2008 Subaru Tribeca
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 14 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.
2 of 14 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE WEIRD NOISES THEN WE LOST POWER STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130105
2 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
FIREShow 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, 20180611
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension.
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, 20100401
1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure.
FIREShow 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, 20090423
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 DIR
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),
Campaign 08V645000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V358000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V359000 — 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 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.
Campaign 17V026000 — 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 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.
Campaign 17V016000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V297000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Subaru Tribeca — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V645000 (electronic stability control (esc)) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V602000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V358000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V359000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V060000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V014000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V016000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V297000 (electrical system) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.