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2013 Subaru Tribeca

The 2013 Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It is offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter H6 that produces 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Tribeca has received generally positive reviews from critics, who praise its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive. However, it has also been criticized for its poor fuel economy and outdated infotainment system.

Engine

3.6-liter V6

  • Oil Leaks: Leaks can occur from the valve covers, oil pan, or rear main seal. Symptoms include low oil levels, oil spots under the vehicle, and a burning oil smell. The leaks can be fixed by replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and a check engine light. The tensioner can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Fuel Injector Failure: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough or stall. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. The fuel injectors can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+

3.0-liter H6

  • Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: The cylinder head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light. The cylinder head gasket can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a squealing noise from the engine, loss of power, and a check engine light. The timing belt can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

  • Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leaks can occur from the transmission pan, torque converter seal, or input/output shaft seals. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels, fluid spots under the vehicle, and slipping gears. The leaks can be fixed by replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Slipping Gears: The transmission may slip gears, causing the vehicle to lose power or accelerate unexpectedly. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, loss of power, and a check engine light. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

  • Strut Mount Bearing Failure: The strut mount bearings can fail, causing a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle. Symptoms include a clunking noise when turning or going over bumps, and uneven tire wear. The strut mount bearings can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Sway Bar End Link Failure: The sway bar end links can fail, causing a rattling noise from the front or rear of the vehicle. Symptoms include a rattling noise when going over bumps, and uneven tire wear. The sway bar end links can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

  • Battery Failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power or fail to start. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, and a check engine light. The battery can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to lose power and the vehicle to stall. Symptoms include dim headlights, electrical system malfunctions, and a check engine light. The alternator can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Starter Failure: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to fail to start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, no crank, and no start. The starter can be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+

Exterior

  • Roof Rack Crossbars: The roof rack crossbars can become loose or detach from the vehicle. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the roof, loose or missing crossbars, and potential damage to the vehicle or other property. The crossbars can be tightened or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Interior

  • Infotainment System Malfunctions: The infotainment system may malfunction, causing the screen to freeze, audio to cut out, or other issues. Symptoms include a frozen screen, no audio, or other system malfunctions. The infotainment system may need to be updated or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Climate Control Malfunctions: The climate control system may malfunction, causing the temperature to be inaccurate, the fan to blow at an incorrect speed, or other issues. Symptoms include inaccurate temperature, fan speed issues, or other system malfunctions. The climate control system may need to be repaired or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2013 Subaru Tribeca has a number of potential issues, including engine oil leaks, timing chain tensioner failure, transmission fluid leaks, suspension noise, electrical system malfunctions, roof rack crossbar issues, infotainment system malfunctions, and climate control malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific issue and the severity of the failure. Overall, the Tribeca is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of these potential issues before purchasing one.

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