Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (207 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2014
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and highly polarized.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentHead gasket failure
Leading to overheating, coolant loss, and engine misfires; cited as a potential problem even on the H6 engines.
- Very frequentOil leaks
From multiple engine seals including valve covers, front cover, oil pan, and oil solenoid, often requiring complete engine removal and reseal.
- RecurrentRough idle and misfires on cold start
Accompanied by check engine light flashes, often related to the above issues or other engine management faults.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentOverheating / erratic temperature gauge
Can be caused by a failing thermostat, air in the cooling system, or a symptom of head gasket failure.
- RecurrentHigh maintenance and repair costs
Parts noted as difficult to find and expensive; general upkeep (brakes, etc.) is more frequent due to the vehicle's weight.
- RecurrentControversial exterior styling
Widely criticized as unattractive, impacting desirability and resale value.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific best model year or trim. Discussions reference both the early 3.0L (2006-2007) and later 3.6L (2008+) engines, with a note that the 3.6L is tuned for regular octane fuel while the 3.0L requires premium. No consensus on a preferred trim level emerges from the available data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5.
Is the Tribeca right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and highly polarized. A segment of long-term owners expresses strong loyalty and satisfaction, praising the vehicle's road stability, described as driving "like a tank" with "phenomenal" sure-footedness, comfortable ride quality, and practical interior space for up to seven passengers. The 3.6L H6 engine (post-2008) is noted as a "cool idea" and appreciated for its smooth power delivery. However, the model is frequently criticized for its controversial and widely disliked exterior styling, described as "hideous" and "ugly as hell," which is a recurrent point of discussion. Mechanical reliability is a point of contention; while some owners report trouble-free operation with only routine maintenance, others report very frequent and significant engine issues, particularly with head gaskets and oil leaks, leading to expensive repairs. The vehicle's value proposition is seen as strong only at low purchase prices, with high maintenance costs potentially negating any initial savings.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a larger, three-row alternative to mainstream compact SUVs like the CR-V and RAV4, offering standard all-wheel drive and a unique flat-six engine. It is generally considered less reliable and more expensive to maintain than its Japanese competitors. Within the Subaru lineup, it is viewed as a less popular, more niche vehicle compared to the ubiquitous Outback and Forester, with parts availability noted as more difficult. It is seen as offering a more substantial and stable driving experience than some competitors but at the cost of higher complexity and potential repair bills.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient specific configuration advice from owners. General guidance suggests a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru specialist is mandatory. For the 2008+ models with the 3.6L H6, owners note the engine uses a timing chain, which is a lifetime part and does not require the scheduled replacement needed on some contemporary Subaru engines.
General recommendations
Only recommended for buyers who are mechanically prepared, have access to a specialist mechanic, and are purchasing at a very low price point (e.g., $2,500-$11,000 range, depending on mileage and year). Suitable as a "semi-beater" for hauling and rough road use if in sound mechanical condition. Not recommended for those seeking a low-maintenance, hassle-free ownership experience. A pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable and must include a check for oil leaks, head gasket condition, and verification of maintenance history. Owners should be prepared for the potential of a major engine reseal or head gasket replacement, with costs cited between $3,500 and $5,300. Budget for higher-than-average maintenance costs.
Remarks
The community of Tribeca owners is described as small, and parts sourcing can be challenging. For repair information, owners often reference the mechanically similar Subaru Outback equipped with the 3.6L H6 engine. The vehicle underwent a significant facelift for the 2008 model year, transitioning from the much-maligned "B9" front end to a more conventional design. Discussions heavily emphasize that perceived reliability and owner satisfaction are directly tied to the vehicle's maintenance history and the owner's willingness to address its known, potentially severe, engine-related flaws. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2006. Years to avoid: 2008, 2006Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Subaru Tribeca years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | 6 | power train |
| 2012 | 4 | 7 | power train |
| 2011 | 4 | 8 | air bags |
| 2010 | 8 | 10 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 14 | 9 | power train |
| 2008 | 30 | 9 | air bags |
| 2007 | 30 | 8 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 93 | 8 | structure |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices65 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 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 with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V012000
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 with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 16V060000
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.
2013 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 13V336000
Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 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 with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V012000
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 with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V014000
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 (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 16V060000
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.
2012 · exterior lightingcampaign 12V602000
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 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. 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 connector(s).
2011 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2011 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
50 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.6R
3.6L 6-cylinder · 258 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2007–2014