2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca problems

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · IL · fire · 1 injury

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 pulling into a store parking lot two days later, bystanders alerted the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that prior to the fire, the contact had noticed black colored smoke coming from the vehicle while driving; however, the contact assumed that the smoke was coming from a Diesel truck that was in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that bystanders assisted in extinguishing the fire with water and a fire extinguisher. The fire department later arrived at the scene but a fire report was not filed. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that she sustained burns on both hands, and the skin came off the right hand's knuckles, but the contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it remained. The vehicle was inspected by several independent mechanics who determined that the fire was caused by a defective fuel line. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2022 · Brakes · IN

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.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Tires · UT

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.

Filed Mar 4, 2022 · Locks · 93,507 miles · MI

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 federal safety agency 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 was 93,507.

Filed Mar 6, 2019 · Airbags, Body · NE

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

Filed Mar 7, 2017 · Body · 90,000 miles · MA

While driving on interstate 95 approximately 65 MPH, the hood suddenly opened causing damage to the hood, roof and shattering the windshield covering myself wife and kids with glass. I could not see, but was able to bring the car to a controlled stop in the break down lane. I subsequently found out about the hood latch recall. I have been in contact with subaru and my insurance company.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Airbags · AL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 subaru b9 tribeca. The contact stated that the recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) was received. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the part needed for the recall remedy was still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 2, 2016 · Airbags · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru b9 tribeca. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 22, 2013 · Brakes · 50,150 miles · CO

Backing out of garage during cold weather below freezing, stepped on brake pedal and no response from the brake system. Was unable to stop car until I pumped brakes frantically many times. Left car out during below freezing weather 2 more times, same problem--no brakes. Vacuum assist for brakes would not work in below freezing weather. Took car to subaru dealer, all 3 vacuum hose brakes replaced. Dealer states that each hose has a check valve in it for the vacuum system. Fortunately we discovered this problem at a very low rate of speed. No vacuum assist for the brakes makes this car virtually unstoppable at almost any speed. What if it would have been on a mountain road?? Death would be eminent. I feel this should be under recall before someone is killed or maimed.

Filed Dec 26, 2012 · Body · 50,000 miles · MD

I was driving my 2008 subaru tribeca with my family in the car on I-70 east near baltimore in the middle lane when the hood of the car opened smashing into the windshield. Both the hood and the windshield were damaged. The incident happened 35 minutes after the start of the trip. There were no bumps on the road and no other vehicles were involved in the incident. The hood was last opened by a subaru mechanic during an oil change about 2 months prior to the incident. No similar problems occurred prior to the incident. There was no indication that the hood was not properly closed. Furthermore, the second safety latch didn't appear to have worked even if the first gave way. Subaru was contacted and I was told this was an insurance issue as they claimed there were no recalls (even though I insisted that no recalls was no indication that this was not either a manufacturing or a design defect.