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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

#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!

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

Dec 13, 2009 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Dec 13, 2009 3:50 pm)
Thanks for the fast reply. Should I continue the battle or demand a return/replace with say a 2010 Outback? We're moving from FL back to BC/Canada in Feb and wanted an AWD vehicle. So far not a good situation. Thoughts?

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

Dec 13, 2009 (6:41 pm)

Replying to: barefootrunner (Dec 13, 2009 4:08 pm)
My 2008 Tribeca is basically a good car. Lots of room, reasonably comfortable, and safe.
Had I my choice back, with all I have experienced, I would have selected another make for about the same money. I cannot comment on the new Outback, except that I beieive it likely has the same engine and transmission as the Tribeca. I do not know what its towing capacity is either if that is something you might intend to use it for. IF they can correct the problem for you, and I mean TRULY CORRECT it!! then I guess it would be a good car for you. (We have 30,000 km on ours, and although this problem has always been there, the car has otherwise been fault free!)
Interesting, we moved from Florida to BC, Canada, where we reside now on Vancouver Is.
Let me know how you make out......I guess if you have any doubts, getting them to take it back would be the safest way out.

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

Dec 22, 2009 (7:45 am)

Replying to: sept2martin (Dec 13, 2009 6:41 pm)
Shudder seems to be gone! Here's an update. The morning that I dropped off my 2009 Tribeca to the dealer, we spent 20 minutes driving and duplicated the 'shudder' that occurred at 45mph and ~2K rpm at least 4 times. As suspected, the torque converter was slipping. Service tech confirmed ~100hp loss at gear change. Tech also mentioned that he has seen this before, turns out transmission fluids are 'contaminated' from the factory. They performed an entire tranny flush and another re-learn. With nearly a fully week and 100+ miles my Tribeca runs and shifts very smoothly. Hopefully it will stay this way. Happy Holidays everyone! David.

Messages Page 8 of 12

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