Used 2009 Subaru Tribeca Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Tribeca, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tribeca since its last redesign.
Burns oil tooo FAST and frequent bulb outagaes
cin0904, 01/28/2013
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought the vehicle used 1 yr ago. I discovered the oil burns very very fast. I put 4 qts of oil in the vehicle and two weeks later the dip stick was completely empty. Tires Plus informed I need to take the vehicle to the dealership due to the oil is buring entirely too fast and could cause issues to the engine. I am also experiencing issues with frequent headlight bulb outage. I replaced both left and right headlights twice over the last 4 months. Now both high beams are out and the fog lights are out. the light in the trunk is out. It flickers from time to time. I have to constantly check my oil weekly to ensure it isn't bone dry. Thread on leather seats are coming apart.
Annoyed and Disappointed
Carol, 02/04/2010
2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Have had this car for almost two years now, and the warranty is about to run out. It's been in three times for warranty fixes (CD player jammed, mechanical issue front right drive train, climate control). And now -- after three visits during which the mechanics agreed there was a problem with the climate control -- I am told the system is functioning "normally." So why is it blowing cold air when I have the temp set to 72? My 3-year-old is freezing in the back seat. Enough with this car... I'm going back to an Outback.
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- Limited 5-Passenger 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,950816 mi away
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don't do it
dissappointed, 01/11/2010
2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I had a forester before the tribeka. Loved it and decided to stay with subaru. I have been so very disappointed with the tribeka. Sure it rides well and is easy to handle, but the small gas tank is a BIG problem!!! i have to fill the gas tank every two or three days and find myself almost running out of gas on a regular basis. I have had the car for 2 years and i still cant get used to this.This is a major design flaw. At 18 mpg (ouch) the tank should be a 2 gallon and not 15.
When is leather not leather?
Wil12345, 10/12/2009
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Rear Seat DVD, Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for about a year and a half. It rides well, drives well and has been reliable. Only two complaints. Windshield is very poor quality and breaks with the slightest touch of a pebble. Leather interior is mostly vinyl. After a small tear, I found that the only part of the seat that is leather is the small section in the middle of the seat surface. The entire rest of the seats including the bolsters on the seat surface are made of vinyl. No happy about paying for leather and not even getting full leather seating surfaces! Contacted Subaru and they told me that customers like vinyl better. Sounds like a way for Subaru to save money!
Hidden Gem
Baystar, 01/22/2008
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2003 Audi A4 Avant because it was so unreliable. The Tribeca is a hidden gem, it has a great ride and all the features of a Lexus RX but costs $12,000 less. While the critics complain about lack of space in rear rows that only applies to the 7 seater, the 5 seater has plenty of leg room. I think Subaru should stop trying to market the Tribeca as a 7 seater. Mileage could be better, but it helps that the Tribeca runs on regular gas. Handling is good enough that I don't miss the Audi. The overall ride is quiet, smooth and feels very sophisticated. The stereo is very good and helps make the commute highly enjoyable. The nav system has worked fine for me thus far.