Most common 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems
Share of the 16 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 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca owners say
Brakes
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.
I was driving 70 MPH on the right most northbound lane of I-75 at mile marker 452 in florida. The road had become wet from recent rain. The rear of my car suddenly started fishtailing to the right. The fishtail evolved into full-blown counterclockwise spins which took the car all the way to the guardrail in the middle shoulder. The impact resulted in the car being totaled. I believe a defect with the ABS, electronic stability control system or the all wheel drive caused the accident. The road was perfectly straight, and I didn't apply the brakes or make any sudden steering changes. I reported the incident to Subaru and asked for an investigation of the wrecked car. Despite three letters and a complete report, the company refused to inspect the car.
Suspension
It was around 8:00 pm. I was driving in light traffic around 25 MPH heading west on alondra bl crossing downey ave in the city of paramount, when all of a sudden I heard screeching and the rear of the car started swaying side to side. I stepped on the breaks and the rear end of the car started turning to the left going in to the left lane. Cars on the left lane had to slam on the breaks to avoid colliding with me. I was able to slowly pull over to the side of the road. I called a mechanic, after inspecting the car he informed me that the suspension control arm on the rear driver side broke. He also said it could have been a lot worst if I was going faster, I can only imagine what the consequences could have been if I was driving on the freeway. I googled recall 20250xa060 (part number). I don't speak portuguese but it looks to me like that part has been recalled in brazil.
This accident occurs in queretaro, mx. I was driven in a secondary road and suddenly my Subaru Tribeca 2008 turned right and for a while I lose the control. After few seconds I could drive my car forward and stopped it outroad. The specialized analysis determined that the left lateral link was broken. This lateral link was replaced in March 2012 because another accident in which the rear left suspension was broken and all pieces that compound the rear suspension were replaced too. The agency is waiting for a new laterar link and I'm worried about the quality of the piece. Fortunately this accident don't produce fatal victims. But it could...
Wheels & tires
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.
It was around 8:00 pm. I was driving in light traffic around 25 MPH heading west on alondra bl crossing downey ave in the city of paramount, when all of a sudden I heard screeching and the rear of the car started swaying side to side. I stepped on the breaks and the rear end of the car started turning to the left going in to the left lane. Cars on the left lane had to slam on the breaks to avoid colliding with me. I was able to slowly pull over to the side of the road. I called a mechanic, after inspecting the car he informed me that the suspension control arm on the rear driver side broke. He also said it could have been a lot worst if I was going faster, I can only imagine what the consequences could have been if I was driving on the freeway. I googled recall 20250xa060 (part number). I don't speak portuguese but it looks to me like that part has been recalled in brazil.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 B9 Tribeca rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the B9 Tribeca at the same age. 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 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the suspension (3) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 36% 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.