2008 Subaru Tribeca
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Tribeca › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Subaru Tribeca. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 2008 Subaru Tribeca. Newest first.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 passenger front 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 TKB-17.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, originally 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Subaru IS recalling 5,130 my 2008-2009 tribeca passenger vehicles. the vehicle dynamic control (vdc) g-sensor was improperly installed. this sensor IS designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but may have been installed backwards during production.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the position of the vdc g-sensor. if the sensor IS found to be installed correctly, no further action IS needed. if the sensor IS found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor will be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. the vdc system will also be reprogrammed to ensure proper operation. the recallbegan on december 19, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Owner complaints
14 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. While the vehicle was parked, the contact observed smoke coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. There were no flames visible. The fire department was called to the scene, but was unable to determine the source of the failure. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. While the vehicle was parked, the contact observed smoke coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. There were no flames visible. The fire department was called to the scene, but was unable to determine the source of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the wiring to the driver's side puddle light had overheated and was burnt. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v602000 (exterior lighting), although the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 134,000.
- Electrical system
Was driving and went to park my car, notice there was smoke coming from the passenger side where the seat IS. I looked up for any recalls and there was a recall for my car 2008 subaru tribeca for exterior puddle light that may cause smoke or fire if the wiring IS exposed to certain moisture. I entered my vin number in the recall and it's not listed. Could my car still have this recall?
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting · Steering
This car was shaking at a speed of 60 miles. After taking it to check in seattle's carter subaru washington five times, the car became vibrating at a speed of 40 miles. A day after it departure, it was shipped to tampa florida because of my university. Upon receipt the car was oil-free, and all the…
This car was shaking at a speed of 60 miles. After taking it to check in seattle's carter subaru washington five times, the car became vibrating at a speed of 40 miles. A day after it departure, it was shipped to tampa florida because of my university. Upon receipt the car was oil-free, and all the safety lights were caught. The car started to vibrate, and there was no longer enough capacity to push and the tires began to fall. Mastro subaru refused to fix the problem except by paying money. After research, I discovered that this car IS not the only one and that this IS a common problem in all cars of this type. The problem IS that there IS many recalls in this car one of them it IS (vdc) vehicle dynamic control. Now the car so dangerous to drive, I parked the car and no money to do anything. Please I need help , I have three kids.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) was received in june of 2016. After contacting the dealer (palm springs subaru in palm springs, california) and the manufacturer on multiple…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) was received in june of 2016. After contacting the dealer (palm springs subaru in palm springs, california) and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Takata recall
- Air bags
Takata recall - I received notice august 2016 that my passenger side takata airbag was being recalled. 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…
Takata recall - I received notice august 2016 that my passenger side takata airbag was being recalled. 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. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. . . . I have not been able to have a front passenger in my family vehicle since this notice and it has now been 7 months!! I need this vehicle fixed for a family vacation this year. This long of a wait IS completely ridiculous and I am beyond disappointed as to how this recall has been dealt with!!
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was 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.
- Air bags · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v359000 (air bags) and 16v060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v359000 (air bags) and 16v060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Unknown or other
While driving at highway speed, the hood spontaneously opened, smashing the windshield and completely obstructing my view. the main latch and secondary safety latch appear to have been stuck, keeping the hood closed but not securely locked.
- Service brakes
When the outside temperature dips below 20 degrees f, the brakes fail to work. This has happened 5 times now in the year 2014. this has happened each time my car has sat out in the cold temperatures (<20 degrees) for 8 hours (while at work). when pulling out of my space in the outdoor parking…
When the outside temperature dips below 20 degrees f, the brakes fail to work. This has happened 5 times now in the year 2014. this has happened each time my car has sat out in the cold temperatures (<20 degrees) for 8 hours (while at work). when pulling out of my space in the outdoor parking garage, my brake pedal becomes hard and I am unable to depress it. my car will not stop. applying hard pressure slows it down. this has happened on dry pavement. I once had to use the emergency brake to stop. it has also occurred once after I was operating the car for at least 15 minutes. I have had the car to the dealership twice in the last 3 months since this started. each time they are unable to duplicate the problem and cannot find anything wrong. I have also emailed subaru customer service and they stated the dealership would have to duplicate the brake problem in order to fix it. this IS a huge safety concern; not to menion I have 2 small children traveling in the car with me. no one seems that worried about it but me. it IS all over internet car forums that this happens with subaru brakes when the temperatures dip. the dealership and subaru claim they have not heard of this problem. I am extremely frustrated with subaru.
- Engine · Steering
The engine started to make weird noises then we lost power steering. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where she was informed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The failure has not recurred since the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 13,524. The current mileage was approximately 13,800.
- Engine and engine cooling · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. While driving approximately 45 mph on a road covered with snow an excessive amount of steam expelled from the front end of the vehicle. The steam made it difficult to see and there was a strong burning smell inside of the vehicle. The driver was able to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 subaru tribeca. While driving approximately 45 mph on a road covered with snow an excessive amount of steam expelled from the front end of the vehicle. The steam made it difficult to see and there was a strong burning smell inside of the vehicle. The driver was able to shut the engine off for a few moments, restart and resume normal operation with caution. Upon reaching his destination and inspecting under the hood he observed that the engine compartment exhibited massive snow,the belts and rubber hoses were burned. The vehicle was not driven for the remainder of the winter months; yet, the owner's manual indicated the vehicle should not be driven in the snow due to the snow entering the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection; however, there was no resolution. The contact IS aware of the safety risk. The failure mileage was 4,700 and the current mileage was 5,066. updated 05/11/09. *lj updated 05/11/09.*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.
- 10248224SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (certain specific vehicles only).
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10235894Revision to Troubleshooting Information for VDC DTC C0071
- 10235882Optional Genuine Subaru Puddle Lights
- 10235881Preliminary Inspection and Repair Procedure for Puddle Light Campaign WQE-41
- 10234840Correction to Diagnostics for 5AT-Related DTCs
- 10233145WQE-41 Campaign ? Component Part Update
- 10233125New Subaru Recall Campaign: Optional Genuine Subaru Puddle Lights
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 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.
- 10209924This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10209922This bulletin outlines the operating characteristics of the Remote Climate Control operation on hybrid vehicles.
- 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).
- 10205910This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 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.
- 10188201This bulletin announces availability of new front wheel hub assemblies incorporating bearing surfaces having increased resistance to imperfections resulting from shock loads.
- 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)
- 10171084The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 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.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To 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.
- 10160219Owner Notification, Owners will be notified by first class mail on May 10, 2019. Owners with a valid email address on file will also be notified by email. Subaru retailers with affected vehicles will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information is available in the WUF-91 Product Campaign Bulletin on STIS. A copy of the owner notification is included at the end of the bulletin.
- 10160209Subaru 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.
- 10160208New Subaru Safety Recall: WUF-91 Replacement Ignition Switch Recall Subaru 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.
- 10154419This 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.
- 10140561The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information. Printed pages will not be made available to update printed Service Manuals.
- 10140499Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys. Subaru of America began using immobilizer systems in some 2005MY vehicles (please refer to Immobilizer Chart for more detailed information).
- 10140453The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information. Printed pages will not be made available to update printed Service Manuals.
- 10139471NHTSA announced in a press conference today, the planned expansion of the airbag inflator recall to an additional 35 to 40 million vehicles from various manufacturers nationwide. We are currently assessing which of our models may be covered. We hope to make that determination soon. When specific vehicles are identified, owners will be notified plus vehicle identification numbers (VINs) can be researched on Subaru.com or on the NHTSA web site Safercar.gov.
- 10131647The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10120997The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10111069This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10093984New subaru recall campaign: optional genuine subaru puddle lights
- 10093509Revision to troubleshooting information for vdc dtc c0071
Every Subaru Tribeca model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.