Most common 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems
Share of the 84 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru B9 Tribeca complaints by model year
Best B9 Tribeca years: 2012, 2009. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca owners say
Body & structure all 27 →
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.
On February 23, 2018, the hood latch was repaired due to a hood latch recall. This was with the new hood latch. It was Friday June 6, 2018, a little past 0600, I was on my way to work. I was driving on a two lane county highway, doing between 60-65, with cruise control on. I had driven about 4 miles from home when the hood suddenly flew open,and shattered the windshield. I was able to slow down and move to the shoulder. Thankfully no one else was in the vicinity. After I got out of my vehicle I closed the hood, it took a lot of effort. I noticed my vehicle was near the end of a guardrail and there was a gravel area, so I moved my car off the road. While I the vehicle I noticed that it was raining glass. I grabbed my work gear and jumped out. My car was towed to a repair shop, and I was given a ride to work.
Air bags
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 air bags and none of them deployed. My selt belts was good. If I didn't have it on, I am not sure how it would have turned out. The doctor said I had a concutsion where my head was moving around so much. My back, chest and leg to hip and neck was hurting.. I just want to know why didn't my air bags go off.
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 sides of Subaru in panama (Subaru del canal s.a.) and Subaru in the USA ([phone]) have been more worried about costs than promoting Subaru's standard of safety which is why I invested in the Subaru in the first place, being an expectant father at the time. Around July of 2010 my wife and I bought a second hand 2006 B9 Tribeca from a dealer in phoenix, az. We enjoyed the vehicle so much, that we decided to bring it with us on our move back to panama. I guess this is where Subaru's commitment to safety draws the line. …
Electrical system
I have had 3 Subarus in the last 2 years. All 3-a 2006 Subaru Tribeca B9, a 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9, and a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek have had electrical and lighting problems. They all have burnt out headlights, interior lights and fog lights, have loose wiring that has affected the computer and navigation system. 2 of them lost all lighting. The Subaru Crosstrek burnt out all the lights in one incident and the 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9 had an alternator problem that fried all the lights at one time as well as the navigation system. They all have more lights lit on the dash than there should be.
The vehicle was parked and turned off and when we got near it we could smell an electrical burning smell and saw smoke coming from the driver side rear puddle light. We immediately opened the hood and started disconnecting the battery. By the time the battery was disconnected there were visible flames coming from the puddle light, and smoke was coming from under the door threshold inside the vehicle as well. The fire department was called, and confirmed that the fire was out by the point that they arrived. We purchased the vehicle 5 months ago, and while researching it before purchase we read about a recall for the puddle lights. Before we even took possession of the vehicle we called the local Subaru dealer and give them the VIN and asked if the recall needed to be performed, and they stated that it did not. …
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca a good car?
Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 B9 Tribeca rates avoid: 4.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the B9 Tribeca at the same age. It is one of the B9 Tribeca years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The body & structure — 27 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (18) and electrical system (13).
How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Subaru B9 Tribeca years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 101,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.