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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2006–2014

Subaru Tribeca recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns and 41 owner complaints for the Subaru Tribeca, covering model years 2006 to 2014. The 2008 model year drew the most complaints (14), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Subaru Tribeca VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 17 recall campaigns on file
  • 41 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2006–2014)
  • most complaints: 2008 (14 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (15 complaints)
  • latest recall 19V297000 (reported Apr 11, 2019)
  • 3 complaints reporting a crash (7.3%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a fire (4.9%)
  • 2 complaints reporting an injury (4.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Subaru Tribeca complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2008 model year has the most complaints: 14 of 41, or 34.1%. Next come 2006 (9) and 2009 (5). The fewest are for 2011, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Subaru Tribeca owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2006–2013Column chart of 41 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2008 with 14. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2006: 9 complaints920062007: 4 complaints420072008: 14 complaints1420082009: 5 complaints520092010: 4 complaints420102011: 2 complaints220112012: 0 complaints20122013: 3 complaints32013
Subaru Tribeca complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Subaru Tribeca complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200692020
200740000
2008140200
200951000
201040000
201120000
201330000
All model years413220

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Subaru Tribeca components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 15 complaints (36.6% of all 41), followed by Structure (5) and Electrical System (4).

Components named most often in Subaru Tribeca complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Subaru Tribeca complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags1536.6%
Structure512.2%
Electrical System49.8%
Exterior Lighting49.8%
Service Brakes49.8%
Latches/Locks/Linkages37.3%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)24.9%
Engine24.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling24.9%
Power Train24.9%
Seat Belts24.9%
Steering24.9%
Unknown or Other24.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12.4%
Suspension12.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Subaru Tribeca recalls

17 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Tribeca, newest first. The 17 campaigns cover model years 2006 to 2014. The 2010 model year appears in the most campaigns (10).

  • 17 recall campaigns
Subaru Tribeca recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2006: 8 campaigns2007: 8 campaigns2008: 9 campaigns2009: 9 campaigns
2010: 10 campaigns2011: 8 campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: 6 campaigns2014: 4 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V297000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 2006–2008

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

    Consequence:
    The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V009000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2011, 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V008000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2011, 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V007000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2011, 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V014000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2009

    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 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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 18V013000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2010

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 18V012000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2011, 2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 17V026000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2009

    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, 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 front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 17V016000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2008

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, originally 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 17V014000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2011

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Show 7 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 16V359000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2008

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be 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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    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 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 16V358000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2011

    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 (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be 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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 16V060000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch; Structure › Body › Hood

    Model years 2006–2011, 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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. Phase two will involve installing an improved hood safety system and hood lock system. Interim notification was mailed March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQX-59 (phase one) and WQY-60 (phase two).

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V336000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    As a result of the parking rod detaching, the transmission may not be able to be moved from the "park" position preventing the vehicle from being moved or driven. Furthermore, even with the transmission shifted into the 'park' position, the parking mechanism may not engage, and the vehicle may roll away while in the "park" position, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 12V602000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting

    Model years 2006–2011

    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).

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V108000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model year 2010

    Subaru has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2010 Tribeca passenger cars manufactured from September 4, 2009 through March 8, 2010. The door latch cables located inside the vehicle's driver and front passenger doors were improperly positioned during production. As a result, a cable can catch in the door glass regulator when a window is opened or closed. Should that occur, it may unlatch the door, causing it to come open unexpectedly when raising or lowering the window.

    Consequence:
    If a door were to unlatch, it could open suddenly and without warning, creating a risk that an occupant could be ejected as well as a risk that the driver may become distracted, leading to a crash. This condition may also result in the failure of a door latch to operate, in which case occupants would be unable to open the door to exit the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners and dealers and will repair the vehicles by repositioning and securing the latch cable in both front doors free of charge. The safety recall began on March 19, 2010. Owners may contact Subaru toll-free at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 7:00 PM est and Friday between 10:30 am and 5:00 PM est.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 08V645000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    Model years 2008–2009

    Subaru is recalling 5,130 MY 2008-2009 Tribeca passenger vehicles. 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.

    Consequence:
    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 crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    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 reprogrammed to ensure proper operation. The recallbegan on December 19, 2008. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Subaru Tribeca questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Tribeca have?

NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns for the Subaru Tribeca, covering model years 2006 to 2014. The most recent, 19V297000, was reported on April 11, 2019 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2010 model year is covered by the most campaigns (10).

Which Subaru Tribeca model year has the most complaints?

The 2008 model year, with 14 of the 41 complaints in NHTSA’s file (34.1%). The next are 2006 (9) and 2009 (5). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Subaru Tribeca complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 15 complaints, or 36.6% of all 41. Structure (5) and Electrical System (4) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Subaru Tribeca?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Subaru dealer.

How many Subaru Tribeca complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 41 complaints, 3 report a crash, 2 a fire, 2 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Subaru models

8 models · most complaints first

The Subaru models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Subaru VIN decoder with every Subaru model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Subaru models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.