2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 84 |
| 2007 | 26 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND TEMP, ALL WERE NORMAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200201
2 of 4 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
SUBARU TRIBECA 2012 IS ONLY 3 YEARS AND 7 MONTH OLD. WAS PURCHASED NEW FOR $41,000 FOR BEST SAFETY FEATURES, AND FUEL ECONOMY. MY CAR NEVER WAS IN ACCIDENT, NOT DRIVEN TO THE MOUNTAINS OR HARSH WEATHER CONDITION. ONLY 43000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160224
1 of 4 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
SUBARU TRIBECA 2012 IS ONLY 3 YEARS AND 7 MONTH OLD. WAS PURCHASED NEW FOR $41,000 FOR BEST SAFETY FEATURES, AND FUEL ECONOMY. MY CAR NEVER WAS IN ACCIDENT, NOT DRIVEN TO THE MOUNTAINS OR HARSH WEATHER CONDITION. ONLY 43000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160224
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 20
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.
Campaign 12V602000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Tribeca vehicles manufactured November 16, 2004, to January 27, 2014.
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.
Campaign 16V060000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 17V014000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 18V012000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Campaign 19V008000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Campaign 19V007000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V009000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V602000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V014000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V012000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V008000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V007000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V009000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.