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2007 Subaru Tribeca: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Subaru Tribeca[1]. It also has 8 recalls on file for this model year[2], so the key step for any buyer is to check that every recall was completed on the exact car.
Most reported problems
Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash, two mention a fire, one mentions injuries and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system[4] | 8 |
| Air bags[5] | 8 |
| Engine[6] | 6 |
| Structure[7] | 5 |
| Speed control[8] | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[9] | 4 |
| Power train[10] | 3 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 3 |
Electrical complaints include 2 fires, 1 crash and 1 injury, with a median mileage at failure of 66,000[4]. In a small sample of those complaints, owners describe two fires that followed dashboard or latch trouble, sudden acceleration that dealers could not explain, and stalling or loss of power[4].
The air bag complaints include 1 crash and 1 injury[5]. In the sample we read, owners describe being told about an air bag or related recall but then learning that repair parts were not available[5]. These are unverified owner reports and do not tell us what is true for a given car today.
Engine complaints have no crashes, fires or injuries, and the median mileage at failure is 64,500[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe stalling or loss of power, and fuel or exhaust fumes[6].
In the structure group, owners describe the hood opening while driving and waiting on recall parts[7]. That matches the hood latch recall below[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. They are below, newest first. Our data does not say whether any particular car has had the work done, so ask a Subaru dealer to confirm.
- Ignition switch (19V297). Applies to certain 2006 to 2008 Tribeca vehicles with a mechanical key ignition switch that was installed as a replacement part[13]. A spring in the switch can break. With a heavy key ring and certain road conditions, the key could slip out of the run position and the engine could turn off[13]. That raises crash risk, and the air bag may not deploy[13]. Dealers inspect the switch and replace it if needed, free of charge[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V026). Covers certain Tribeca vehicles first sold or ever registered in a list of states that includes Arizona, Illinois, Ohio and Virginia[14]. In a crash the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments at the occupants, which can cause serious injury or death[14]. Dealers swap the passenger-side inflator at no cost to the owner[14].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V016). Same inflator problem for certain vehicles first sold or ever registered in a different list of states, including Colorado, Michigan, New York and Washington[15]. The fix is a free inflator replacement[15].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V014). Same inflator problem for certain vehicles first sold or ever registered in states and territories that include California, Florida, Georgia and Texas[16]. The fix is a free inflator replacement[16].
- Passenger air bag inflator (16V359). Same rupture risk, for certain vehicles first sold or ever registered in a list of states that includes Arizona, Illinois and Ohio. It covers vehicles not included in the companion recall 16V358[17]. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge[17].
- Passenger air bag inflator (16V358). Same rupture risk, for certain vehicles first sold or ever registered in states and territories that include California, Florida and Texas[18]. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge[18].
- Hood latch (16V060). The hood safety system and hood lock may malfunction, so the hood can open while driving[12]. That can block the driver's view and raise crash risk[12]. The fix comes in two phases. First, dealers inspect, clean and lubricate the hood systems and replace the latch if it still does not work right. Second, they install an improved hood safety and lock system[12].
- Puddle lights (12V602). Some vehicles have accessory lights that brighten the ground under the doors[19]. Road spray with salt can cause a short circuit in the light or its connector. That can make heat, smoke or fire[19]. Dealers add a fused harness free of charge[19].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the Tribeca AWD with the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine and Automatic (S5) at 16 city, 21 highway and 18 combined MPG[3]. It uses premium fuel[3]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,550[3].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 4-door AWD Tribeca 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.4%[20]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
The EPA test vehicle has a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine[3]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications[21].
How 2007 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 93 | 8 |
| 2007 | 30 | 8 |
| 2008 | 30 | 9 |
| 2009 | 14 | 9 |
| 2010 | 8 | 10 |
| 2011 | 4 | 8 |
| 2012 | 4 | 7 |
| 2013 | 3 | 6 |
Complaints on file for the Tribeca by model year[2]:
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 93 | 8 |
| 2007 | 30 | 8 |
| 2008 | 30 | 9 |
| 2009 | 14 | 9 |
| 2010 | 8 | 10 |
| 2011 | 4 | 8 |
| 2012 | 4 | 7 |
| 2013 | 3 | 6 |
| 2014 | 0 | 4 |
The 2007 model year has the second highest complaint count, tied with 2008 and behind 2006[2]. Its 8 recalls match 2006 and 2011, and 2008, 2009 and 2010 have more[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2007 Tribeca?
The complaint count of 30 is lower than 2006, the same as 2008 and higher than every year after 2008[2]. The bigger question is recalls. Eight are on file[2], covering air bag inflators[14][15][16][17][18], the hood latch[12], the ignition switch in some cases[13] and puddle lights[19]. Seven of them list a free dealer remedy[13][14][15][16][17][18][19], and the hood latch recall lists a dealer inspection and repair in two phases[12]. Before buying, ask for proof that each one was done on that car, and keep fuel cost in mind at 18 combined MPG on premium fuel[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Tribeca?
- Electrical system and air bags lead NHTSA's complaint groups with 8 complaints each, followed by engine with 6[4][5][6]. This is a small set of unverified owner reports.
- Does the 2007 Subaru Tribeca have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover passenger air bag inflators, the hood latch, an ignition switch installed as a replacement part, and puddle lights[13][14][12][19].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2007 Subaru Tribeca?
- The EPA rates it at 16 city, 21 highway and 18 combined MPG on premium fuel[3].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Subaru Tribeca (1 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Tribeca model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for B9 Tribeca AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 16V060, filed February 3, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hood › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V026, filed January 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V016, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V014, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V359, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V602, filed December 26, 2012: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, B9 TRIBECA 4DR SUV AWD /LIMITED: length 190 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 4,167 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov