The 2008 Subaru Tribeca has 7 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side front airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue is covered across multiple filings that all describe the same hazard, and prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the problem for all affected vehicles, which is why the issue appears more than once in the recall record. Owners should confirm their specific vehicle has been remedied.
On the ignition side, a replacement ignition switch may contain a ball spring that can break inside the switch, weakening it enough that the engine can shut off without warning while driving. If the engine cuts out, the airbags may also fail to deploy in a crash, compounding the risk from what might otherwise be a manageable situation on the road.
There is also a hood latch concern: the hood safety latch and lock system can malfunction and allow the hood to fly open while the vehicle is moving. When that happens, the hood can block the driver's entire forward view, which substantially raises the chance of a crash.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 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 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 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.
