2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Problems
- Complaints
- 84filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles, 59 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the hood coming unlatched and flipping back into the windshield while driving, along with headlights and fog lights that burn out repeatedly and door-area puddle lights that smoke or catch fire. Interior trim and firewall-area rattles, cold-weather brake problems, and a handful of stalls or airbag concerns make up most of the rest. Many of the reports arrive well past 70,000 miles, though lighting and trim complaints appear early too.
- Body and structure
Hood unlatches and hits the windshield while driving
- 26 complaints (31%)
- median 120,000 mi at 9.3 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2019
Complaints describe the hood releasing without warning at highway and city speeds, folding back and striking the windshield, cracking or shattering the glass, denting the roof and blocking the driver's view. In several accounts only the secondary safety latch was left holding the hood, and in others both latches let go; owners report that the safety latch is held by plastic retainers that had broken or become brittle in cold weather. Some had the latch assembly or cable replaced and report the same thing happening again, and some owners describe incomplete repairs. Reported from roughly 45,000 to 150,000 miles, often during highway driving and in some cases after the hood had been opened for washer fluid or service.
What to check: Open and close the hood repeatedly and check that both the primary latch and the secondary catch hold firmly; look at the plastic retainers and latch mounting for cracks or looseness.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour on a city street, the hood of my tribeca popped open and completely obscured my view of the road. After pulling over to the side of the road I attempted to close the hood, but without success. One of the plastic anchors holding the safety latch in place had broken which allowed the safety latch to rotate in place.”
NHTSA complaint #10786880, filed 2015-10, 128,600 miles“Hood latch open going 70 miles per hour going south on i74 south of indianapolis indiana. Drove to airport to pick up my daughter. On way name hood smashed winshield without warning. Mirror hit me in the face was able to stop vehicle. Did damage to hood broke winshield and did a little inside damage inside. Map lights”
NHTSA complaint #10968244, filed 2017-03, 160,900 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and fog lights burn out repeatedly
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe low beams, fog lamps and other exterior bulbs failing again and again, with some owners reporting replacements every few months. Owners mention driving at night with both low beams out, and one complaint notes that the instrument panel lights up with the daytime running lights, which led the owner to drive without headlights or tail lights. Separately, owners describe difficulty getting exterior-lighting recall parts from dealers. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 10,000 miles to well past 100,000 miles, including in rain and fog at night.
What to check: Check that all exterior bulbs work, note whether the instrument panel lights up without the headlights being switched on, and ask how often bulbs have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1) I have replaced the headlight on my vehicle 22 times since purchasing new. 2) low tire light illuminates daily and the car has been serviced numerous times at dealer at my expense and still not repaired. Causing me anxiety to use vehicle even after checking tires for damage, weight and even going as far as replacing car. 3) received recall regarding puddle lights and fire and it took almost 2 years for dealer to finally acquire parts only after threatening to contact local news. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662109, filed 2014-12, 80,000 miles“- the contact has a 2006 Subaru B9 TRIBECA with an odometer reading of 7300 miles. The contact stated that when evening comes and the day time running lights are on the instrument panel is illuminated. With the instrument panel illuminated the contact forgets to put in the head lights which causes other drivers not to see the vehicle properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10181881, filed 2007-02, 7,300 miles - Electrical system
Puddle lights overheat, smoke or catch fire
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 102,444 mi at 8.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2017
Owners describe smoke, a burning electrical smell and in some cases open flames from the LED puddle lights under the front or rear doors, sometimes while the vehicle was parked with the ignition off. Dealers identified a short circuit and replaced the light assemblies in some cases; a few owners reported long waits for parts before the repair was done. In other accounts the vehicle was towed after the fire department inspected it. Reported from low mileage up to about 165,000 miles, often when the doors were opened or the vehicle had been parked for a short time.
What to check: Open each door and check the under-door lights for scorching, melted plastic or a burnt smell; ask whether the door-light assemblies have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10714975, filed 2015-05, 163,000 miles“Just finished washing the car outside the my garage, I then moved it inside the garage to clean and vacuum inside. 30 mins later, a strong burning smell and smoke came out from the left rear passenger puddle light area. I have to quickly call 911, and before 911 arrival I managed to open the hood and disconnected the battery and the smoke stopped. There was still a strong smile in the air when 911 came. 911 recommended towing it to the dealership connected the battery and drove it outside where it could be easily tow. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577542, filed 2014-04, 102,984 miles - Brakes
Hard brake pedal and reduced braking in cold weather
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the brake pedal becoming very hard to push, and in some cases brakes that do not stop the vehicle normally, when temperatures drop. Complaints describe needing much longer distances to stop or the vehicle continuing into an intersection, with the problem easing after the vehicle warms or after repeated attempts. Dealers replaced the brake booster and vacuum hoses in one account, and owners elsewhere point to a vacuum check valve as the suspected cause. Described mainly in cold weather below about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, at mileages mostly between 75,000 and 165,000.
What to check: Test the brakes from a cold start on a cold morning and ask whether the brake booster, vacuum hoses or check valve have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling at about 30 miles per hour on my way to work. Luckily had not entered the freeway yet. Approaching a stop and my brakes failed! The pedal was hard as a rock. I could not stop the vehicle as I was heading into crossing traffic. I ended up hitting a snow bank. I had the car towed to the dealership for repair. They replaced the brake booster and vacuum hoses. On may 11, 2017 I had my vehicle in for the 120,000 service check. …”
NHTSA complaint #10985137, filed 2017-05, 113,192 miles“In cold weather the brake pedal is hard as a rock to depress. When car is placed in drive the brakes don't work. According to Subaru blog sites the culprit is the brake vacuum check valve freezing up and not maintaining vacuum to the brake booster. Apparently, this problem affects other Subaru vehicle models for many years back. This is a dangerous design/engineering flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10562584, filed 2014-02, 85,000 miles - Body and structure
Firewall cracks and front-end rattles
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe thumping, rattling or chirping noises from the front end and dashboard area, sometimes shortly after purchase. Dealers in some cases welded a cracked firewall or replaced a pitching stopper bracket, and one owner was given a service bulletin describing rivet drilling and welding for the bracket; in other accounts the noise persisted after repairs. One complaint also describes a broken engine stabilizer bracket weld. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 150,000, often noticed at low speeds or over uneven pavement.
What to check: Listen for thumps or rattles from the dash and front end on a test drive over rough pavement, and ask whether any firewall or pitching-stopper repair has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Within a few months of purchasing my 06 tribeca I started hearing rattles under the dash and a thumping sound from the frontend and also a loud humming noise at 28 MPH. I have taken it back to the dealer several times and they said they could not find a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230268, filed 2008-06, 10,000 miles“Noise heard, thumping, in front end of vehicle beginning on or about 7/2006. Reported to dealership. Dealer replaced struts in attempt to resolve problem (10/2006) no change in problem. Per Subaru TSB - dealer attempted repair to cracks in firewall by welding (11/10/206). Problem still exists. Awaiting resolution by Subaru.”
NHTSA complaint #10173454, filed 2006-11, 21,000 miles
Buying note. Have a mechanic check the hood latch and secondary catch closely, test the brakes cold and inspect the door-mounted lights for heat damage before buying. Service records showing latch, brake booster or firewall work are worth asking about, since several of these complaints were reported again after repair.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca. 59 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 101,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 119 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure27 32%
- Air bags18 21%
- Electrical system13 15%
- Exterior lighting12 14%
- Brakes8 9.5%
- Engine5 5.9%
- Other or unknown5 5.9%
Also reported: Engine cooling (2), Steering (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “The hood flew open while driving on the expressway, smashing the windshield. I had to move over 3 lanes in heavy speeding traffic to the shoulder. I had my standard poodle in the back seat. Trying to stay calm to get over onto the shoulder. Another driver stopped to see if was alright.”
NHTSA complaint #10682882, filed 2015-02, 146,000 milesAir bags: “Takata recall infleter on ,my Subaru tribeca its a problem I have to go grosery chopping with my family I put my family back in the and my chopping bag on the passenger sit to be safe in case of a accident you know!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11015276, filed 2017-08, 130,000 milesElectrical system: “The contact owns a 2006 Subaru B9 TRIBECA. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The contact pulled off of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was with the electronic control module. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11352535, filed 2020-09, 150,000 milesExterior lighting: “Low beams both went out on 2006 tribecca have had to replace them several times before. They only last about 5 months. Never had any vehicle burn out head lights like this one before. They both went out on a rainy foggy night so we could not use high beams. Subaru should step up and fix this problem. This is an expensive car it should have reliable basic safety equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #10393062, filed 2011-03, 115,420 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 59 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 69,052 and 122,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B9 Tribeca AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 119 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Other model years of the Subaru B9 Tribeca
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 9 | 90,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 16 | 50,150 | 0 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 26 | 58,430 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 84 | 101,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru B9 Tribeca model years
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
Owners of this model year most often describe the hood coming unlatched and flipping back into the windshield while driving, along with headlights and fog lights that burn out repeatedly and door-area puddle lights that smoke or catch fire. The issues reported most often: Hood unlatches and hits the windshield while driving; Headlights and fog lights burn out repeatedly; Puddle lights overheat, smoke or catch fire.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca have?
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 27 complaints (32% of the total), followed by air bags with 18.
Has the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9 Tribeca AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca reported?
Among the 59 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 101,000 miles and the middle half falls between 69,052 and 122,000 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.