens when tank IS full and as soon as it drops to about 3/4 it stops, imagine the tank IS full and the fumes are saturated in the car. the smell IS overwhelming.even with the windows cracked. very very dangerous. why IS there not a recall when on line a large population of people has the problem. or does a couple cars have to explode with the gasoline issue before a recall IS done. this needs immediate attention. thanks as long as the tank IS full it smells whether it IS parked or moving. would be afraid to go on highway for fear of explosion.
- Air bags · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. While driving approximately 60 mph, the hood opened unexpectedly and shattered the windshield. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was called a few times, but the line was busy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. While driving approximately 60 mph, the hood opened unexpectedly and shattered the windshield. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was called a few times, but the line was busy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 17v016000 (air bags) and 16v060000 (structure, latches/locks/linkages). The failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) for the front passenger inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) for the front passenger inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that 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.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" I purchased this car because of the options. One being the passenger seat can be adjusted for my handicap passenger. Since july 2016 I have not been using this feature due to the possibility of it being hazardous if it was to inflate. But my handicap passenger finds it difficult to…
"Takata recall" I purchased this car because of the options. One being the passenger seat can be adjusted for my handicap passenger. Since july 2016 I have not been using this feature due to the possibility of it being hazardous if it was to inflate. But my handicap passenger finds it difficult to access the car's backseat.. May can be done to have this be put on a priority list. this car also needed to be repair for the other recall involving the hood lock and catch. Luckily the accident was not fatal. But I was without a car for 2 months. so, this IS my complaint . *tr
- Air bags · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) and 16v358000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) and 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 not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v359000 (air bags) and 16v060000 (latches/locks and linkages, structure). The parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v359000 (air bags) and 16v060000 (latches/locks and linkages, structure). The parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect.
- Power train
While driving we smelt something burning, I pulled over to inspect under the car and saw smoke coming from there. I went under and saw that there was liquid covering the catalytic converter, I wiped down as much as I could and drove to my mechanic. He put the car on the lift and we traced to where…
While driving we smelt something burning, I pulled over to inspect under the car and saw smoke coming from there. I went under and saw that there was liquid covering the catalytic converter, I wiped down as much as I could and drove to my mechanic. He put the car on the lift and we traced to where to liquid was coming from. It went to the front left axle boot, it was ruptured causing grease to be thrown on the hot catalytic converter causing the smoke. This could have evolved into a fire if I had not immediately stopped driving and wiped down the converter. We had to change the complete axle and boot assembly. Update 9/15/15*cw updated 11/16/2017*cn
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
I was driving my 2007 subaru tribeca B9 to work on the freeway at 65mph when the hood flew open and shattered my windshield. I was in heavy rush hour traffic on a 4 lane major interstate. I could not see at all. I was in one of the middle lanes and nearly caused a major accident with an…
I was driving my 2007 subaru tribeca B9 to work on the freeway at 65mph when the hood flew open and shattered my windshield. I was in heavy rush hour traffic on a 4 lane major interstate. I could not see at all. I was in one of the middle lanes and nearly caused a major accident with an 18-wheeler that was behind me and had to lock up his brakes to avoid crashing into me. I see there are several complaints of this issue and there should have been a recall to repair this item. I have been a huge subaru fan for many years and this IS the 3rd....and last one....for me.
- Exterior lighting
Front low beam headlights burn out constantly. *tr
- Steering
While driving on an interstate highway at ~55 mph, heard a metallic noise, three indicators went on, smell burnt rubber. a steering wheel stopped operating properly and would turn only when applying much effort. lucky to be in the right lane and be able to gradually pull off without causing an…
While driving on an interstate highway at ~55 mph, heard a metallic noise, three indicators went on, smell burnt rubber. a steering wheel stopped operating properly and would turn only when applying much effort. lucky to be in the right lane and be able to gradually pull off without causing an incident. the incident might have been life threatening, taking into account high speeds and heavy trucks on the road. was able to reach to the nearest subaru service. the problem: pulleys, drive belts, tensioners broke due to wear and tear. due to the vehicle engineering design, this problem causes non-responsiveness of the steering wheel. the vehicle has ~90K miles and has been operated in a city conditions. technician said this problem happened with other vehicles of this model; these parts are not normally inspected during regular maintenance and thus are impossible to be detected. thus, the parts that broke have limited lifespan which makes the vehicle dangerous to operate. contacted subaru -- they say it IS beyond the original warranty of 3 yrs / 36 th.miles and the life expectancy of any part IS unknown. does it mean the subaru's safety pledge IS also valid for the time of the original warranty?? *tr
- Steering · Structure › Body
I was driving my 07 subaru tribeca on a busy city street, at about 35 miles per hour, when multiple red lights came up and I could not turn the steering wheel. It was not locked, but it required significant effort to move it even a few inched to the left or right. It was extreemely stressful to be…
I was driving my 07 subaru tribeca on a busy city street, at about 35 miles per hour, when multiple red lights came up and I could not turn the steering wheel. It was not locked, but it required significant effort to move it even a few inched to the left or right. It was extreemely stressful to be stuck in the middle of a busy avenue without any control over your vechicle. the repair shop came up with the following list of broken parts: belt tensioner, idler pulley, 2 bolts and an ac bracket. The total bill for the parts and labor was $780. I have been driving my car on highways and city streets only, never took it off the road. The car IS only 5 years old with 58K miles on it. I don't understand how such an extensive damage to the car parts could happen other then that it IS faulty. IS subaru considering a recall for the above mentioned parts? Thank you. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · Suspension
While driving this car it constantly loses acceleration. it will have no power then lurch forward and rev. It idles, lurches, and then has no acceleration. I have also replaced the sway bar bearings twice in this car as well as 2 oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter. the deal still cant fix the problem even with the service codes. this car IS a danger and a safety issue. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru tribeca. While driving at 10 mph, the dashboard components briefly illuminated and failed. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle then caught on fire. A fire report was available. The contact could not confirm why or where the fire originated from. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 subaru tribeca. While driving at 10 mph, the dashboard components briefly illuminated and failed. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle then caught on fire. A fire report was available. The contact could not confirm why or where the fire originated from. The manufacturer was not contacted. The fire damage was being handled by the contact's insurance company. The vin was not available. The current and failure mileage was 57,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving the motor stopped, the check engine light came on and the vehicle?s speed slowed dramatically, steering the disabled vehicle became almost impossible; a potential accident was avoided. The vehicle was towed to closest dealer. The dealer quoted an estimate of $2300 to tear down the…
While driving the motor stopped, the check engine light came on and the vehicle?s speed slowed dramatically, steering the disabled vehicle became almost impossible; a potential accident was avoided. The vehicle was towed to closest dealer. The dealer quoted an estimate of $2300 to tear down the motor to diagnose the problem. The vehicle has 29,000 miles and the warranty has extended coverage to 84,000 miles at a cost of $1288. Subaru of america was contacted to express dissatisfaction with the dealership; the customer service representative asked me to fax maintenance records for the vehicle. The documents were faxed at 2:00am on wednesday august 13, 2008. On august 14TH I contacted subaru of america for a status update on the vehicle; the representative handling my case had left for the day so I requested a call back the next day. No response was received. Subaru of america has not conformed to their warranty obligations, stating neglect of owner may have caused the motor failure. Hard fact, a vehicle driven under normal conditions whose motor fails without warning (no signals from the onboard diagnosis system-another possible defect, or warning sounds from the motor) with 29,000 equates to component of failure of the motor or electrical component. The motor IS not ceased; it turns over with the ignition key. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On april 24, 2008, while driving on interstate 84 and then on the mass pike the car lost acceleration twice (gas peddle had no acceleration). the car (subaru tribeca 2007) did regain power within some seconds both times, while driving on the streets of brookline, ma (beacon street) later that…
On april 24, 2008, while driving on interstate 84 and then on the mass pike the car lost acceleration twice (gas peddle had no acceleration). the car (subaru tribeca 2007) did regain power within some seconds both times, while driving on the streets of brookline, ma (beacon street) later that afternoon the car died and would not start. contacted subaru roadside assistance (car under new car warranty). the car was towed to their nearest dealer in belmont, ma and arrived there at 5:00 pm on 4/24. the car has been at the dealer being worked on (it IS claimed) since that time (5/24 to today 5/5/08 and while the dealer claims to have replaced several parts they have not been able to repair the car. the service manager claims it IS an electrical problem. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. the contact stated that the vehicle became engulfed in flames while driving 35 mph. the vehicle was destroyed. he stated that the electrical trunk latch was not working properly prior to the fire. a police report was filed. the dealer and manufacturer had not been notified. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 12,400.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
2007 subaru B9 tribeca with sudden acceleration. Consumer states that the dealer still cannot diagnose what IS causing this problem. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle also had an electrical problem. the consumer has since donated the vehicle to a local automotive technology center.*jb
- Power train
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru WRX (na). while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission failed as the contact attempted to shift into third gear. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by abusive and aggressive driving. an independent mechanic…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru WRX (na). while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission failed as the contact attempted to shift into third gear. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by abusive and aggressive driving. an independent mechanic stated that the transmission failed because the 2007 WRX transmission has 50 less horse power. the current and failure mileages were 11,200.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru b9tribeca. while driving 20 mph all the lights on the dashboard illuminated and remained on, then the vehicle hesitated. the dealer stated that the vehicle needed a chip replaced. they made the replacement however, the failure continued to occur. the contact…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru b9tribeca. while driving 20 mph all the lights on the dashboard illuminated and remained on, then the vehicle hesitated. the dealer stated that the vehicle needed a chip replaced. they made the replacement however, the failure continued to occur. the contact also stated that the cruise control would not work. as of august 13, 2007, the dealer has not repaired the vehicle however; it has been at the dealer for approximately thirty days. the failure mileage was 25 and the current mileage was 3,155.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle quickly surged forward. the brakes failed and the vehicle jumped an embankment and sped down a street. the contact was able to stop the vehicle by slamming on the brakes…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru B9 tribeca. while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle quickly surged forward. the brakes failed and the vehicle jumped an embankment and sped down a street. the contact was able to stop the vehicle by slamming on the brakes and placing the vehicle in park. afterwards, the vehicle operated normally and she was able to drive to the dealer. the dealer has been unable to diagnose the cause of failure. the current and failure mileages were 7,000. updated 09/05/07. *Jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232868Optional Genuine Subaru Puddle Lights
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10186348The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161827Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
Every Subaru B9 Tribeca model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.