RoadVitals

2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
26
Latest Nov 26, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical716.7%
  • Airbags614.3%
  • Body & structure614.3%
  • Engine511.9%
  • Fuel system49.5%
  • Driver assistance49.5%
  • Interior & seats37.1%
  • Powertrain (other)37.1%
  • Steering24.8%
  • Exterior lighting12.4%
  • Suspension12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was running but continued to randomly shutdown. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the ignition. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11627529 · filed Nov 26, 2024

Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed on the brakes to slow down and stop as I was steering my car into a parking space. This was a terrifying experience for which I had zero control. My car continued to propel forward and surge with such power that it plowed into a “safely parking Boulder” which rolled down the hill. This caused my car to go airborne off a steep embankment, sideswiped a tree (airborne), landed on another part of the driveway and continued to propel forward and part way back up the hill! All this occurred while my foot was on the brake pedal! It is a miracle that I am alive and that I didn’t injure or kill someone in the process. I was wearing my seatbelt and my dog were in the car. They appear to me ok. However, neither of the airbags deployed! I am again grateful to be alive. My car was totaled, but I would not feel safe even if it were repaired. I survived this time, but maybe not the next time. I definitely want this documented for safety purposes! Thank you!

NHTSA ID 11423161 · filed Jul 1, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed on the brakes to slow down and stop as I was steering my car into a parking space. This was a terrifying experience for which I had zero control. My car continued to propel forward and surge with such power that it plowed into a “safely parking Boulder” which rolled down the hill. This caused my car to go airborne off a steep embankment, sideswiped a tree (airborne), landed on another part of the driveway and continued to propel forward and part way back up the hill! All this occurred while my foot was on the brake pedal! It is a miracle that I am alive and that I didn’t injure or kill someone in the process. I was wearing my seatbelt and my dog were in the car. They appear to me ok. However, neither of the airbags deployed! I am again grateful to be alive. My car was totaled, but I would not feel safe even if it were repaired. I survived this time, but maybe not the next time. I definitely want this documented for safety purposes! Thank you!

NHTSA ID 11423161 · filed Jul 1, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED A FEW TIMES, BUT THE LINE WAS BUSY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V016000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11018635 · filed Aug 21, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED A FEW TIMES, BUT THE LINE WAS BUSY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V016000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11018635 · filed Aug 21, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE) AND 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 10935655 · filed Dec 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was running but continued to randomly shutdown. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the ignition. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11627529 · filed Nov 26, 2024

CAR HAS FUEL FUMES VERY STRONG SMELLING IN CAR. I LOOK ON THIS AS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ME AND THE KIDS TRAVELLING IN MY CAR. BUT I GUESS PEOPLE HAS TO DIE FIRST BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN LIKE THE BOEING AIRLINES. THE CAR IS OVERHEATING AND TGEY CANNOT TELL YOU WHY IT IS DOING IT.

NHTSA ID 11205104 · filed May 1, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECENTLY, MY VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE A RUSTED FUEL FILLER NECK. THE RUSTING IS TOWARD TO "TOP", WELL AWAY FROM ROAD SALT AND WATER. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSING FUEL FUMES TO ESCAPE, INCLUDING DIRECTLY INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN MY CASE, A FULL TANK OF FUEL CAUSES THE INTERIOR FUMES TO BE SO STRONG THAT THE CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. A SEARCH FOR A REPLACEMENT FILLER NECK SHOWED THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK-ORDER, LEADING ONE TO SUSPECT THAT THE PROBLEM IS COMMON.

NHTSA ID 11307977 · filed Feb 9, 2020

CAR HAS FUEL FUMES VERY STRONG SMELLING IN CAR. I LOOK ON THIS AS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ME AND THE KIDS TRAVELLING IN MY CAR. BUT I GUESS PEOPLE HAS TO DIE FIRST BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN LIKE THE BOEING AIRLINES. THE CAR IS OVERHEATING AND TGEY CANNOT TELL YOU WHY IT IS DOING IT.

NHTSA ID 11205104 · filed May 1, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed on the brakes to slow down and stop as I was steering my car into a parking space. This was a terrifying experience for which I had zero control. My car continued to propel forward and surge with such power that it plowed into a “safely parking Boulder” which rolled down the hill. This caused my car to go airborne off a steep embankment, sideswiped a tree (airborne), landed on another part of the driveway and continued to propel forward and part way back up the hill! All this occurred while my foot was on the brake pedal! It is a miracle that I am alive and that I didn’t injure or kill someone in the process. I was wearing my seatbelt and my dog were in the car. They appear to me ok. However, neither of the airbags deployed! I am again grateful to be alive. My car was totaled, but I would not feel safe even if it were repaired. I survived this time, but maybe not the next time. I definitely want this documented for safety purposes! Thank you!

NHTSA ID 11423161 · filed Jul 1, 2021

ON APRIL 24, 2008, WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 AND THEN ON THE MASS PIKE THE CAR LOST ACCELERATION TWICE (GAS PEDDLE HAD NO ACCELERATION). THE CAR (SUBARU TRIBECA 2007) DID REGAIN POWER WITHIN SOME SECONDS BOTH TIMES, WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREETS OF BROOKLINE, MA (BEACON STREET) LATER THAT AFTERNOON THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. CONTACTED SUBARU ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (CAR UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THEIR NEAREST DEALER IN BELMONT, MA AND ARRIVED THERE AT 5:00 PM ON 4/24. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER BEING WORKED ON (IT IS CLAIMED) SINCE THAT TIME (5/24 TO TODAY 5/5/08 AND WHILE THE DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10226695 · filed May 5, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED A FEW TIMES, BUT THE LINE WAS BUSY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V016000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11018635 · filed Aug 21, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE) AND 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 10935655 · filed Dec 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING WE SMELT SOMETHING BURNING, I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT UNDER THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THERE. I WENT UNDER AND SAW THAT THERE WAS LIQUID COVERING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, I WIPED DOWN AS MUCH AS I COULD AND DROVE TO MY MECHANIC. HE PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT AND WE TRACED TO WHERE TO LIQUID WAS COMING FROM. IT WENT TO THE FRONT LEFT AXLE BOOT, IT WAS RUPTURED CAUSING GREASE TO BE THROWN ON THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING THE SMOKE. THIS COULD HAVE EVOLVED INTO A FIRE IF I HAD NOT IMMEDIATELY STOPPED DRIVING AND WIPED DOWN THE CONVERTER. WE HAD TO CHANGE THE COMPLETE AXLE AND BOOT ASSEMBLY. UPDATE 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 11/16/2017*CN

NHTSA ID 10733871 · filed Jul 14, 2015

WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR IT CONSTANTLY LOSES ACCELERATION. IT WILL HAVE NO POWER THEN LURCH FORWARD AND REV. IT IDLES, LURCHES, AND THEN HAS NO ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE SWAY BAR BEARINGS TWICE IN THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEAL STILL CANT FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE SERVICE CODES. THIS CAR IS A DANGER AND A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10467105 · filed Jul 23, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT ~55 MPH, HEARD A METALLIC NOISE, THREE INDICATORS WENT ON, SMELL BURNT RUBBER. A STEERING WHEEL STOPPED OPERATING PROPERLY AND WOULD TURN ONLY WHEN APPLYING MUCH EFFORT. LUCKY TO BE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND BE ABLE TO GRADUALLY PULL OFF WITHOUT CAUSING AN INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HIGH SPEEDS AND HEAVY TRUCKS ON THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO REACH TO THE NEAREST SUBARU SERVICE. THE PROBLEM: PULLEYS, DRIVE BELTS, TENSIONERS BROKE DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. DUE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINEERING DESIGN, THIS PROBLEM CAUSES NON-RESPONSIVENESS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS ~90K MILES AND HAS BEEN OPERATED IN A CITY CONDITIONS. TECHNICIAN SAID THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED WITH OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL; THESE PARTS ARE NOT NORMALLY INSPECTED DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THUS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO BE DETECTED. THUS, THE PARTS THAT BROKE HAVE LIMITED LIFESPAN WHICH MAKES THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE. CONTACTED SUBARU -- THEY SAY IT IS BEYOND THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY OF 3 YRS / 36 TH.MILES AND THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ANY PART IS UNKNOWN. DOES IT MEAN THE SUBARU'S SAFETY PLEDGE IS ALSO VALID FOR THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY?? *TR

NHTSA ID 10496624 · filed Feb 6, 2013

I WAS DRIVING MY 07 SUBARU TRIBECA ON A BUSY CITY STREET, AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN MULTIPLE RED LIGHTS CAME UP AND I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS NOT LOCKED, BUT IT REQUIRED SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO MOVE IT EVEN A FEW INCHED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. IT WAS EXTREEMELY STRESSFUL TO BE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY AVENUE WITHOUT ANY CONTROL OVER YOUR VECHICLE. THE REPAIR SHOP CAME UP WITH THE FOLLOWING LIST OF BROKEN PARTS: BELT TENSIONER, IDLER PULLEY, 2 BOLTS AND AN AC BRACKET. THE TOTAL BILL FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR WAS $780. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY CAR ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS ONLY, NEVER TOOK IT OFF THE ROAD. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH 58K MILES ON IT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW SUCH AN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CAR PARTS COULD HAPPEN OTHER THEN THAT IT IS FAULTY. IS SUBARU CONSIDERING A RECALL FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PARTS? THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10491639 · filed Jan 7, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT CONSTANTLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10671042 · filed Jan 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR IT CONSTANTLY LOSES ACCELERATION. IT WILL HAVE NO POWER THEN LURCH FORWARD AND REV. IT IDLES, LURCHES, AND THEN HAS NO ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE SWAY BAR BEARINGS TWICE IN THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEAL STILL CANT FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE SERVICE CODES. THIS CAR IS A DANGER AND A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10467105 · filed Jul 23, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .