2012 Subaru Tribeca
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Base/Limited/Premier
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,257 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca is a SUV - offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,257 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Tribeca — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Tribeca →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Base/Limited/Premier | 189.8 in | 74.4 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 4,257 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribeca AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Tribeca (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Subaru Tribeca is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Subaru Tribeca buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribeca years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2013 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 3 |
| 2011 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 2 |
| 2010 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 10 | 2 |
| 2009 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 2 |
| 2008 Tribeca | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 10 |
| 2007 Tribeca | 18 | – | Not rated | 8 | 3 |
| 2006 Tribeca | 18 | – | Not rated | 8 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →