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Subaru Tribeca 2008

723 messages,  Last post on Dec 03, 2012 at 4:46 AM

You are in the Subaru B9 Tribeca Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru B9 Tribeca, Automotive News, SUV

Messages Page 71 of 73

#700 of 723 2008 Subaru Tribeca by sept2martin

Sep 22, 2009 (11:59 am)

I have over 27000 km on my Tribeca.
From the day I bought it new, to the present, I have had a hesitation in 5th gear when climbing a gentle grade of as in passing another vehicle. It feels like a misfire....but it only happens in 5th gear...so likely the transmission.
Subaru dealer and local rep have looked at the car and have not been able to find anything wrong. They have even changed the torque converter and reprogrammed the computer several times, but to no avail.
I was advised on this forum that it was likely that it was an overtightened torque converter. I provided Subaru with that information, but they showed no interest.
Any suggestions? This vehicle should really have a lemon law applied...

#701 of 723 Re: 2008 Subaru Tribeca [sept2martin] by ateixeira

Sep 22, 2009 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Sep 22, 2009 11:59 am)
My suggestion is simple - hit the gas!
 
Why would you want to climb a grade in overdrive? You're lugging the engine.
 
Floor it and get 4th or even 3rd gear for an uphill climb.

#702 of 723 2008 Subaru Tribeca by aleksvad

Oct 02, 2009 (5:19 pm)

Just got 08 Tribeca 2 weeks ago with 47000 on it and extended warranty. Not sure how the previous owner managed to put so many miles on it, but it still runs and smells like a new car. Like it very much. Gas millage is a minus, but from what I understand the previous model wasn't much better (loved older body style better). Very smooth and powerful. Who needs Lexus RX...

#703 of 723 Re: 2008 Subaru Tribeca [ateixeira] by sept2martin

Oct 02, 2009 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 22, 2009 1:53 pm)
The grade I am talking about is a very gradual one on the freeway....we are doing over 50 MPH. It is not a grade that one would normally have to gear down on with only one person in the car a freeway sp eeds.

#704 of 723 Re: 2008 Subaru Tribeca [aleksvad] by ateixeira

Oct 05, 2009 (9:12 am)

Replying to: aleksvad (Oct 02, 2009 5:19 pm)
Congrats.
 
martin: I'm sure overdrive was chosen for fuel economy, not power, and there's a lot of weight to pull in these.

#705 of 723 2008 Tribeca - Rear Hatch Rattle & More by birdylover

Nov 05, 2009 (8:22 pm)

So I have been doing a lot of research on the internet and reading everyone's experiences with the rattle in the rear hatch. My Tribeca was rattling so bad it was irritating me and I didn't want to drive the vehicle anymore. After reading everyone's blogs I was apprehensive to take mine in but I did and I am glad I did. My dealer found multiple problems and I wanted to share them with you in hopes that maybe it will help someone else. The mechanic adjusted the striker for the rear hatch and could still hear the rattle. Then he removed the lower rear panel on the right side of the vehicle and the rattle from that side went away. He then removed the lower main hatch panel and the rattle from the hatch went away. They ordered the parts and installed the new panels and at last, no more rattles. However, I started having another problem with my Tribeca. If I come to a complete stop and then go to a fast acceleration there was a high pitch whine noise from the engine area. The mechanic confirmed a rattle noise on acceleration around 3000 rpm. The problem: Exhaust Heat Shield is coming loose. Also found that the transmission cooling line clamp is starting to leak. I've already had the transmission wiring harness replaced and the mechanic told me that the transmission speed sensors can intermittently go open and cause irratic shift selinoid problems. I think I have a lemon here.

#706 of 723 Re: 2008 Tribeca - Rear Hatch Rattle & More [birdylover] by sept2martin

Nov 06, 2009 (12:13 am)

Replying to: birdylover (Nov 05, 2009 8:22 pm)
Interesting, and thank you for your entry.
I just got my Tribeca 2008 back today after taking it to another dealer for service as my original dealer seemed no longer interested in helping me with the transmission problem. The mechanic at this new dealership agreed with me that the vehicle missed in 5th gear when under power, and talked to Subaru. Subaru tolk him it needed a new torque converter, as the one that was installed last time has been found to be faulty.
Now after two new torque converters, the vehicle is still having the hesitation in 5th gear, when under a bit of power, such as passing or climbing a very gentle grade.
The problem is back with Subaru. Subaru told this "new" mechanic to check the engine over!!! Wonder if the wiring problem you describe could be the cause?
I have had this problem from day one!!!! and it has never been corrected! LEMON!!
The last mechanic I took it to said he did not know how I have put up with the problem so long!
I have a hatch rattle to , but the problem pales by comparison to my "hesitation" problem.
I would love to hear from others with similar problems.

#707 of 723 Re: 2008 Tribeca - Rear Hatch Rattle & More [sept2martin] by km888

Nov 07, 2009 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Nov 06, 2009 12:13 am)
I hear you. I am so frustrated with these issues and the dealership acts as though they've never heard these complaints from other Tribeca owners. There is something wrong with the car, period. It shouldn't slam when coming out of a stop. my clients decided to follow me in their car while looking at property because the jerking was so uncomfortable. I step on it to merge, and I think it kicks down, but doesn't catch. The RPM's jump to 6000, but the car doesn't respond. It feels the same as when a clutch goes bad on a manual transmission. There is a drag, like my brakes are on, I don't think it's shifting. I was getting 12 MPG. They can't seem to fix the problem, just improve the performance a little, but never for long.

#708 of 723 Transmission woes 2008 Tribeca. by sept2martin

Nov 25, 2009 (11:03 pm)

I have finally found a Subaru Mechanic who admits there is a problem with the Transmission... Torque converter changed again per Subaru Tech. suggestion.
No improvement, and the local tech was very upset. He wanted the car back and again contacted Subaru Tech. They suggested changing the plugs.....No change!!
Subaru Tech then suggested empty the gas tank and fill it with Premium......
I will find out tomorrow.
The Subaru Dealer in Nanaimo, BC has been great! Much more helpful and knowledgeable than the dealer in Langford.
I am, however, on the verge of trying to get Subaru to buy the vehicle back!

#709 of 723 Re: Transmission woes 2008 Tribeca. [sept2martin] by toboggan

Dec 01, 2009 (4:39 pm)

Replying to: sept2martin (Nov 25, 2009 11:03 pm)
Well, any resolution???

Messages Page 71 of 73

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