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WX · SUV

2012 Subaru Tribeca

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2012 Subaru Tribeca

Recall·19V007000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall·19V008000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall·19V009000

Air bags: inflator module

Subaru of America, Inc.

4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 4 owners reported

Power train2
Exterior lighting1
Steering1

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2012 Subaru Tribeca at a glance

Trims
BaseLimited
Engine
3.6L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 5-spd
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
SUV
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2012 Subaru Tribeca?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Tribeca with NHTSA, most often about the power train. There are 7 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2012 Subaru Tribeca reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 7 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Subaru Tribeca?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Subaru Tribeca listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.