2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,383 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Subaru Tribeca brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Subaru Tribeca Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 042022

Tribeca

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After starting the vehicle in sub freezing temperatures the brakes would not work. After applying extreme pressure it was found that the brake would operate but without any power assist. The error "er bb" was displayed on the instrument panel. After applying the brakes several times, the power assist started working and braking was normal again. This condition has repeated several times after the vehicle sits in sub freezing temperatures for a period of time. I believe this may be caused by a frozen check valve in the vacuum line to the brake booster.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #2

Jan 062014

Tribeca

  • 95,000 miles
When the outside temperature dips below 20 degrees F, the brakes fail to work. This has happened 5 times now in the year 2014. This has happened each time my car has sat out in the cold temperatures (<20 degrees) for 8 hours (while at work). When pulling out of my space in the outdoor parking garage, my brake pedal becomes hard and I am unable to depress it. My car will not stop. Applying hard pressure slows it down. This has happened on dry pavement. I once had to use the emergency brake to stop. It has also occurred once after I was operating the car for at least 15 minutes. I have had the car to the dealership twice in the last 3 months since this started. Each time they are unable to duplicate the problem and cannot find anything wrong. I have also emailed Subaru customer service and they stated the dealership would have to duplicate the brake problem in order to fix it. This is a huge safety concern; not to menion I have 2 small children traveling in the car with me. No one seems that worried about it but me. It is all over internet car forums that this happens with Subaru brakes when the temperatures dip. The dealership and Subaru claim they have not heard of this problem. I am extremely frustrated with Subaru.

- Broadview Heights, OH, USA

problem #1

Jan 092013

Tribeca 6-cyl

  • 50,150 miles
Backing out of garage during cold weather below freezing, stepped on brake pedal and no response from the brake system. Was unable to stop car until I pumped brakes frantically many times. Left car out during below freezing weather 2 more times, same problem--no brakes. Vacuum assist for brakes would not work in below freezing weather. Took car to Subaru dealer, all 3 vacuum hose brakes replaced. Dealer states that each hose has a check valve in it for the vacuum system. Fortunately we discovered this problem at a very low rate of speed. No vacuum assist for the brakes makes this car virtually unstoppable at almost any speed. What if it would have been on a mountain road?? death would be eminent. I feel this should be under recall before someone is killed or maimed.

- Aurora, CO, USA

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