2009 Subaru Tribeca
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 9
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 5 complaints
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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-08
Structure
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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".
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-05
Electronic stability control (esc)
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Electrical system
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
9 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2018-02-09Air bags18V012000 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.
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2018-02-09Air bags18V014000 Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
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2018-02-09Air bags18V013000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Subaru Tribeca — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 1 report 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 16V060000 · Latches/locks/linkages, structure
- Recall 17V026000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V014000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V012000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V014000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V013000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2009 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 2009 Subaru Tribeca?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Tribeca have?
- 9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.