2009 Subaru Tribeca
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Tribeca › 2009
These records cover every 2009 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 2009 Subaru Tribeca. Newest first.
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)…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 TKB-18.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 inflators, 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 TKC-18.
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 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 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
5 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
The car was started in the driveway on a very cold day. The brake pedal was initially able to be pressed, but then became rock hard and could not be pushed down. After 10 minutes of letting the car warm up, the brake pedal was able to be pressed, but then seized up again 1 minute later. This could cause a crash if it occurred on the highway. *tr
- Service brakes
I was going around a bend and the brake pedal locked. I was unable to utilize the brakes. Due to this brake failure, I drove up on a hillside and smashed into a telephone pole. feel that this IS a mechanical defect in the car which caused the accident as the brake pedal was locked into place. The car had no known mechanical issues and was inspected in july 2014. *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Driving car and it jolted, shift gear lights went out and all lights came on dash board, att-oil temp, cruise control, check engine light, and slippery when wet light, car lost power down to 2-5 miles per hour. thought it was transmission had it looked at twice by capitol transmission in hartford…
Driving car and it jolted, shift gear lights went out and all lights came on dash board, att-oil temp, cruise control, check engine light, and slippery when wet light, car lost power down to 2-5 miles per hour. thought it was transmission had it looked at twice by capitol transmission in hartford, they found nothing wrong with the transmission. then the lights went away drove it again for a week it jolted again and lights back on again. took it to gabe's tyre (cousin) he replaced the oil pressure gage thinking it was that since they had another issue with a subaru similar with my issue, and that did not correct the problem with my car. He suggested I take to the dealership. could not drive to the canton subaru too far so drove it to premier subaru in watertown, ct. they have had my car since sept. 9TH. they have spoken with subaru of america to help them try to figure out the issue with the electrical short, they have replaced the 2 different big expensive parts costing me $2, 300 after subaru kicked in $500 to help defray the cost because original cost was $2950. I picked up car last night drove it less than 3 miles and it jolted again in the middle of a busy road almost causing an accident and all lights came back on. I noticed the shift gear lights were never fixed. Drove car back up to dealership this morning let them know that the car IS not fixed and also told them about the gear shift lights were not fixed which was in my original complaint about the car, also in my first complaint was that I have been replacing headlight bulbs since I bought the car every 3-6 months a headlight would go out. I had the heat on this morning and noticed it was scorching hot only on 75 degrees should not feel like a sauna. I don't know if this has ever happened to another subaru car I have not been able to find any recalls on line for this. need your help! *tr
- Structure › Body
While driving my car I rested my left foot on the "footrest" of the drivers side floor and the heel of my shoe went right thru the floor of my 2008 subaru tribeca. I had to take my foot out of the shoe to get the shoe "unstuck". I thank god I was not driving on the expressway and could pull over…
While driving my car I rested my left foot on the "footrest" of the drivers side floor and the heel of my shoe went right thru the floor of my 2008 subaru tribeca. I had to take my foot out of the shoe to get the shoe "unstuck". I thank god I was not driving on the expressway and could pull over when it happened. When I took the shoe out I could see a black wire in the background area. I know this IS not normal or safe and I would like to know if it has happened before and how I can get this repaired. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
#1 the vin # IS correct. #2 the brake travel IS to excessive for proper response time. This has been noted when the vehicle was purchased with 15000 miles. Lither suburu in white bear lake mn was requested to check this out for another service maintenance. They would not check it because it was…
#1 the vin # IS correct. #2 the brake travel IS to excessive for proper response time. This has been noted when the vehicle was purchased with 15000 miles. Lither suburu in white bear lake mn was requested to check this out for another service maintenance. They would not check it because it was not under recall such as the 2011 legacy model. Since my wife drives the vehicle she IS not knowledgeable as to the distance the foot pedal should travel. I have spent years in automotive and heavy equipment as a service engineer so I feel qualified to say that this IS a safety deficiency. I had another engineer drive it to verify my conclusion. *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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 10093067"This service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. Nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which could affect operation or cause improper illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp. A small pilot portion was added to the threaded area on p.n. 25240Ka051 as shown in the illustration below."
- 10092526The 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.
- 10085114"The following information IS intended to provide further clarification of the proper claims procedures to follow when a vehicle comes in to your service department for the wqe]41 puddle light campaign. First and foremost, verify the vehicle IS equipped with genuine subaru accessory puddle lights. If the vehicle IS not equipped, release the vehicle as no correction IS required."
- 10085003"In order to remove the display of an open recall on the wqe99 program (optional puddle lights) that was used for vehicles that may or may not have puddle lights, the wqe99 program has been discontinued. The actual recall for the puddle lights (wqe41) remains unchanged. To replace the wqe99 notification, comments will be added to the vehicle coverage inquiry to identify these vehicles. When looking for open recalls in the vehicle coverage inquiry, please check the comments to identify vins that may or may not have the optional puddle lights. If the vehicle has puddle lights that meet the criteria in the wqe41 campaign bulletin, continue to call the claims helpline to register the vin in the wqe41 recall. These comments should appear on the vehicle coverage inquiry by the end of the day. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the claims helpline at 1-866-782-2782."
Every Subaru Tribeca model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.