2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca

The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca was Subaru’s foray into the mid-size SUV market. It was offered with a single engine option: a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed (flat) six-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Tribeca for its comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and spacious interior. Criticisms frequently revolve around the polarizing exterior styling, fuel economy, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

3.0L H6 (EZ30)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points, including valve cover gaskets, timing chain covers, and the oil cooler. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the source and extent of the leak.
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Though less common than on older Subaru models, head gasket failures can still occur. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant mixing with oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the head gaskets, resurfacing the cylinder heads, and potentially other engine repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty VVT solenoids or oil control valves can cause rough idling, decreased engine performance, and the check engine light to illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty VVT solenoid or oil control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Decreased engine performance, poor fuel economy, rattling noises from underneath the vehicle, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the catalytic converter(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially during torque converter lockup.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• Slipping or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission hesitates to shift or slips between gears.
  • Solution: This can be caused by low fluid, worn clutches, or valve body issues. Depending on the severity, a fluid flush, valve body repair, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) to $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement).

Suspension

• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding, humming, or roaring noises from the rear of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear wheel bearing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per side.
• Strut Mount Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per pair.

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a few days, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module, wiring issue, or accessory. Diagnosing and repairing the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, and rough engine running.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor.

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch will not stay open on its own.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear hatch struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air blowing from the vents, clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca, while offering a comfortable ride and practical interior, is prone to several issues. Engine oil leaks, transmission problems, and electrical faults are some of the more common and potentially expensive problems. Rear wheel bearings and HVAC issues are also reported. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these problems and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. The costs to repair these issues can vary widely, but some can be quite substantial.