2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca Problems: 4 Known Issues

2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca Problems: 4 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls11 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V00700009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V00900009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V00800009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #18V01200009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 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.

Campaign #18V01300009/01/2018

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Tribeca problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,580+ owner reports, the 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear, EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak, EZ36 / EZ30 Engine Oil Leaks - Valve Cover and Oil Cooler. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Tribeca reliable?

The 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca has 4 known issues documented across 1,580+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear and EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Tribeca problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Tribeca issues range from $150 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear, typically costs $2,500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Subaru Tribeca is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Tribeca. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca with 4 documented issues documented across 1,580+ owner reports.

What is the 2008-2014 Subaru Tribeca EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear?

The 3.6L EZ36 flat-6 engine uses timing chains instead of belts, but the chains and guides are not maintenance-free as often assumed. The timing chain tensioner and plastic chain guides wear over time, typically after 120,000-180,000 miles. Worn chains stretch, causing rough idle… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2007 Subaru Tribeca EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak?

The 2006-2007 Subaru Tribeca with the 3.0L EZ30 flat-6 engine can develop head gasket leaks, typically at higher mileages (130,000-200,000 miles). While the EZ30 is generally more resistant to head gasket issues than the smaller EJ25 boxer engines, the problem does occur. The fla… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca EZ36 / EZ30 Engine Oil Leaks - Valve Cover and Oil Cooler?

The Tribeca's flat-6 engines (3.0L EZ30 in 2006-2007, 3.6L EZ36 in 2008-2014) develop significant oil leaks from multiple locations. The most common leak points are the valve cover gaskets, front crankshaft seal, and the oil cooler O-ring that sits between the engine block and oi… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2014 Subaru Tribeca 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder?

The 2010-2014 Tribeca uses a 5-speed conventional automatic transmission (5EAT) rather than a CVT, but it still suffers from torque converter shudder and lockup clutch issues. The torque converter lockup clutch develops shudder during light throttle cruising at 35-50 mph, creatin… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.

2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

EZ36 / EZ30 Engine Oil Leaks - Valve Cover and Oil Cooler#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

5-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Tribeca problems?

Is the Subaru Tribeca reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Tribeca problems?

What year Subaru Tribeca is the most reliable?

What is the 2008-2014 Subaru Tribeca EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear?

What is the 2006-2007 Subaru Tribeca EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak?

What is the 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca EZ36 / EZ30 Engine Oil Leaks - Valve Cover and Oil Cooler?

What is the 2010-2014 Subaru Tribeca 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder?