2009 Subaru B9 Tribeca

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train3
2. Engine2
3. Exterior lighting1
4. Fuel/propulsion system1
5. Vehicle speed control1
6. Air bags1
7. Visibility/wiper1
8. Electrical system1

Latest complaints

• Dec 18, 2024WV200,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  The contact owned a 2009 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated while driving on ice, at a low speed, the contact's vehicle slid and rolled before slamming into a culvert. The contact stated that the driver's door air bag was deployed, however, no other air bags deployed. In addition, the contact…

  The contact owned a 2009 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated while driving on ice, at a low speed, the contact's vehicle slid and rolled before slamming into a culvert. The contact stated that the driver's door air bag was deployed, however, no other air bags deployed. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle in 2023. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The Police and paramedics were at the scene. A Police report was filed, however, some of the information was unavailable. The contact was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained bruises, scratches, and body pain. The vehicle was condemned to total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

• Dec 29, 2018MI90,000 mi
  Exterior lighting

  Headlamps burn out and cause shorting on other electrical components like blower fan, windows and etc. I change headlamps every 1-2 months sometimes sooner, and now I'm forced to change the electrical components that are effected by this shorting issue!!!!!! I'm told that subaru had an defect with this issue from other countries!!!

• Nov 10, 2018MS152,587 mi
  Electrical system · Engine
  Problem 1. while driving on the interstate highway car lost power, stalled and shut off. the gas guage was on a 1/4 of tan of gasoline, miles guage read 100 miles. I was able to coast to the side of the road. thanks god, I near the next exit. I was able to restart my car after about ten minute…

  Problem 1. while driving on the interstate highway car lost power, stalled and shut off. the gas guage was on a 1/4 of tan of gasoline, miles guage read 100 miles. I was able to coast to the side of the road. thanks god, I near the next exit. I was able to restart my car after about ten minute and went to the nearest gas station. this have happen to me twice on the interstate highway so I try not let the gas guage fall below 1/4 tank because the sensor are not register correct. I have take my car to subaru dealer in jackson, ms 3 times they can find the problem. I travel the interstate highway daily to work, usually drive in the outer left or right lane so if my car cut off I will be able to coast off to the side of the road not at ran over. I took video picture of the guage reading to show to the subaru dealer on my cell phone. problem 2. temperature gauge read the car IS running hot while driving and sitting at stop light. the gauge randomly moves up and down while driving. I had take my car to subaru of jackson twice about this problem. they keep may car for about a week could not get it to replicate the problem. I have replace my radiator and thermostat but that did not correct the issues. since subaru can not find what IS wrong with my vehicle I don't know what else to do. problem 3: low tire pressure sensor light randomly flash on and off while driving then stays on. I have had the tire pressure check several times. Pressure IS fine on all tires. .

• Jan 18, 2018KS120,000 mi
  Vehicle speed control
  Upon entering highway and accelerating to achieve the prescribed 65mph, the car continued accelerating, uncommanded, even when I applied the brakes, and continued to accelerate above 85mph for miles, (i was pumping brakes and frantically trying to figure out what to do and what was going on). I…

  Upon entering highway and accelerating to achieve the prescribed 65mph, the car continued accelerating, uncommanded, even when I applied the brakes, and continued to accelerate above 85mph for miles, (i was pumping brakes and frantically trying to figure out what to do and what was going on). I was able to find an exit ramp and had the thought I could put the car in neutral and thereby successfully slow the car to a stop. the engine continued to rev in neutral, and after the car stopped and I put it in park, the car continued to rev and began to shudder until I turned off the engine power.

• Feb 13, 2017AE
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
  I am in the military currently stationed overseas, in italy, and we noticed that the car I bought in 2015 has been releasing gas fumes on cold morning, that will last no more than 3 minutes, noticeably when the engine IS warmed up. we never noticed this happening on warm season. Strong gas smell…

  I am in the military currently stationed overseas, in italy, and we noticed that the car I bought in 2015 has been releasing gas fumes on cold morning, that will last no more than 3 minutes, noticeably when the engine IS warmed up. we never noticed this happening on warm season. Strong gas smell comes in through the ac vents when the circulation IS open and/or in defogger mode. no gas smell in engine bay but rather the gas smell IS strong on the exhaust pipes.

• Mar 9, 2015IN65,000 mi
  Power train
  There IS a large shudder at slow acceleration. the problem was slight to begin with however, the problem continues to get worse. dealer has confirmed that the torque converter IS no good, however they will not replace for free since the vehicle IS out of warranty. through my investigation, I…

  There IS a large shudder at slow acceleration. the problem was slight to begin with however, the problem continues to get worse. dealer has confirmed that the torque converter IS no good, however they will not replace for free since the vehicle IS out of warranty. through my investigation, I found that subaru did a design change in early 2009 to correct this problem. unfortunately, subaru has not issued a recall for all defective torque converters it has installed. *tr

• Dec 26, 2012WA
  Visibility/wiper

  Windshield cracking for no reason. Approx 4 clean, through and through, cracks now. All roughly 8' long. No chips and/or rock dings. Woke up two mornings ago, car garaged, and there was a new crack after it sat idle in a garage all night. *tr

• Feb 1, 2012MA30,410 mi
  Power train
  When accelerating moderately, the drivetrain/transmission shudders. the vehicle hesitates for a brief period of time and then begins to accelerate. this usually occurs between 20-40 mph, especially when moving in stop and go traffic. dealer has not been able to duplicate the condition and no…

  When accelerating moderately, the drivetrain/transmission shudders. the vehicle hesitates for a brief period of time and then begins to accelerate. this usually occurs between 20-40 mph, especially when moving in stop and go traffic. dealer has not been able to duplicate the condition and no "error codes" are showing in the computer. my wife does not feel confident driving the vehicle any longer as it makes it dangerous to pull into oncoming traffic. apparently we are not the only people to experience this, but subaru does not appear to be willing to rectify this condition. owners of 2008 and 2009 tribeca's frequently complain about this issue, but "nothing IS wrong" when the vehicles are looked at by subaru technicians. I wonder IS subaru IS having their dealers cover up this issue. *tr

• May 18, 2010NJ24,000 mi
  Power train › Automatic transmission

  Engine stall out / flashing atoil light / check engine light on / flashing vsc light on/ flashing cruise control light. - vehicle running rough. this IS the second incident with similar symptoms. first occurred 2/23/2009 -(2567 miles) dx with transmission solenoid problem. repaired w/dx codes p1578, p0700 current incident at 24,000 miles - dealership reporting difficulty in diagnosing problem. *Tr

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.
• 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

Every Subaru B9 Tribeca model year

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