There are no safety recalls for the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca, but owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA.
2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,150 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 200,000 miles · reported Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated that upon extending her hand underneath the vehicle by the middle section of the hood, the fluid dripped onto the contact's hand, and the contact became aware that it was fuel dripping. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the fuel stop dripping. The contact stated that upon…
Service Brakes · reported Dec 5, 2022
After starting the vehicle in sub freezing temperatures the brakes would not work. After applying extreme pressure it was found that the brake would operate but without any power assist. The error "er bb" was displayed on the instrument panel. After applying the brakes several times, the power assist started working and braking was normal again. This condition has repeated several times after the vehicle sits in sub freezing temperatures for a period of time. I believe this may be caused by a frozen check valve in the vacuum line to the brake booster.
Tires · reported Mar 7, 2022
255/55R18 After 2 weeks of driving on new tires my tire light would not turn off. I have taken my vehicle back to dealer to repair issue multiple times only to have the same thing happen. After 1 year of driving on this tire the sidewalls are cracked to the point the DOT# is illegible. Tires should last longer than 7500 miles and 1 year. I have attempted to have the place of business I made the purchase from fix the issue with no luck. They said if the tire is not on the "Recall" list they would do nothing.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 93,507 miles · reported Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front hood erroneously opened and slammed into the front windshield causing the windshield to shatter. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V060000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Mar 6, 2019
The latch on the front hood is broken it will not close and when I drive on the interstate going to work I feel like the hood is going to fly open. Also the gas door latch is broken as well it will not open when you pull the gas door latch. I was told by credit karma that the driver and passenger air bag are both defective in motion on city and highway street
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
Owners report suspension problems most often (3 reports), followed by structure (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,150 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.