2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.7 times the median B9 Tribeca year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 7 B9 Tribeca years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (28), airbags (18), and electrical system (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
118
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
14
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other B9 Tribeca years?
What are the most common 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 28 | 24% | new |
| Airbags | 18 | 15% | new |
| Electrical System | 16 | 14% | new |
| Lighting | 12 | 10% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 11 | 9% | new |
| Brakes | 8 | 7% | new |
| Engine | 7 | 6% | new |
| Other | 6 | 5% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65-70 MPH AND MY HOOD FLEW OPEN STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING ME TO DRIVE INTO A GUARD RAIL. CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING NECK AND BACK ISSUES. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL.”
“I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPEN. I PASSED OUT AND WHEN I CAME TO I WAS SITTING IN SOMEONES YARD. THERE WAS A LADY THAT SEEN IT ALL. I WENT OFF THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD THROUGH SOME HIGH GRASS AND TELEPHONE POLES. THEN SOME HOW I END ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD MY CAR WAS TOTAL. I HAVE 6 OR 8…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE 30 MINS AFTER PARKING, THE WINDOWS WERE BLACKENED AND A FIRE WAS BURNING IN THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING BELOW THE CUP HOLDER IN THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS OPENED SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM BOTH LED PUDDLE LIGHTS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE DOOR PANEL. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE…”
“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I CAN'T EMPHASIZE RIGHT NOW HOW DISAPPOINTED I AM IN SUBARU'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IN BOTH THE USA AND IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA. I CURRENTLY RESIDE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA. I HAVE YET TO CONTACT CORPORATE IN JAPAN, AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. UNFORTUNATELY, BOTH PARTIES ON THE…”
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca — common questions
Is the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 7 B9 Tribeca years. It is one of the B9 Tribeca years to avoid.
What are the most common 2006 B9 Tribeca problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (28 complaints), airbags (18 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints).
Does the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Which Subaru B9 Tribeca years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the B9 Tribeca years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among B9 Tribeca years belongs to 2011.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.