NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
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 passenger-side front airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to the front passenger, driver, and rear occupants.
The airbag issue spans multiple recall filings, but they all describe the same defect: the inflator inside the passenger frontal airbag module can rupture rather than deploy cleanly. While all 2013 Tribeca owners should be aware of this, certain filings specifically target vehicles sold or ever registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and others along the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific, where elevated moisture accelerates the deterioration of the inflator.
On the drivetrain side, a separate recall covers vehicles built between June 12 and June 28, 2013, equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The parking rod inside the transmission can come loose, which prevents the gearshift from moving out of park, leaving the vehicle stuck and unable to be driven.
There is also a hood latch concern that applies across the full Tribeca production run. Both the primary hood latch and the secondary safety catch can malfunction, allowing the hood to fly open while the vehicle is moving. A hood that lifts suddenly at speed blocks the windshield entirely, cutting off the driver's forward view and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
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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.
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.