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Electrical systemPart report

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Electrical system Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
15%of 84 total for the year
Median mileage
90,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca, 15% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 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

“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 miles

“The contact stated, upon returning to the vehicle 30 mins after parking, the windows were blackened and a fire was burning in the console between the front seats. The fire department determined the fire was caused by a short circuit in the wiring below the cup holder in the console between the front seats. The service dealer and manufacturer were contacted.”

NHTSA complaint #10165112, filed 2006-08, 208 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009111%
2007831%
20061315%

Other parts of the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca

Body and structure
27 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology