The 2009 Subaru Tribeca has 8 recalls, the most serious being a defective passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Multiple filings cover this same airbag inflator defect, which is part of the broader Takata recall affecting millions of vehicles. The hood latch system is also recalled: both the primary and secondary hood latches can fail, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and block the driver's view of the road. There is also a stability control concern: the lateral acceleration sensor used by the vehicle's stability control system may have been installed incorrectly, causing unexpected handling behavior during hard braking or sharp turns, including possible loss of stability.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
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 front passenger air bag inflator can explode during deployment 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 explode during deployment in a crash. Humidity and temperature changes can degrade the inflator's propellant over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger 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 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 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 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
The Vehicle Dynamic Control G-sensor may have been installed incorrectly during assembly, affecting how the vehicle handles during hard braking, sudden turns, or quick maneuvers. This could cause unexpected reactions or instability, potentially leading to loss of control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the VDC G-sensor and reinstall it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
