2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca
On the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca, the failure owners report most often is timing chain, belt or tensioner failure, with 3 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 45,000 miles.
What breaks on the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Owners have reported 4 named failure modes on the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca, and the three most-reported carry 88% of everything filed, so the trouble here is concentrated rather than scattered.
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure leads with 3 reports and about 0.1 per 1,000 vehicles.
Head gasket failure follows with 3 reports, median 30,000 miles.
Torque converter failure follows with 1 report, median 65,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (6) and transmission (2).
When these failures get reported
8 of the reports on the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 45,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 75% by 50,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, which alone holds 38% of the dated reports.
38% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Nothing in the reports on the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca mentions a crash, a fire or an injury. That is the ordinary case and it is worth stating: most defect complaints are about a car that stopped working, not one that hurt somebody.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 6.25, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: timing chain, belt or tensioner failure at $1,200–$4,500, head gasket failure at $1,400–$4,000, torque converter failure at $1,100–$3,200 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
100% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures, so more than half of what owners complained about here is expensive.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 43k | — | 0.1 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 59k | — | 0.0 | $400–$4,500 | High |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca draws about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 72nd percentile of complaint rates among 2012 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 42,256 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2012 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure
Subaru tribeca 2012 is only 3 years and 7 month old. Was purchased new for $41,000 for best safety features, and fuel economy. My car never was in accident, not driven to the mountains or harsh weather condition. Only 43000 miles. Has many issues with electrical, oil leak, steering wheel. After driving, on the short stop (drop off or pick up kids), in shifting to p position, the front right/left doors frequently not unlocked. Even with a manual unlock button to the driver left side panel. So, in the case of emergency, it may be a problem to get out from the front seat. In 2014 -2015 had already issue with front headlights that was replaced 3 times the same part, and 2 times was replaced the same break lights. 2015 left side window the motor broke. Subaru auto nation mazda garage charged $2,473 to replace both headgaskets leaking, timing cover. Steering wheel has a balance issue. I replaced battery. Front tire tread is 0 nds, back 5 nds. And I can't replace just 2 front, I have to replace all tires at once. Has very insufficient fuel usage. Additional storage space at the rear of driver seats is a manufacture defect. It was fixed…
Subaru tribeca 2012 is only 3 years and 7 month old. Was purchased new for $41,000 for best safety features, and fuel economy. My car never was in accident, not driven to the mountains or harsh weather condition. Only 43000 miles. Has many issues with electrical, oil leak, steering wheel. After driving, on the short stop (drop off or pick up kids), in shifting to p position, the front right/left doors frequently not unlocked. Even with a manual unlock button to the driver left side panel. So, in the case of emergency, it may be a problem to get out from the front seat. In 2014 -2015 had already issue with front headlights that was replaced 3 times the same part, and 2 times was replaced the same break lights. 2015 left side window the motor broke. Subaru auto nation mazda garage charged $2,473 to replace both headgaskets leaking, timing cover. Steering wheel has a balance issue. I replaced battery. Front tire tread is 0 nds, back 5 nds. And I can't replace just 2 front, I have to replace all tires at once. Has very insufficient fuel usage. Additional storage space at the rear of driver seats is a manufacture defect. It was fixed…
Head gasket failure
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru tribeca. While parked, the front driver and passenger side doors failed to open from inside the vehicle. There was also an oil leak under the vehicle and the headlights and brake light bulbs were replaced several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil and head gasket leak. There was no diagnosis for the doors not being able to open and the frequent bulb outages. The vehicle was repaired for the oil and head gasket leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru tribeca. While parked, the front driver and passenger side doors failed to open from inside the vehicle. There was also an oil leak under the vehicle and the headlights and brake light bulbs were replaced several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil and head gasket leak. There was no diagnosis for the doors not being able to open and the frequent bulb outages. The vehicle was repaired for the oil and head gasket leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Torque converter failure
2012 subaru tribeca- torque converter failure known issue on subaru cars from that year, recall/extended repair doesn't cover model. Car stalls when automatic transmission downshifts. Started as strong hesitation and progressed rapidly to unpredictable/sudden stalling. Happened at both high speeds on highway and at slow speeds in traffic. Results in total engine shut down and requires time for engine restart. Highly dangerous. Occurs randomly and without warning. Crash hazard. First issue 9/28. Total stall on major highway 9/30. Cannot be driven without stall. Two attempted repairs before identified. Subaru dealer confirmed known issue for that year but has not been sufficiently reported for this car to help cover repair. Repair estimated at $5000 to replace part and rebuild transmission.
Recalls on the 2012 model year
NHTSA has issued 7 recall campaigns covering the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca, affecting an estimated 86,788 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
43,394 vehicles 2019-01-09- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a…
- Consequence
- 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
452,630 vehicles 2019-01-09- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or…
- Consequence
- 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
330,120 vehicles 2019-01-09- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as…
- Consequence
- 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
64,179 vehicles 2018-01-09- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a…
- Consequence
- 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
53,480 vehicles 2017-01-10- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and…
- Consequence
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
77,017 vehicles 2016-02-03- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Tribeca vehicles manufactured November 16, 2004, to January 27, 2014. Due to a possible malfunction of the hood safety system and hood lock system, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.
- Consequence
- If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will complete this recall in two phases. Phase one will involve inspection, cleaning, and lubricating the hood safety and hood lock systems. If after this is performed the hood latch does not operate properly, it will be replaced with a new current style part. Phase two will involve installing an improved hood safety system and hood lock system. Interim notification was mailed March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQX-59 (phase one) and WQY-60 (phase two).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
633,842 vehicles 2012-12-26- Defect
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it…
- Consequence
- 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. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
Better and worse years of the same car
Across the 3 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2006 comes out best at 61 and 2008 worst at 62.
Within the 2006–2012 generation specifically, 2006 is the strongest year at 61 and 2008 the weakest at 62.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2006-2012 generation, 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca scores best at 61 and 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca worst at 62.
What this page cannot tell you
8 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 8 reports, 8 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 100% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The most-reported failures are timing chain, belt or tensioner failure (3 reports, median 45,000 miles), head gasket failure (3 reports, median 30,000 miles) and torque converter failure (1 report, median 65,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Which year of the Subaru B9 Tribeca is best?
Within the 2006–2012 generation, 2006 scores best at 61 out of 100 and 2008 worst at 62. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed