The 2006 Subaru Tribeca has 9 recalls, the most serious being a front passenger airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
Multiple recall filings cover this same airbag inflator defect, reflecting the scope of the issue across production. The hood latch system has its own recall: both the primary and secondary latches can fail at the same time, allowing the hood to fly open while driving, block the driver's view of the road, and potentially damage the windshield. There is also an ignition switch concern on vehicles where a replacement key-type switch was installed: a spring inside the switch can break, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving, and if a crash follows, the airbags may not deploy. On the accessories side, dealer-installed puddle lights on certain vehicles can develop a short circuit, causing the lights to melt or produce smoke and raising the risk of a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes in these cold-weather states.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the propellant degrades after exposure to humidity and temperature changes over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the explosive propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood safety and lock systems may malfunction, allowing the hood to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect, clean, and lubricate the hood systems. If the latch still doesn't work properly, they'll replace it. Then they'll install an improved hood safety and lock system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Both the primary and secondary hood latches can fail at the same time, allowing the hood to open while driving. This blocks the driver's view and may damage the windshield, risking a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hood latches, clean and lubricate them if needed, or replace them with the current style part when available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Dealer-installed puddle lights may short circuit, causing the lights to melt and emit smoke, which could lead to fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional fused wiring harness to protect the lights from short circuits.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
