2008 Subaru Tribeca

Introduction

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV powered by a 3.6-liter H6 engine, producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It came with a choice of a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The Tribeca was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive, but criticized for its dated exterior design and lack of off-road capability.

Engine

• 3.6-liter H6
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Head gaskets fail, causing coolant to leak and engine to overheat.
    • Solution: Replace head gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: Timing chains stretch and rattle, potentially leading to engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace timing chains.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Intake manifold gasket leaks, causing vacuum leaks and engine performance issues.
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slippage
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears.
    • Solution: Replace transmission or rebuild existing transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6-speed Manual
  • No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Front lower control arm bushings wear out, causing excessive tire wear and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace front lower control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear sway bar links fail, causing clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace rear sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Alternator fails, causing battery to discharge and engine to stall.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains after vehicle is parked.
  • Solution: Identify and fix source of battery drain (e.g., faulty module, parasitic draw).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Radio Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio malfunctions, including loss of sound or display issues.
  • Solution: Replace or repair radio.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V085000

Exterior

• Headlight Hazing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights become hazed over time, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Polish or replace headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $350
    • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate latch fails, preventing tailgate from closing or opening properly.
  • Solution: Replace tailgate latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracks in areas exposed to sunlight or heat.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Door Panel Trim Separation
  • Description/Symptoms: Trim pieces on door panels loosen or separate.
  • Solution: Reattach or replace trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca has some notable issues, including head gasket failure, timing chain rattle, and transmission slippage. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from $1,500 to over $4,000. However, the Tribeca also has some minor issues, such as dashboard cracks and door panel trim separation, which are less severe and less expensive to fix. Overall, the Tribeca’s issues are not as widespread or severe as some other vehicles in its class.