MYRModel Year Report

2008 Subaru Tribeca

○ Not enough data
2008 Subaru Tribeca
RENDERED 2026-11-01T01:29:24.250Z

Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
14

Too few to rank

Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2006: 9 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 14 complaints 2008 14 2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 2 complaints 2011 2013: 3 complaints 2013 2014: 0 complaints 2014
2006: 9 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 14 complaints 2008 14 2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 2 complaints 2011 2013: 3 complaints 2013 2014: 0 complaints 2014
2006: 9 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 14 complaints 2008 14 2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 2 complaints 2011 2013: 3 complaints 2013 2014: 0 complaints 2014

2008: 14 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20069
20074
200814
20095
20104
20112
20133
20140

Known problem areas

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

6 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.

Steering

2 of 14 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

The engine started to make weird noises then we lost power steering.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-05

Also filed under Engine

Exterior lighting

2 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-11

Structure

2 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields and body.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-04-23

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Suspension

1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing wheel bearing.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-01

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2008-12-19Electronic stability control (esc)08V645000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2013-02-19Exterior lighting12V602000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-07-22Air bags16V358000 Subaru of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2016-08-24Air bags16V359000 Subaru of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2016-09-06Latches/locks/linkages, structure16V060000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2017-03-06Air bags17V026000 Subaru of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2017-03-06Air bags17V014000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2017-03-08Air bags17V016000 Subaru of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2019-05-10Electrical system19V297000 Subaru of America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Subaru Tribeca — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V645000 · Electronic stability control (esc)
  • Recall 12V602000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 16V358000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V359000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V060000 · Latches/locks/linkages, structure
  • Recall 17V026000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V014000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V016000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 Subaru 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 2008 Subaru Tribeca?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru Tribeca have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.