2009 Subaru Tribeca: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Subaru Tribeca: 9 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Stability control Vehicle recall #08V645000 · 2008 · 5,130 vehicles
What's wrong: The vehicle dynamic control (vdc) g-sensor was improperly installed. This sensor is designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but May have been installed backwards during production.
Why it matters: If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. Under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a…
The fix: 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), the sensor will be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The vdc system will also be…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #12V602000 · 2012 · 633,842 vehicles
What's wrong: Up to 78,650 of these vehicles May have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light…
Why it matters: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, May result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This May generate heat which May melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013.
Latches & locks, Body & structure Vehicle recall #16V060000 · 2016 · 77,017 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 tribeca vehicles manufactured November 16, 2004, to January 27, 2014. Due to a possible malfunction of the hood safety system and hood lock system, the hood May open unexpectedly while driving.
Why it matters: If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it May interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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. If after this is performed the hood latch does not operate properly, it will be replaced with a new current style part.…
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V358000 · 2016 · 302,127 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 legacy, outback, 2009-2011 legacy, outback, forester, 2006-2011 impreza, tribeca, 2003-2006 baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V014000 · 2017 · 53,480 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru baja, 2006-2011 impreza (including wrx and sti models), 2006-2012 tribeca, 2009-2012 forester, legacy, outback, and 2012 wrx vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V026000 · 2017 · 69,529 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 baja, 2009 forester, legacy and outback and 2006-2009 impreza (including wrx and sti models) and tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma,…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V013000 · 2018 · 93,209 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 tribeca, impreza, forester, wrx, legacy, and outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia. These vehicles…
Why it matters: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module May result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V012000 · 2018 · 64,179 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 legacy, forester, tribeca, wrx and outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped…
Why it matters: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module May result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V014000 · 2018 · 72,150 vehicles
What's wrong: Subaru of america, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 tribeca, impreza, forester, wrx, legacy, and outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with…
Why it matters: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module May result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Stability control (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Subaru Tribeca has 5 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 8 Tribeca model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 52,010 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (14 complaints, 9 recalls), 2010 (4 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Subaru Tribeca.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Subaru Tribeca have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Subaru Tribeca. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Subaru Tribeca problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (2), brakes (hydraulic) (1), body & structure (1).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Subaru Tribeca get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Subaru Tribeca repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.