Hi Scotty,
I have a 2006 Subaru Tribeca that I bought with 189,000 miles on it, now has 194,000. I did hear you mention that the V6 engines eventually burned out the transmission. The transmission kicks hard 2 to 3 especially. Sometimes it is smooth, sometimes not, but it hasn’t failed me yet. My local independent Subaru mechanic hasn’t said anything about it and neither did the local dealership when I took it in for a recall and told them to check it. Do you think this thing will eventually fail, or is the Tribeca fine since I’ve heard they’re built very different from the other Subarus? Are there other things to keep an eye on with these things? Also, thanks for all the Toyota talk. We have a 2013 RAV4 and a 2003 Tundra and zero problems from them. 🙂
I can just about guarantee you the transmission is on the end of its lifespan. How are you? I just drive the thing though and if it did go out I'd get another Toyota if you wanted to replace it
Minor nit, the Subaru 6 cylinder engine is not a V6, it's a flat six like in a Corvair (but obviously water-cooled instead of air-cooled).
Those engines are known to be money pits as they age, difficult and expensive to work on. Subaru automatic transmissions are pretty weak, which probably has more to do with your immediate problem if the engine is running OK. As Scotty says the trans is probably on its last legs, though 17 years and 194K miles really is a pretty good run for one of those.
If the fluid is not in too bad shape you could try a transmission fluid and filter change (see the FAQ) to see if it improves. You might also try a band-aid like Lucas trans additive since you're basically in "nothing to lose" territory with that thing. You could take it to a transmission shop for diagnosis but it is likely repair cost would exceed the value of the vehicle unless it's something relatively minor like a hinky shift solenoid.
Thanks guys. Looks like I need to ditch it. The thing needs a new heat core and head gaskets. Yes, these things are expensive to work on. I did a fluid and filter change on it and it made no difference. Time to move on. Thanks again!