When was the last Subaru Tribeca made?

The last Subaru Tribeca was produced in 2014, ending its run after the 2014 model year. Final units were built at Subaru’s Indiana plant, marking the end of Subaru’s mid-size crossover line for that era.

A brief history of the Tribeca

The Tribeca, Subaru’s first mid-size SUV, arrived in the market as a larger, family-oriented crossover designed to seat up to seven people and to pair Subaru’s all-wheel-drive capability with a roomy interior. It carried the brand’s rugged, utility-focused messaging into a segment dominated by other family crossovers. The model was sold globally from the 2006 model year through 2014, but faced slow sales in several markets, leading to its eventual discontinuation.

Production timeline

The following milestones outline the Tribeca’s production run from concept to its end.

• 2004: Subaru unveils the B9 Tribeca concept, signalling the brand’s intended direction for a larger crossover.


• 2005–2006 model year: Production begins for the Tribeca at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, launching as the 2006 model year in many markets.


• 2014: Subaru ends production of the Tribeca after the 2014 model year, with the last units built that year.

These milestones summarize the Tribeca’s lifecycle from concept to discontinuation.

Why it was discontinued and what followed

Subaru cited a combination of slow sales, competition within the growing crossover market, and a strategic lineup simplification as reasons for ending the Tribeca. The model struggled to match the sales of Subaru’s core crossovers, and the brand redirected resources toward newer platforms and models. In the years that followed, Subaru leaned into its refreshed crossover lineup and later introduced larger three-row offerings to fill the family-vehicle niche left by the Tribeca.

Market and product strategy

Industry observers note that the Tribeca’s niche appeal and evolving consumer preferences contributed to its discontinuation. By focusing on efficient, up-to-date crossovers like the Crosstrek and later the Ascent, Subaru aimed to better align with demand and streamline production.

What came after

In the wake of the Tribeca’s exit, Subaru intensified investments in its core crossover lineup and introduced new models to serve similar family-hauler roles. The brand’s focus shifted toward compact and midsize crossovers with improved efficiency, interior quality, and feature sets, culminating in later models such as the Crosstrek, Outback, Forester updates, and the three-row Ascent for larger families.

Summary

Overall, the Subaru Tribeca’s production concluded in 2014, with the last vehicles built that year at Subaru’s Indiana plant. Since then, Subaru has redirected its product strategy toward newer crossovers and three-row models to meet evolving market demand.

Is the Subaru Tribeca a reliable car?

The Subaru Tribeca's reliability is mixed, with average to below-average scores and a number of known issues, particularly concerning engine overheating, head gasket failures, and certain electrical problems. While its all-wheel-drive and comfortable ride are praised, its poor fuel economy and high ownership costs are frequent criticisms. 
Reliability ratings and cost

• Mixed reliability scores: Reliability scores range from average to slightly below-average, placing it 18th out of 26 midsize SUVs, according to RepairPal. 
• Average ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is about $563, which is considered average for its class, says RepairPal. 
• High maintenance costs: Some owners report high maintenance costs and expensive parts, especially after the warranty expires, notes Kelley Blue Book. 

Common issues

• Engine overheating: Both the 3.0L and 3.6L boxer engines are prone to overheating, which can lead to head gasket failure. 
• Head gasket failure: The right head gasket can fail due to overheating, and repair is often expensive. 
• Electrical issues: Problems like non-functioning keyless entry and radios have been reported. 
• Timing chain/tensioner: The timing chain tensioner may need replacement around 125,000-185,000 miles. 

This video explains some of the common problems found in Subaru Tribeca models: 1mSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Other considerations

• Fuel economy: The vehicle is known for subpar fuel economy.
• Cargo space: The cargo capacity is considered limited by some reviewers, according to Edmunds.
• All-wheel drive: The standard all-wheel-drive system is a strong point, providing excellent performance in various weather conditions. 

Why did Subaru discontinue the Tribeca?

The Subaru Tribeca was discontinued primarily due to low sales and criticism of its design. Its sales fell significantly after 2007, reaching only 732 units in 2014, its final year. Additional factors included a cramped third row, mediocre fuel economy, and high maintenance costs, which the eventual replacement, the Subaru Ascent, was designed to address.
 
This video discusses the rumors of the Subaru Tribeca making a comeback: 53sUNCLE CARSYouTube · Oct 29, 2024
Key reasons for discontinuation

• Poor sales: Sales plummeted from a high of over 18,000 in 2007 to fewer than 1,000 by 2012, making it an unprofitable model. 
• Criticized styling: The initial "B9" model had a polarizing and controversial design that didn't resonate with consumers, and despite a refresh, it never achieved strong sales. 
• Design flaws: Critics and consumers pointed out that the third-row seating was small and cramped, and the vehicle had less cargo space than competitors. 
• Fuel economy: The Tribeca's 3.6-liter engine was not fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 18 combined mpg, which lagged behind competitors. 
• High maintenance costs: The Tribeca was reported to be costly to maintain, with average annual repair and maintenance costs higher than its competitors. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the rumored comeback of the Subaru Tribeca: 54sPoloToYouTube · Nov 11, 2024

What is the lifespan of a Subaru Tribeca?

A Subaru Tribeca can last around 136,889 miles on average, but many owners report getting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Extending its lifespan requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes, and addressing issues like head gasket leaks and timing chain (for non-H6 models) replacements promptly. 
Factors influencing longevity

• Maintenance: Consistent and regular maintenance is the most critical factor. This includes routine oil changes with full synthetic oil and OEM filters, and ensuring all fluids are flushed as recommended. 
• Engine and drivetrain: Subaru engines are known for their durability. Many owners report their Tribecas, especially those with the 3.6L H6 engine and its timing chain, are still running strong past 200,000 miles, with some even reaching over 300,000 miles. 
• Timing belt: If your model has a timing belt (non-H6 engines), it's crucial to inspect it around 100,000 miles for wear or cracks and replace it to prevent major engine damage. 
• Common issues to watch for:
  • Head gasket leaks (though less common on the H6). 
  • Oil consumption can increase with higher mileage. 
  • Suspension and brake components will need to be monitored and replaced as they wear. 

Tips for maximizing lifespan

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to the service intervals recommended by Subaru, especially for fluid changes.
• Use quality parts: When repairs are needed, use quality parts and address issues promptly.
• Listen to your car: Pay attention to warning signs like coolant loss or overheating, which could indicate a head gasket leak. 

What car replaced the Subaru Tribeca?

It was also treated to a larger engine, with the Tribeca remaining on sale until it was eventually replaced by the Ascent in 2014.