Recalls: Subaru B9 Tribeca
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Subaru B9 Tribeca
2007-09 model year Subaru B9 Tribeca: lateral link in rear suspension may break
In November 2008, a recall was issued for certain Subaru Tribeca vehicles manufactured from the 2007 to 2009 model years. For these vehicles, the front lateral link in the rear suspension may crack and, if left unchecked, eventually break. If the lateral link were to break, the rear suspension would experience a lock of ‘toe’ control and the driver may lose control of the vehicle. The recalled models were as follows: WXEBK2U, WXEBK3U, WXEBK5U, WXEBK6U, WXFCK2U, WXFCK5U, WXFCY2U, WXFCY5U, WXFDK2U and WXFDK5U (PRA 2008/10445).
2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca: VDC system may malfunction
In December 2008, a recall for Subaru B9 Tribecas manufactured from 18 February 2008 to 1 December 2008 due to the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) G sensor having been installed in the incorrect position. This could cause the VDC system to malfunction when activated, causing the vehicle to become unstable (PRA 2008/10492).
2010 model year Subaru B9 Tribeca: front doors may open unexpectedly
In March 2010, a recall was issued for 2010 model year Subaru B9 Tribeca vehicles in the chassis number range 027035 to 028070. Some of these vehicles may experience interference between the front door latch cables and the front door window regulators when the windows are operated, potentially resulting the in the front doors unlatching and opening unexpectedly (PRA 2010/11515).
2007-14 Subaru B9 Tribeca: bonnet may open while driving
In February 2016, a recall was issued for 2007-14 Subaru Tribeca vehicles because the bonnet may not latch properly when closing due to corrosion or lubricant congealing. If the bonnet did not latch properly when closed, the bonnet may open during driving, potentially impairing the driver’s field of vision and posing an accident hazard (PRA 2016/15176).
2007-13 model year Subaru B9 Tribeca: Takata airbag recall
In July 2016, a recall was issued for 2007-09 ‘model year’ Subaru Tribeca vehicles; this recall, however, was subsquently extended to include 2007-13 model year Tribeca vehicles. In these vehicles, the front passenger’s airbag inflator contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time – this could cause overly aggressive combustion when the airbag deployed such that the airbag inflator housing could rupture and metal fragments may be scattered throughout the cabin, posing a hazard to occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Subaru Tribeca vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15507.
Subaru WX Tribeca: defective replacement ignition switch
In June 2019, recall campaign SRT 272 was issued for Subaru WX Tribeca vehicles because a replacement ignition switch may have had imperfections in its ball springs. Over time, these imperfections could cause the ignition switch to fail and the key may inadvertently move from the ‘ON’ position to the ‘ACC’ position while the vehicle was moving. If this occurred, the engine would stop running (causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow down and stop) and the power supply to the SRS airbag would be cut (so that the airbag would not deploy in the event of a collision). As such, the vehicle would pose a hazard to occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17514.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Subaru vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Subaru Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Subaru B9 Tribeca
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Subaru B9 Tribeca
- The gas-filled support struts for the tailgate may leak and make it harder to lift the tailgate. Eventually, the tailgate may not stay open.
- The tailgate may rattle when going over bumps due to a poorly fitted weather-strip.
- The second row seat may not release due to cable detaching from its holder.
