repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
2009 Subaru TribecaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2009 Subaru Tribeca, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-060 the manufacturer reports only 54% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 9, 2018. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Subaru Tribeca has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2009 Subaru Tribeca recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Hood: latch
Risk. If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. IF THE SENSOR WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED, VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS DURING HARD BRAKING, SUDDEN TURNS OR OTHER QUICK MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Tribeca year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tribeca median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Subaru Tribeca safety ratings
2009 Subaru Tribeca 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Tribeca owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE CAR WAS STARTED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON A VERY COLD DAY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INITIALLY ABLE TO BE PRESSED, BUT THEN BECAME ROCK HARD AND COULD NOT BE PUSHED DOWN. AFTER 10 MINUTES OF LETTING THE CAR WARM UP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO BE PRESSED, BUT THEN SEIZED UP AGAIN 1 MINUTE LATER. THIS COULD…
I WAS GOING AROUND A BEND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED. I WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE BRAKES. DUE TO THIS BRAKE FAILURE, I DROVE UP ON A HILLSIDE AND SMASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. FEEL THAT THIS IS A MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE ACCIDENT AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE…
Own a 2009 Tribeca?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.