Is the 2014 Subaru Tribeca reliable?
The 2014 Tribeca is not widely regarded as the most reliable pick in the mid-size SUV segment. It can be a solid family trail wagon when well maintained, but used examples often carry higher maintenance costs and a mixed reliability track record compared with some rivals.
The Tribeca—the last model year of Subaru’s larger, seven-passenger SUV lineup—offered standard all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and strong safety features. However, reliability concerns have persisted across model years, and factors like maintenance history, prior ownership, and proper recall remedy completion strongly influence how dependable a particular 2014 Tribeca will feel in daily use. This article breaks down what reliability looks like for the 2014 model, what to watch for when buying used, and how owners and experts view its long-term value.
Reliability landscape for the 2014 Tribeca
Reliability assessments for the Tribeca tend to be mixed. Independent rating organizations and owner reports often highlight a combination of solid drivetrain capability and higher-than-average maintenance needs, especially as the vehicle ages. For 2014 specifically, the plant remained the EZ36 flat-six engine paired with Subaru’s AWD system, which many buyers value for stability and traction, but the model’s long-term history still tempts caution from a reliability perspective. As with most used cars, a thorough inspection and complete service history are key to determining how reliable a given example will be.
What independent ratings suggest
Automotive reviewers and reliability trackers have, over the years, placed the Tribeca in a mixed-light category. It tends to fare better for features, interior comfort, and AWD capability than for long-term reliability scores when compared with some of its crossover peers. Ratings can vary by year and by how well the vehicle was maintained. For a 2014 Tribeca, a careful pre-purchase check and a clear maintenance record are especially important to offset potential aging-related issues.
What owners report
Owner experiences across model years frequently reference higher maintenance costs relative to some rivals, plus occasional electrical glitches, sensor faults, and wear-related component failures as mileage climbs. Because the 2014 Tribeca sits near the end of the generation, many of these issues tend to surface in higher-mileage examples. A well-documented service history, recent major services, and verified recall completions are strong indicators of a more reliable used vehicle.
Common reliability concerns for the Tribeca (across model years)
The list below highlights issues that have appeared in Tribecas across different years. It’s not a guarantee for every vehicle, but it reflects what buyers and technicians have seen. Use it as a screening guide during inspections or while evaluating a used car's history.
- Engine oil consumption and gasket/seal leaks on some flat-six configurations; leaks around valve covers or seals can surface with age.
- Electrical and sensor glitches that can trigger warning lights or affect infotainment, climate control, or ABS/traction-control systems.
- Suspension wear, including worn bushings, ball joints, and struts, which can lead to noises or less precise handling as mileage increases.
- Braking system wear and occasional rotor or pad concerns; uneven wear can hint at alignment or suspension issues.
- Interior wear and feel—some owners report plastics, upholstery, and trim showing age earlier than expected for the class.
- Recalls and maintenance demands requiring timely recall repairs to maintain safety systems and overall reliability.
Overall, these items are not universal, but they represent the kinds of issues often discussed by Tribeca owners and mechanics. A vehicle with a solid maintenance history and up-to-date recalls typically performs better than a neglected example, even within the same model year.
What to check when buying a used 2014 Tribeca
To minimize reliability risk, approach a used 2014 Tribeca with a structured checklist that prioritizes documentation, mechanical condition, and history of service. The steps below help buyers separate well–maintained units from ones that may require significant investment.
- Review the complete service history. Look for regular oil changes, timing/timing-belt-related services (if applicable), transmission service, brake work, and suspension repairs. A well-documented maintenance log is a strong reliability signal.
- Verify all recalls have been addressed. Obtain the VIN and check with the NHTSA or Subaru’s recall database to confirm open recalls were completed and any service notices were performed.
- Inspect for engine seals, leaks, and overall cleanliness. Look for signs of oil or coolant leaks around valve covers, seals, and the front main seal. A compression test can help assess engine health if you suspect internal wear.
- Test drive with focus on mechanical feel. Check for smooth acceleration, correct transmission shifting, and consistent AWD engagement if applicable. Listen for unusual noises from the engine, transmission, or suspension during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
- Evaluate the suspension and steering. Inspect shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, tie rods, and ball joints for wear or play. Jarring rides or wandering at highway speeds can signal worn components.
- Assess electrical systems and safety features. Ensure the instrument cluster, infotainment, climate controls, airbags, and ABS function correctly. A diagnostic scan can reveal pending codes that aren’t yet lit on the dash.
Bottom line for buyers: a 2014 Tribeca with a clean maintenance history, verified recall completions, and a recent mechanical refresh is more likely to be dependable than one with spotty service records.
Maintenance costs and ownership considerations
Understanding typical maintenance costs can help set expectations for ownership. While exact figures vary by region, mileage, and prior care, Tribecas generally require attention in several key areas as they age. Here are the broad patterns buyers have reported.
- Regular maintenance items (oil changes, filter replacements, fluids) remain routine, with costs in line with mid-size SUVs.
- Brake components and tires may wear more quickly than in smaller crossovers, contributing to ongoing running costs.
- Suspension components such as struts and bushings can be more expensive to replace as the vehicle ages, especially if the model has higher mileage.
- Major system refreshes or repairs (engine seals, transmission service, or electrical repairs) can be a meaningful expense if the prior maintenance history is incomplete.
- Depreciation for used Tribecas tends to be sharper than some peers, so informed buyers can find good values in well-kept examples, typically at lower asking prices than newer rivals with similar capability.
Maintaining realistic expectations about costs and ensuring timely service are essential to keeping a 2014 Tribeca reliable over time.
Bottom line: is the 2014 Tribeca worth considering?
If you value standard all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and Subaru’s safety pedigree, the Tribeca can be a compelling option in the used market—provided you buy wisely. A well-documented service history, completed recalls, and a recent comprehensive inspection are crucial to unlocking reliability in a late-model Tribeca. However, be prepared for maintenance costs that can be higher than some competing mid-size SUVs, and recognize that reliability varies more from vehicle to vehicle than it does across the model year as a whole.
Where it fits compared with rivals, in short: the 2014 Tribeca is a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize AWD capability and space and who are comfortable with the potential for higher maintenance spend if the vehicle isn’t meticulously cared for. Alternatives in the same class—such as the Subaru Outback, Forester, or comparable midsize crossovers from Honda or Toyota—may offer stronger long-term reliability metrics or lower ownership costs, depending on the specific model year and condition.
Summary
In summary, the 2014 Subaru Tribeca provides notable advantages in AWD performance, interior space, and safety features, but its reliability story is mixed. Prospective buyers should pursue a rigorous pre-purchase inspection, verify complete recall remediation, and review the vehicle’s maintenance history to determine if a particular 2014 Tribeca can deliver dependable ownership. With careful vetting, it can be a capable used SUV; with gaps in service history, it may present ongoing reliability challenges.
Why did Subaru discontinue the Tribeca?
On October 18, 2013, Autoblog, Jalopnik, and Cars.com all confirmed that Subaru informed its dealers that production on the Tribeca would end in January 2014 due to slow sales. Subaru sold just under 77,000 Tribecas total in the United States, making it one of the worst-selling vehicles in the US in 2011 and 2012.
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