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2009 Subaru Tribeca: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2009 Subaru Tribeca has 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1], which is fewer than the 2006, 2007 and 2008 model years[2]. It also has 9 recalls[2], so the recall history matters more than the complaint count.
Reported problems
NHTSA lists 14 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Two mention a crash, one mentions an injury, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train[4] | 3 |
| Brakes[5] | 3 |
| Electrical system[6] | 2 |
| Engine[7] | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper[8] | 1 |
| Structure[9] | 1 |
| Electronic stability control[10] | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[11] | 1 |
The numbers are small, so treat them as hints and not as a ranking of common faults. We read a sample of the complaint texts. In the power train sample, owners describe a shudder or hesitation when accelerating, and one text describes stalling with warning lights[4]. In the brake sample, owners describe a pedal that is hard, locked or has too much travel. One of those complaints is the one that mentions a crash[5]. In the electrical and engine samples, owners describe the car losing power or stalling, and one engine text describes a gasoline smell from the exhaust on cold mornings[6][7]. In a few of the power train, electrical and engine texts, owners say the dealer could not find the cause[4][6][7].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2009 model year[2]. Newest first:
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V013). Reported to NHTSA 2018-01-09[12]. The inflator may explode in a crash because the propellant breaks down after long exposure to humidity and temperature swings. Metal fragments could hit occupants and cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the passenger inflator for free. It covers certain 2009 and 2010 Tribecas and other Subaru models sold or registered in a list of states[12].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V012). Reported to NHTSA 2018-01-09[13]. Same defect and risk, for a different list of states. Dealers replace the inflator for free[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V014). Reported to NHTSA 2018-01-09[14]. Same defect and risk, for a third list of states, and it names the 2009 Tribeca. Dealers replace the inflators for free[14].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V026). Reported to NHTSA 2017-01-11[15]. The inflator may rupture in a crash and throw metal fragments. Dealers replace it for free[15].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V014). Reported to NHTSA 2017-01-10[16]. Same rupture risk, for another list of states. Dealers replace it for free[16].
- Passenger air bag inflator (16V358). Reported to NHTSA 2016-05-25[17]. Same rupture risk, for another list of states. Dealers replace it for free[17].
- Hood latch (16V060). Reported to NHTSA 2016-02-03[18]. The hood safety and lock systems may fail, so the hood could open while driving and block the driver's view. The fix comes in two phases. First, dealers inspect, clean and lubricate the latch, and replace it if it still does not work. Second, they install an improved hood safety and lock system[18].
- Puddle lights (12V602). Reported to NHTSA 2012-12-26[19]. On cars with accessory puddle lights, road salt spray can cause a short circuit that may produce heat, smoke or fire. Dealers add a fused harness for free[19].
- Stability control sensor (08V645). Reported to NHTSA 2008-12-09[20]. The VDC G-sensor may have been installed backwards, which could make handling unstable in hard braking or sudden turns. Dealers check the sensor, reinstall it correctly if needed and reprogram the system[20].
Several of these recalls cover only certain vehicles, and the air bag recalls depend on the state where the car was sold or registered[12][13][14][15][16][17]. Ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was done.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the Tribeca AWD with the 3.6L 6-cylinder and Automatic (S5) at 16 mpg city, 21 highway and 18 combined[3]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,700, based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions and not on prices when the car was new[3].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 4-door AWD a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 16.4%[21]. Our data has no other NHTSA star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
The EPA fuel economy listing is for a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive[3]. These sizes are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22][23].
How 2009 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 |
Among the nine Tribeca model years on file, 2009 has the fourth highest complaint count. 2006 has 93 complaints, 2007 and 2008 have 30 each, and 2009 has 14[2]. Later years have fewer: 8 for 2010, 4 each for 2011 and 2012, 3 for 2013 and none for 2014[2].
For recalls, 2010 has the most with 10[2]. The 2009 and 2008 model years follow with 9 each, 2006, 2007 and 2011 have 8 each, 2012 has 7, 2013 has 6 and 2014 has 4[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them only to compare years of the same model[2].
Should you buy a used 2009 Tribeca?
The complaint list is short, and the small samples we read point to power train shudder, brake pedal feel and stalling as things to test for[4][5][6]. The bigger item is the recall list. Before buying, ask for proof that the air bag inflator, hood latch, puddle light and stability sensor work was done[12][18][19][20]. Fuel cost is also worth a look, since EPA estimates $3,700 a year at 18 combined mpg[3]. A car with its recalls completed and a clean test drive is a fairer bet than one with unknown history.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most reported problems on the 2009 Subaru Tribeca?
- NHTSA lists 14 complaints[1]. Power train and brakes have 3 each, and electrical and engine have 2 each[4][5][6][7].
- How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Tribeca have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls, including six for the passenger air bag inflator, plus hood latch, puddle light and stability sensor recalls[2][12][18][19][20].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2009 Subaru Tribeca?
- EPA rates the 3.6L AWD at 16 city, 21 highway and 18 combined mpg[3].
- Is the 2009 Subaru Tribeca good compared with other years?
- It has fewer complaints than 2006 to 2008, with 14 against 93, 30 and 30, but more than later years[2].
- What is the rollover rating of the 2009 Subaru Tribeca?
- NHTSA gives it 4 stars for rollover, with a 16.4% rollover risk[21].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on file for the 2009 Subaru Tribeca (2 mention a crash, 0 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 Tribeca AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 3 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 18V013, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V012, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V014, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V026, filed January 11, 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 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V060, filed February 3, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hood › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V602, filed December 26, 2012: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V645, filed December 9, 2008: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). 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, TRIBECA 4DR SUV AWD BASE/LIMITED: length 190 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 4,156 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBECA 4DR SUV AWD PREMIER: length 190 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 4,266 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov