This page covers 6 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Subaru Tribeca.
18 mpg combined
13.1 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca has 6 recalls, the most serious being a defective passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to the driver, front passenger, or other occupants.
The airbag issue spans multiple filings, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem for all affected vehicles. The hood latch system is also a concern: both the primary latch and the safety catch can malfunction, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and blocking the driver's view. On the drivetrain side, a small number of vehicles built in a narrow window in mid-2013 have a transmission parking rod that can come loose inside the automatic transmission, potentially trapping the vehicle in park and preventing it from being moved.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during deployment due to propellant degradation 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.
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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 due to propellant breaking down after long-term exposure 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.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the propellant inside degrades over time when exposed 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 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.
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 parking rod inside the automatic transmission may come loose, potentially affecting transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
