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Subaru B9 Tribeca Transmisson Problems

113 messages,  Last post on Feb 13, 2013 at 8:13 PM

You are in the Subaru B9 Tribeca Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru B9 Tribeca, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 8 of 12

#63 of 113 Re: 2008 Tribeca Rough Shift [ccolt1] by first_tram

Jan 29, 2009 (8:57 pm)

Replying to: ccolt1 (Jan 04, 2009 10:12 am)
My dealer has reburned the transmission control computer twice. The third time I took it in, they "performed transmission bleed and calibration". The service rep said this was the next step after an unsuccessful result from the burn on the computer. It definitely has a different feel to it now, smoother on the shift and stronger torque right after the shift.
 
I also described the feeling I got when I goosed it at a stop light. Most cars creep when you ease off the brake. The Tribeca wasn't doing this. Instead, it grabbed/slammed into first when I put down the pedal. That now seems to have gone away. I'll report back in a couple of weeks and let you know if this repair holds up.
 
This forum helped me describe my problem to the service guys. Nice job!

#64 of 113 Re: 2008 Tribeca Rough Shift [sept2martin] by sept2martin

Mar 31, 2009 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Jan 04, 2009 11:42 am)
Further to my last entry of Jan4 2009, I have had the torque converter changed and various issues apparently dealt with or read on the computer.
The problem remains.....may even be worse!!
At about 80 to 110 kph if accelerating or climbing a grade, the sensation is just like an engine misfire. A jerking sensation which I am told is due to the torque converter not locking up or the transmission not shifting down into fourth.
My car now has 20,000 km on it and it has had this problem since I bought it!!
 Frequent visits to the dealer and a visit from the local Subaru representative, have not sorted it out, even for a short while.
Would I buy another Subaru. Not likely, although the local dealer has done everything they know how to do.
I have been reluctant to tow a small single axle trailer because of the matter.

#65 of 113 Re: 2008 Tribeca Rough Shift [first_tram] by km888

Nov 07, 2009 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: first_tram (Jan 29, 2009 8:57 pm)
My 2008 Tribeca has had the same issues since day one. It had 8,000 miles when I purchased it. I noticed that the transmission would slip sometimes when entering the freeway, or attempting to pass. Not everytime though. I also had the sharp jerk when starting from a complete stop. I took it in for service and when I went to pick it up, the jerking from a stop had been corrected, but they said that they couldn't duplicate the slipping I was describing. I had to take one of the techs on a drive. I stepped on it and the RPM's hit 6000, but the car didn't react, he agreed there was a problem and I left it. This is what's interesting.
 
They claimed that there was goo on my brakes and that's why it jerked when took my foot off the brake, and at that point claimed to have only cleaned them and not touched the transmission.
Then they said the machine they needed to use was in need of a part.
Then the tech that knows how to use it was on vacation.
They wanted to me to take it home and worry about it at a later date.
Finally they told me that the transmission needed to be reprogrammed.
It was okay for a little while, but not long enough.
There is a constant drag, as though I left the parking brake partially on, my MPG drops to 12. It doesn't coast, even at an downward incline.
I asked them if any of these issues are common with the Tribeca, they said I'm the only one who has these issues. Obviously, this is not true. I've had the car in four times, and everytime they call me and make me come down to take one of the techs for a ride. I am sick of dealing with this. I wish I had bought another Outback.
Has anyone been successful with returning a Tribeca?

#66 of 113 Re: 2008 Tribeca Rough Shift [km888] by sept2martin

Nov 08, 2009 (11:55 am)

Replying to: km888 (Nov 07, 2009 2:57 pm)
I am currently trying to get an advocate group to take up my cause with Subaru here in British Columbia, Canada.
I know of no one who has returned a Subaru Tribeca.
I must post again on the Car Reviews section.
I will post here again when I know anything further. Good luck with your cause, and let us know how you do.
 

#67 of 113 Tribeca 2008 - Lemon in WA by mukilteome

Nov 10, 2009 (11:48 am)

I purchased a used 2008 Tribeca with 5K miles in February 2009. I have had the transmission replaced twice. The dealer tried to get a brand new transmission for the second replacement but was told by Subaru America that they needed to replace it with a 're-manufactured' version - because they 'stand-behind' their product. With the third transmission now in use for about 2 months, it is beginning to rough shift again, high rev w/no motion, pause before kicking in...and the list goes on. The first replacement was worse than the original, the second replacement began leaking pie-sized puddles of transmission fluid - the clamps are apparently a slip-on model that have since been replaced with 'screw-on' versions.
 
While thankful that I have an extended warranty and have not experienced any direct expense, at 11K miles the dealer has had it longer than I have in the past 9 months it seems. I have always been a volkswagen owner but this past winter got tired of inneffective driving ability in the snow. So I bought this beautiful Tribeca. It has been nothing but a disappointment and while the dealer has been very nice to work with, it isn't fixing the issue.
 
Apparently, there are very real design flaws with this vehicle's transmission and Subaru will need to take steps to do the right thing by me and by all of you who are in the same fix. I am considering a lawsuit if I cannot get resolution to my satisfaction.

#68 of 113 Re: Tribeca 2008 - Lemon in WA [mukilteome] by sept2martin

Nov 10, 2009 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: mukilteome (Nov 10, 2009 11:48 am)
It seems then, that mine is not an isolated incidence.
Keep us posted "mukilteome", as will I.
The new Outback has probably the same engine and five speed automatic transmission as the Tribeca.....I wonder if it will fair any better?
My dealer is about to take mine back and keep it "until it is fixed". We shall see how they do.
The CAMVP advocate group here in BC would go to bat for a buy back by Subaru.
Calculations but the buyback at about $33,000 CAN. I paid 40k for it new.

#69 of 113 2007 Tribeca Transmission by siriusly

Nov 18, 2009 (4:33 pm)

My 07 has ~90K miles, purchased with 4K. Recently experienced a couple of odd shifts in normal, I use the sport but can't say I noticed anything significant with the "manual "shifting. Also started noticing what seemed to be the engine missing during accel eration but thought I'd have it addressed at the next service. A Friday night in the rain with groceries and kids in the car ABS, CEL, Sport, Cruise and Traction Control lights lit up while I was on the freeway in a construction zone with no shoulders. When I parked it, it was leaking black transmisison fluid. Towed to the dealer, apparently the torque converter threw metal into the transmission.
 
Thankfully the replacement was covered under the extended warranty. Reading this forum I see there's been a couple issues with torque converters and/or transmissions. I'm feeling like this might be an isolated problem. I love my Beca, love that I have the three nostril grill, but I'm a little worried about it's future safety. I drive ~90mi RT for a commute and kids who go places. My 2000 Outback has 209K miles and has been a great car. I can't have a car that is a possible liability and could leave me on the freeway. Winters in Washington can be a wet mess.
 
Hoping for an "isolated incident" opinion.

#70 of 113 Re: 2007 Tribeca Transmission [siriusly] by sept2martin

Nov 18, 2009 (5:20 pm)

Replying to: siriusly (Nov 18, 2009 4:33 pm)
I think the 2007 had a different transmission, but likely similar components.
Latest outback may have same engine and transmission as my 2008 Tribeca. It will be interesting to see how it fares.

#71 of 113 Re: 2007 Tribeca Transmission by barefootrunner

Dec 13, 2009 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Nov 18, 2009 5:20 pm)
First time poster. I just ( 8 days ago) purchased a 2009 Tribeca with 13K miles and experiencing a 'shuddering' at 40mph and ~1800rpm during a very a gentle acceleration. Had dealer check it out twice including reflashing the transmission module. No change. Returning to dealer on Wed Dec 16th and intend to take a technician on a drive. Love our new SUV however already regretting the purchase. Anyone else experienced a 'shudder' or 'rumble' at speeds between 30-50mph?

#72 of 113 Re: 2007 Tribeca Transmission [barefootrunner] by sept2martin

Dec 13, 2009 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: barefootrunner (Dec 13, 2009 3:11 pm)
Sounds similar to my problem. See my prior postings.
My problem comes in 5th gear, or locked up of torque converter (top gear) and at about 2000rpm. They have had my car in for about one and a half weeks this time. It has been in for this problem MANY, MANY times thus far! Great dealership, but the problem has eluded them. Car has had its third Torque converter!
I have had a rumbling, especially when the car is cold, (even in summer) but I attributed that to the tires.
Keep us posted.
Cheers!

Messages Page 8 of 12

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