NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 5 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 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 2014 Subaru Tribeca has 5 recalls, the most serious being a passenger frontal 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 inflator issue is covered by multiple filings, including one specifically targeting vehicles in high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana, where heat and moisture accelerate the risk of inflator rupture. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why separate campaigns exist. On the mechanical side, a parking rod inside the automatic transmission can come loose, causing the transmission to become stuck in park and leaving the vehicle unable to move. This affects a narrow window of vehicles built in June 2013 with the 5-speed automatic transmission. There is also a hood latch concern: both the primary latch and the secondary safety catch can malfunction, allowing the hood to fly open at speed and block the driver's view of the road entirely.
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
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 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.