2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median B9 Tribeca year — the 2007 model ranks #2 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 electrical system (8), airbags (6), and body & structure (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
45
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2007 compare to other B9 Tribeca years?
What are the most common 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. HE STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL TRUNK LATCH WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER…”
“Sudden Unintended Acceleration: While driving up the inclining driveway to my Dr. office for my Covid vaccine, all of a sudden, my car accelerated as if someone stomped on my gas pedal! Had I not turned right into the parking lot, I would have crashed, head-on into a stone retaining wall. I pushed…”
“CAR HAS FUEL FUMES VERY STRONG SMELLING IN CAR. I LOOK ON THIS AS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ME AND THE KIDS TRAVELLING IN MY CAR. BUT I GUESS PEOPLE HAS TO DIE FIRST BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN LIKE THE BOEING AIRLINES. THE CAR IS OVERHEATING AND TGEY CANNOT TELL YOU WHY IT IS DOING IT.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED A FEW TIMES, BUT THE LINE WAS BUSY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS:…”
“WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR IT CONSTANTLY LOSES ACCELERATION. IT WILL HAVE NO POWER THEN LURCH FORWARD AND REV. IT IDLES, LURCHES, AND THEN HAS NO ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE SWAY BAR BEARINGS TWICE IN THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEAL STILL CANT FIX THE…”
2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca — common questions
Is the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2007 model at #2 of 7 B9 Tribeca years. It is one of the B9 Tribeca years to avoid.
What are the most common 2007 B9 Tribeca problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints).
Does the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2007 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.