Positioning:
Subaru's first foray into the three-row mid-size SUV segment, aiming to compete with established players by leveraging Subaru's reputation for AWD and boxer engines.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Powertrain Philosophy:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard, Subaru's signature horizontally opposed (boxer) engine architecture.
Design Elements:
Distinctive, somewhat controversial 'jet-intake' grille design; spacious interior with available third-row seating.
Primary Focus:
Maintenance, Repair, Diagnostics, and Troubleshooting
Breadth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering all major systems and components
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for factory service manuals of this era, exact count not provided but implied extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel, emissions, ignition, timing), Transaxle (manual, automatic), Differential, Driveshaft
Chassis:
Suspension (front, rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS), Wheels, Tires
Body And Interior:
Body (structural, panels, doors, glass), Interior trim, Seats, Safety restraints (SRS)
Electrical And HVAC:
Electrical System (wiring diagrams, starting, charging, lighting, accessories), Heater and Air Conditioning, Automatic Climate Control
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, tune-ups
Major Repairs:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing
Special Procedures:
Valve timing procedures, chain/gear replacement, tensioner adjustments, clutch service, SRS system service
Depth:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and exploded diagrams for complete disassembly and reassembly
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)
Type:
None offered for 2006 model year in most markets.
AWD Integration:
Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, typically featuring a front mechanical differential and a rear electronically controlled differential or viscous coupling, depending on the specific AWD system variation.
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2006 model year (as per NHTSA data)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger Rear Seat) for 2006 model year (as per NHTSA data)
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available curtain airbags for front and second-row occupants.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with available premium audio system (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional factory-integrated navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Stability Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, Subaru's electronic stability and traction control system, is standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 miles or 6 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles or 12 months for normal driving conditions (check manual for exact specifications).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 24 months, utilizing Subaru's Super Coolant.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Often cited as 'lifetime' by manufacturers, but generally recommended to service every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for longevity, particularly for the 5EAT automatic.
Engine Oil Type:
0W-30 Synthetic (meeting API SN or newer specification is recommended, but check manual for exact 2006 spec)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid (verify with manual for exact 2006 requirement)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT-based coolant.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners reported higher than average oil consumption with the 3.0L H6 engine, particularly on higher mileage examples. Regular checks are advised.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, sometimes resolvable with fluid service or software updates.
Climate Control Actuator Failure:
Common issue across many Subaru models of this era, where HVAC blend door actuators can fail, leading to improper air temperature control.
Subaru Specialty:
Subaru is renowned for its horizontally opposed boxer engines and its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which have been core to its identity for decades.
Tribeca Origin:
The B9 Tribeca was Subaru's ambitious entry into the growing mid-size crossover SUV market, expanding its lineup beyond smaller cars and the Forester/Outback SUVs.
Production Plant:
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Production Years:
2005 (as 2006 model year) through 2014. The 2006 model year represents the initial launch.
