Used Subaru B9 Tribeca

What to know before buying: Subaru B9 Tribeca

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The cabin uses high-quality trim materials, while permanent all-wheel drive is described as one of the Tribeca’s chief strengths.[1]one source
• A 2007 B9 owner praises its roomy second row and long-distance comfort; another contributor calls it the most comfortable Subaru he has driven.[3]one source
• Seven seats are useful for a family, although another discussion notes that carrying seven people in the Tribeca is cramped.[3][4]
• One owner of a 2007 3.0-litre car rated it 10/10 and would recommend it after five years and 130,000 km of use.[2]one source

Typical faults

• An owner of a European 2007 B9 reported that the head gasket tends to fail at about 160,000 km.[3]one source

  160 000–160 000 km · 2007–2007

• The same owner reported that the suspension rubber components were worn and needed replacement at around 130,000 km.[3]one source

  130 000–130 000 km · 2007–2007

• A 2007 B9 owner listed the catalytic converters among its serious recurring problems.[3]one source

  2007–2007

• An owner reported electronic and colour-display glitches, while considering the monochrome display less troublesome.[3]one source

  2007–2007

• The factory central locking was reported to lose its signal; owners addressed it by fitting an aftermarket alarm with central locking.[3]one source

  2007–2007

• Several contributors observed that the 3.0-litre engine begins consuming oil 5,000–6,000 km after an oil change.[3]one source

  3.0 H6

Which engine and version to take

• The 3.6-litre is the stronger choice: the source quotes 256 hp, 335 Nm and 10% lower consumption than the preceding 3.0-litre engine.[1]one source

What to avoid

• Choose the 3.0-litre only after checking oil use and service history: owners reported oil consumption 5,000–6,000 km after an oil change.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a car near 160,000 km, carefully check the head-gasket condition and repair history.[3]one source
• Inspect all suspension rubber components; one owner reported them worn at around 130,000 km.[3]one source
• Include the catalytic converters in the diagnostic inspection, as an owner listed them among the serious recurring problems.[3]one source
• Test the display, all electronics and central locking; colour-screen glitches and loss of the locking signal have been reported.[3]one source
• For the 3.0-litre engine, check the oil level and change intervals because consumption was observed 5,000–6,000 km after servicing.[3]one source
• After an initial body, cabin and engine check, use a specialist workshop to uncover faults that cannot be seen or heard during a basic inspection.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — «Subaru B9 Tribeca» iegūst jaunus vaibstus · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Subaru B9 Tribeca atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]subaru.spb.ru — что за машина Tribeca??? - SUBARU Клуб Санкт-Петербург · press
4. [4]4x4forum.lt — subaru B9 Tribeka - Padidinto pravažumo automobiliai · press

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