Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2008 Subaru Tribeca
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
630.0%
Lights
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 134,000 mi
Body & Structure
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 4,700 mi
Steering
210.0%
Median failure at 980,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 492,350 mi
Other & Unspecified
15.0%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
15.0%
Stability & Traction Control
15.0%
Suspension
15.0%
Median failure at 13,524 miles
Brakes
15.0%
Median failure at 95,000 miles
Electrical System
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
225.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
112.5%
150,000+ miles
225.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2009peak 4Jun 2018
Recalls on the 2008 Subaru Tribeca
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019191100 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall 201702025,303 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 20160485,961 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the primary and secondary hood latches could fail at the same time. If this were to occur, the hood could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven. This could compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, as well as cause damage to the windshield. These issues could result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the hood latches, and either clean and lubricate or replace with the current style part. When parts are available, dealers will install revised hood latches.
Recall 2012444293 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessory puddle lights, a short circuit may develop causing the lights to melt and/or emit smoke. This could result in a fire causing property damage and/or injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional fused wiring harness to protect against short circuits.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 134,000 milesWhitesboro, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PUDDLE LIGHT HAD OVERHEATED AND WAS BURNT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V602000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11101199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWaterville, MEFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A ROAD COVERED WITH SNOW AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF STEAM EXPELLED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEAM MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AND THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS, RESTART AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION WITH CAUTION. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD HE OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXHIBITED MASSIVE SNOW,THE BELTS AND RUBBER HOSES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER MONTHS; YET, THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW DUE TO THE SNOW ENTERING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,066. UPDATED 05/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWaterville, MEFire
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A ROAD COVERED WITH SNOW AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF STEAM EXPELLED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEAM MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AND THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS, RESTART AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION WITH CAUTION. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD HE OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXHIBITED MASSIVE SNOW,THE BELTS AND RUBBER HOSES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER MONTHS; YET, THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW DUE TO THE SNOW ENTERING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,066. UPDATED 05/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 134,000 milesWhitesboro, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PUDDLE LIGHT HAD OVERHEATED AND WAS BURNT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V602000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11101199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitesboro, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO PARK MY CAR, NOTICE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE SEAT IS. I LOOKED UP FOR ANY RECALLS AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY CAR 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA FOR EXTERIOR PUDDLE LIGHT THAT MAY CAUSE SMOKE OR FIRE IF THE WIRING IS EXPOSED TO CERTAIN MOISTURE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER IN THE RECALL AND IT'S NOT LISTED. COULD MY CAR STILL HAVE THIS RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #11100802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
STEERING
THIS CAR WAS SHAKING AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES. AFTER TAKING IT TO CHECK IN SEATTLE'S CARTER SUBARU WASHINGTON FIVE TIMES, THE CAR BECAME VIBRATING AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES. A DAY AFTER IT DEPARTURE, IT WAS SHIPPED TO TAMPA FLORIDA BECAUSE OF MY UNIVERSITY. UPON RECEIPT THE CAR WAS OIL-FREE, AND ALL THE SAFETY LIGHTS WERE CAUGHT. THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE, AND THERE WAS NO LONGER ENOUGH CAPACITY TO PUSH AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO FALL. MASTRO SUBARU REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM EXCEPT BY PAYING MONEY. AFTER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL CARS OF THIS TYPE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS MANY RECALLS IN THIS CAR ONE OF THEM IT IS (VDC) VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL. NOW THE CAR SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, I PARKED THE CAR AND NO MONEY TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE I NEED HELP , I HAVE THREE KIDS.
NHTSA complaint #11003850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS CAR WAS SHAKING AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES. AFTER TAKING IT TO CHECK IN SEATTLE'S CARTER SUBARU WASHINGTON FIVE TIMES, THE CAR BECAME VIBRATING AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES. A DAY AFTER IT DEPARTURE, IT WAS SHIPPED TO TAMPA FLORIDA BECAUSE OF MY UNIVERSITY. UPON RECEIPT THE CAR WAS OIL-FREE, AND ALL THE SAFETY LIGHTS WERE CAUGHT. THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE, AND THERE WAS NO LONGER ENOUGH CAPACITY TO PUSH AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO FALL. MASTRO SUBARU REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM EXCEPT BY PAYING MONEY. AFTER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL CARS OF THIS TYPE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS MANY RECALLS IN THIS CAR ONE OF THEM IT IS (VDC) VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL. NOW THE CAR SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, I PARKED THE CAR AND NO MONEY TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE I NEED HELP , I HAVE THREE KIDS.
NHTSA complaint #11003850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THIS CAR WAS SHAKING AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES. AFTER TAKING IT TO CHECK IN SEATTLE'S CARTER SUBARU WASHINGTON FIVE TIMES, THE CAR BECAME VIBRATING AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES. A DAY AFTER IT DEPARTURE, IT WAS SHIPPED TO TAMPA FLORIDA BECAUSE OF MY UNIVERSITY. UPON RECEIPT THE CAR WAS OIL-FREE, AND ALL THE SAFETY LIGHTS WERE CAUGHT. THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE, AND THERE WAS NO LONGER ENOUGH CAPACITY TO PUSH AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO FALL. MASTRO SUBARU REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM EXCEPT BY PAYING MONEY. AFTER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL CARS OF THIS TYPE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS MANY RECALLS IN THIS CAR ONE OF THEM IT IS (VDC) VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL. NOW THE CAR SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, I PARKED THE CAR AND NO MONEY TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE I NEED HELP , I HAVE THREE KIDS.
NHTSA complaint #11003850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Springs, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (PALM SPRINGS SUBARU IN PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA) AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11000895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10967903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shippenville, PA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED NOTICE AUGUST 2016 THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG WAS BEING RECALLED. 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. AN INFLATOR RUPTURE MAY RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. . . . I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A FRONT PASSENGER IN MY FAMILY VEHICLE SINCE THIS NOTICE AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 7 MONTHS!! I NEED THIS VEHICLE FIXED FOR A FAMILY VACATION THIS YEAR. THIS LONG OF A WAIT IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS AND I AM BEYOND DISAPPOINTED AS TO HOW THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DEALT WITH!!
NHTSA complaint #10954493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millstone Township, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10937962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millstone Township, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10894356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamden, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10892646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamden, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10892646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamden, CT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10892646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDanvers, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE HOOD SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED, SMASHING THE WINDSHIELD AND COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. THE MAIN LATCH AND SECONDARY SAFETY LATCH APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN STUCK, KEEPING THE HOOD CLOSED BUT NOT SECURELY LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #10823097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBroadview Heights, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DIPS BELOW 20 DEGREES F, THE BRAKES FAIL TO WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES NOW IN THE YEAR 2014. THIS HAS HAPPENED EACH TIME MY CAR HAS SAT OUT IN THE COLD TEMPERATURES (<20 DEGREES) FOR 8 HOURS (WHILE AT WORK). WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY SPACE IN THE OUTDOOR PARKING GARAGE, MY BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND I AM UNABLE TO DEPRESS IT. MY CAR WILL NOT STOP. APPLYING HARD PRESSURE SLOWS IT DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON DRY PAVEMENT. I ONCE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. IT HAS ALSO OCCURRED ONCE AFTER I WAS OPERATING THE CAR FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE THIS STARTED. EACH TIME THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAVE ALSO EMAILED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE TO DUPLICATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO FIX IT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN; NOT TO MENION I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN TRAVELING IN THE CAR WITH ME. NO ONE SEEMS THAT WORRIED ABOUT IT BUT ME. IT IS ALL OVER INTERNET CAR FORUMS THAT THIS HAPPENS WITH SUBARU BRAKES WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DIP. THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU CLAIM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #10568359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 980,000 milesNatick, MA
STEERING
THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE WEIRD NOISES THEN WE LOST POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10491510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 980,000 milesNatick, MA
ENGINE
THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE WEIRD NOISES THEN WE LOST POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10491510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,524 milesSaracuse, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,524. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,800.
NHTSA complaint #10323319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWaterville, MEFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A ROAD COVERED WITH SNOW AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF STEAM EXPELLED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEAM MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AND THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS, RESTART AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION WITH CAUTION. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD HE OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXHIBITED MASSIVE SNOW,THE BELTS AND RUBBER HOSES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER MONTHS; YET, THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW DUE TO THE SNOW ENTERING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,066. UPDATED 05/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWaterville, MEFire
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A ROAD COVERED WITH SNOW AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF STEAM EXPELLED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEAM MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AND THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS, RESTART AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION WITH CAUTION. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD HE OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXHIBITED MASSIVE SNOW,THE BELTS AND RUBBER HOSES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER MONTHS; YET, THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW DUE TO THE SNOW ENTERING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,066. UPDATED 05/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.