U.S. public vehicle records

Subaru BAJA fuel problems

11 complaint narratives mention fuel terms.

Key facts

117 owner complaints analyzed

15 distinct recall campaigns

72,226 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 to 2006 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 81 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Fuel system concerns evidence

11 of 117 complaints match this topic (9.4%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10933878 · 2016-12-08 (December 8, 2016)

EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2003 BAJA IN COLD WEATHER IT SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY. THE SELL COMES IN THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE CAB WITH FUMES. THE FUEL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE FUEL LINE CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. WE'VE SEEN SIMILAR ISSUES OF FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD CONDITIONS ON NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU MODELS INCLUDING THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS RESOLVES A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FU…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10295002 · 2009-12-08 (December 8, 2009)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU BAJA. WHEN THE TEMPERATURES GREW COLDER, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING. THE STRONG GAS SMELL WOULD PERSIST FOR AN HOUR OR O AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL ODOR WAS SO STRONG, THE CONSUMER HAS TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING RAW FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, SO MUCH THAT THE RAW GAS WAS POOLING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALER TIGHTENED THE FUEL LINES AND TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10663615 · 2014-12-11 (December 11, 2014)

FUEL LEAK SAME AS 2005-2006 RECALL. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10663615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10241077 · 2008-09-05 (September 5, 2008)

UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, THE SUBARU MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A FUEL LEAK. THE ELBOW FITTING ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED AND A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED. IN TALKING TO THE MECHANIC AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY INDICATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD INSTANCE OF THIS THEY HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCED IN THEIR DEALERSHIP. THEY ALL SPECIFICALLY INVOLVED THE SUBARU BAJA TURBO AND ALL THREE VEHICLES HAD APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 72,226 miles reported. Look up ODI 10241077 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10323520 · 2010-04-02 (April 2, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY, FUEL PUMP). HE TRIED ON FIVE TO SIX OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE REPAIR PERFORMED BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND ON BACKORDER. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. UPDATED 6/1/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. UPDATED 06/10/10.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10323520 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

117 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

69.2%Usable mileage81 / 117 records

99.1%Valid incident date116 / 117 records

100.0%Valid filing date117 / 117 records

99.1%Ordered incident and filing dates116 / 117 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2003	2004	2005	2006
Air Bags	513.2% ODI 10924383 "TAKATA RECALL" ON FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG - I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JULY STATING NOT TO LET ANYONE SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF MY VEHICLE UNTIL THERE IS A REPLACEMENT PART TO FIX THE ISSUE. IT IS NOW 4 MONTHS LATER AND STILL NO FIX. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE KIDS/FAMILY AND NEED EVERY SEAT I HAVE NOT TO MENTION I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR NOW. I'M HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE IS NO SENSE OF URGENCY IN GETTING THIS PROBLEM FIXED. I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FOLLOW UP AND DON'T EXPECT TO ANY TIME SOON. Look up ODI 10924383 at NHTSA ↗	211.1% ODI 10916214 TAKATA RECALL-HAVE BEEN WAITING 4 MONTHS-NO ONE CAN SIT IN PASSENGER SEAT. NO PARTS AVAILABLE? I THINK 4 MONTHS IS LONG ENOUGH. Look up ODI 10916214 at NHTSA ↗	718.9% ODI 10894817 RECEIVED A LETTER 8-1-16 PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STATING THAT PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE AND NOT TO LET ANYONEDRIVE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. MFG CAN NOT GIVE A DATE. WILL THIS HAVE NO END? THEY JUST NOTIFIED ME NOW AND NOTHING CAN BE RESOLVED? Look up ODI 10894817 at NHTSA ↗	312.5% ODI 10895491 TAKATA RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND LIVE IN A VERY HUMID REGION OF SOUTH EASTERN MAINE. HOW CAN IT BE ACCEPTABLE FOR SUBARU TO NOT HAVE TO SUPPLY ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FOR CUSTOMERS DURING THIS TIME WHEN IT IS KNOW A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IS VERY LIKELY TO OCCUR WITH THE SLIGHTEST AUTO ACCIDENT? PLEASE HELP ME FIND A MEANS TO EXPEDITE THIS REPAIR OR BE PROVIDED WITH ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION UNTIL THIS REPAIR CAN BE COMPLETED. THANK YOU Look up ODI 10895491 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	25.3% ODI 10933878 EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2003 BAJA IN COLD WEATHER IT SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY. THE SELL COMES IN THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE CAB WITH FUMES. THE FUEL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE FUEL LINE CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. WE'VE SEEN SIMILAR ISSUES OF FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD CONDITIONS ON NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU MODELS INCLUDING THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS RESOLVES A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FU… Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗	422.2% ODI 10654678 · 50,000 mi WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 40 DEGREES MY 2004 SUBARU BAJA TURBO BEGINS TO LEAK FUEL. IT IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE UNDER THE MANIFOLD. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG IN THE CABIN AND IN THE GARAGE WHEN PARKED. THE WINDOWS WILL FOG UP FROM THE FUMES BEING SUCKED WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVERY WINTER ALL WINTER FOR THE 4 YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. *TR Look up ODI 10654678 at NHTSA ↗	616.2% ODI 10680293 · 107,000 mi IT'S BEEN COLD IN MA LIKE PAST WINTERS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED SINCE OWNING MY BAJA FOR 10 YEARS NOW, WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. I NOTICED THAT WHEN I FIRST START UP MY CAR WITH THE HEAT VENTS OPEN TO WARM IT INSIDE, THE CAR FILLS WITH STRONG FUEL/GAS FUMES. I TOOK MY CAR TO BE SERVICED AT A SUBARU DEALER AND THEY CHECKED ALL THE FUEL LINES; TIGHTENED THEM, BUT COULD NOT FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. SO NOW I RECIRCULATE THE CABIN AIR AND DON'T DRAW IN FRESH AIR TO TRY TO KEEP THE FUMES OUT. IT STILL CONTINUES TO EMIT FUMES WHEN … Look up ODI 10680293 at NHTSA ↗	28.3% ODI 10669897 · 55,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BAJA TURBO, OBSIDIAN BLACK, 5 SPEED. IT HAS (60K) ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND LOVED IT FROM DAY ONE. HOWEVER, FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR THAT LOVE WAS LOST. THE CEL CAME ON AND I WENT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE CODE PULLED. IT SHOWED PO304. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #4. I ASKED THE GUY THERE WHAT THE CAUSE COULD BE. HE SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM A FUEL INJECTOR, TO THE COIL PACK OR A VALVE ISSUE. I LOOKED UP ON THIS FORUM AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE CASES THAT PULLED UP. I READ WHAT FIXES WORKED FOR SOME AND NOT FOR… Look up ODI 10669897 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	12.6% ODI 10933878 EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2003 BAJA IN COLD WEATHER IT SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY. THE SELL COMES IN THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE CAB WITH FUMES. THE FUEL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE FUEL LINE CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. WE'VE SEEN SIMILAR ISSUES OF FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD CONDITIONS ON NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU MODELS INCLUDING THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS RESOLVES A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FU… Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗	527.8% ODI 10288628 · 50,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 SUBARU BAJA AND FUEL VAPORS EMIT FROM THE ENGINE. VAPORS WILL FILL CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RISK OF FIRE AND INTOXICATING FUMES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS NOT AND WILL NOT MAKE A COMMITMENT ON A RECALL. 2005 AND 2006 BAJAS HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I CANNOT GET A FIX BECAUSE MINE IS A 2004. *TR Look up ODI 10288628 at NHTSA ↗	513.5% ODI 10241077 · 72,226 mi UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, THE SUBARU MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A FUEL LEAK. THE ELBOW FITTING ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED AND A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED. IN TALKING TO THE MECHANIC AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY INDICATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD INSTANCE OF THIS THEY HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCED IN THEIR DEALERSHIP. THEY ALL SPECIFICALLY INVOLVED THE SUBARU BAJA TURBO AND ALL THREE VEHICLES HAD APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10241077 at NHTSA ↗	14.2% ODI 10561366 · 70,000 mi FUEL LEAK/SMELL ON PASSENGER SIDE DURING COLD WEATHER. LEAKING OIL FROM ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *TR Look up ODI 10561366 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	25.3% ODI 11403554 · 110,000 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN USING OIL A LOT AND IT'S NOT LEAKING OUT AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL AND SMOKES Look up ODI 11403554 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	513.5% ODI 10640061 · 161,000 mi TIMING BELT AND ASSOCIATED PARTS WERE CHANGED BY LICENSED SUBARU MECHANIC. IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING WARMED UP, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND CRUISE LIGHT WAS FLASHING.DROVE CAR TO PAINT SHOP IN SAN DIEGO AND LEFT FOR FIVE DAYS FOR PAINTING. DROVE THE CAR UP TO LONG BEACH TO SHIP TO HAWAII. BAJA BURNED 3/4 TANK OF GAS AND DIED OFF AND ON.WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS.FILLED COSTCO GAS PREMIUM IN HAWAII AND DROVE HOME WITH CAR DYING OFF AND ONN WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS. IN THE MORNING, STARTED CAT TO WARM … Look up ODI 10640061 at NHTSA ↗	416.7% ODI 10669897 · 55,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BAJA TURBO, OBSIDIAN BLACK, 5 SPEED. IT HAS (60K) ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND LOVED IT FROM DAY ONE. HOWEVER, FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR THAT LOVE WAS LOST. THE CEL CAME ON AND I WENT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE CODE PULLED. IT SHOWED PO304. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #4. I ASKED THE GUY THERE WHAT THE CAUSE COULD BE. HE SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM A FUEL INJECTOR, TO THE COIL PACK OR A VALVE ISSUE. I LOOKED UP ON THIS FORUM AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE CASES THAT PULLED UP. I READ WHAT FIXES WORKED FOR SOME AND NOT FOR… Look up ODI 10669897 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	37.9% ODI 10445442 · 141,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT 2 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS RUBBING ONTO THE WHEEL WELL AND MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION RUSTED AWAY FROM THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE… Look up ODI 10445442 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	25.4% ODI 10670946 · 148,000 mi DURING THE AFTERNOON OF THE DECEMBER 21ST ICE STORM IN BOZEMAN MONTANA, MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA SLID OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. ALTHOUGH I ONLY SUSTAINED BUMPS AND BRUISES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN FATAL. THE WINDSHIELD WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED, THE CAR AXLES WERE BROKEN, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THREE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I WONDERED WHY THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 SUBARU AIRBAGS. SUPPOSEDLY A FAULTY RELEASE SWITCH AND POTENTIALLY A RE… Look up ODI 10670946 at NHTSA ↗	520.8% ODI 10151092 · 157 mi WE BOUGHT A 2006 BAJA IN EARLY OCTOBER FOR CASH. THIS CAR HAD 157 MILES WHEN WE LEFT THE BILL MCBRIDE DEALER SHIP IN PLATTSBURGH, NY. WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR PULLING TO THE RIGHT SINCE THE BEGINNING. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK 4 TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED. THEY HAVE DONE 3 ALIGNMENTS, ROTATED THE TIRES 2 TIMES AND REPLACED 1 TIRE. THIS VEHICLE STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. ON 3RD ALIGNMENT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PRODUCE A RECEIPT FOR THE ALIGNMENT AND STATED THE REASON WAS THERE WAS NO CHARGE FOR THE ALIGNMENT. ALL RECEIPTS STATE … Look up ODI 10151092 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	25.3% ODI 10067653 I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 SUBARU BAJA WITH JUST OVER 4,000 MILES. WHILE THE CAR IS AT IDLE, FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, IT STALLS OUT. THIS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN TWO-AND-A-HALF DAYS STARTING ON THURSDAY 4-15-04 AND THE LAST TIME ON 4-17-04. THE THREE PREVIOUS TIMES, I WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME, IT WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP, CLASSIC SUBARU-CADILLAC IN ATLANTA, GA. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT I WAS THE 8TH PERSON TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VE… Look up ODI 10067653 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10234353 · 41,647 mi ENGINE LAMP COMES ON.*TR Look up ODI 10234353 at NHTSA ↗	12.7% ODI 10217758 · 100,000 mi MY VEHICLE 2005 SUBARU BAJA AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS LEAKING SO BAD THAT I CAN'T KEEP FREON IN IT. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. I NOTICED ON THE ALL 2004 MODEL A FACTORY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BUT I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING FOR THE 2005 ON THE RECALL WEB SITE. I PURCHASED IN 2004 BUT VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS 2005. *TR Look up ODI 10217758 at NHTSA ↗	28.3% ODI 10253489 · 707 mi 2006 SUBARU BAJA TURBO WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING LUNGING FORWARD AND RANDOMLY SPUTTERING AND HESITATING.. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 707 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED. KB THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SOMTIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY COME ON AND STAY ON. JB Look up ODI 10253489 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	25.3% ODI 10583126 · 182,837 mi STARTING DEC 2004 PROBLEMS KEEPING ALIGNMENTS/TIRES (MILEAGE 28,176), ENDING IN MAY 2013 WITH COMPLETE REAR WHEEL CRADLE & DRIVE TRAIN REPLACEMENT (MILEAGE 182,837) AFTER THE DRIVE LINE DROPPED OUT ON TO A BRACE AT APPROX 35 MPH AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT DRIVE-FEEL OF VEHICLE. HAD JUST EXITED 70 MPH FREEWAY AND WAS ON A SECONDARY ROAD. WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE 'VOLUNTARY' RECALL BY SUBARU FOR THE REAR CRADLE ISSUED APR 2003, BEFORE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *TT Look up ODI 10583126 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.7% ODI 10782176 · 50,000 mi MY VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS/PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE VALVE LEAKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST PURCHASED INHERENT TO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BURNS ENGINE OIL AND TOO HOT.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR LONG DISTANCES I CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 MILES ON AUTO. Look up ODI 10782176 at NHTSA ↗	28.3% ODI 10253489 · 707 mi 2006 SUBARU BAJA TURBO WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING LUNGING FORWARD AND RANDOMLY SPUTTERING AND HESITATING.. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 707 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED. KB THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SOMTIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY COME ON AND STAY ON. JB Look up ODI 10253489 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	25.3% ODI 11113043 · 113,000 mi REAR BRAKE LINE HAS CORRODED AT THE 4 WAY CONNECTOR AND FAILED, SIMILAR TO OTHER MODELS AND YEARS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. VEHICLE IS REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN RHODE ISLAND Look up ODI 11113043 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	25.4% ODI 11196900 · 240,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE ALARM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES SUBARU [phone removed], LOCATED AT 4022 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000. Look up ODI 11196900 at NHTSA ↗	14.2% ODI 11491758 Brake fluid low (light on), added fluid. A week later the fluid is low again. Found recalls for this year Outback with similar potential problem. Upon inspection it appears that fluid is leaking at or near the coupler near the passenger rear wheel well. The BAJA is mechanically the same as the Outback. This model should be included on theses recalls. NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V110000 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 Look up ODI 11491758 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Fuel/Propulsion System	81,250–110,691 mi	103,666 mi	12	ODI 11151833 · 107,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE ODOR WAS ONLY NOTICED DURING COLD WEATHER. THE CONTACT CALLED MIKE SHAW SUBARU AT [phone removed] (LOCATED AT 1650 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILE… Look up ODI 11151833 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10654678 · 50,000 mi WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 40 DEGREES MY 2004 SUBARU BAJA TURBO BEGINS TO LEAK FUEL. IT IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE UNDER THE MANIFOLD. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG IN THE CABIN AND IN THE GARAGE WHEN PARKED. THE WINDOWS WILL FOG UP FROM THE FUMES BEING SUCKED WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVERY WINTER ALL WINTER FOR THE 4 YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. TR Look up ODI 10654678 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10659506 · 121,764 mi I NOTICED AN EXTREME SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE UP ON AN ESPECIALLY COLD MORNING (<10 DEGREES), AND I FOUND THE LEAK COMING FROM ONE OF THE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL LINE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE BAY. THE SMELL IS VERY, VERY EXTREME IN THE EARLY MORNINGS WHEN IT'S COLDEST, BAD ENOUGH THAT MY BOYFRIEND GETS NAUSEOUS FROM IT, BUT IT HASN'T GONE AWAY AT ALL DESPITE IT GETTING WARMER RECENTLY. TR Look up ODI 10659506 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	62,500–96,250 mi	73,613 mi	10	ODI 10288628 · 50,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 SUBARU BAJA AND FUEL VAPORS EMIT FROM THE ENGINE. VAPORS WILL FILL CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RISK OF FIRE AND INTOXICATING FUMES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS NOT AND WILL NOT MAKE A COMMITMENT ON A RECALL. 2005 AND 2006 BAJAS HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I CANNOT GET A FIX BECAUSE MINE IS A 2004. TR Look up ODI 10288628 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10385688 · 79,000 mi MY 2004 BAJA TURBO HAS THE GAS LEAK PROBLEM IN THE MANIFOLD AREA. HAVE REPLACED HOSES AND CLAMPS 3 TIMES ON THE TWO THAT ARE VISIBLE. GAS POOLS ON THE MANIFOLD FROM A SLOW LEAK, FUMES IN THE CABIN, MUST DRIVE WITH WINDOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS DURING COLDER TEMPS, PROBABLY 20 AND BELOW. FUMES UPON STARTUP AND LASTS ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN FIRST OCCURRED. NOW WHEN OCCURS FUMES DO NOT DIMINISH. HAVE CLEANED MANIFOLD WITH ENGINE CLEANER TO REMOVE RESIDUAL FUEL SMELL. DEALER HAD MENTIONED THAT SOMETHING WAS INCORRECT ABOUT FUEL LINES WHEN CAR WAS IN FOR UN… Look up ODI 10385688 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10447382 · 60,000 mi I HAVE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I AM ASSUMING ONE OR BOTH OF THESE FUEL LINES ARE CRACKED. THE FUEL LEAKS WHEN IT IS COLD AND STOPS LEAKING WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP. MY BAJA IS ALSO HARD TO START WHEN COLD. I'M THINKING THE FUEL LINES ARE SUCKING IN AIR WHERE CRACKED. TR Look up ODI 10447382 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	95,000–145,000 mi	110,000 mi	9	ODI 11403554 · 110,000 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN USING OIL A LOT AND IT'S NOT LEAKING OUT AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL AND SMOKES Look up ODI 11403554 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10640061 · 161,000 mi TIMING BELT AND ASSOCIATED PARTS WERE CHANGED BY LICENSED SUBARU MECHANIC. IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING WARMED UP, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND CRUISE LIGHT WAS FLASHING.DROVE CAR TO PAINT SHOP IN SAN DIEGO AND LEFT FOR FIVE DAYS FOR PAINTING. DROVE THE CAR UP TO LONG BEACH TO SHIP TO HAWAII. BAJA BURNED 3/4 TANK OF GAS AND DIED OFF AND ON.WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS.FILLED COSTCO GAS PREMIUM IN HAWAII AND DROVE HOME WITH CAR DYING OFF AND ONN WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS. IN THE MORNING, STARTED CAT TO WARM … Look up ODI 10640061 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10670946 · 148,000 mi DURING THE AFTERNOON OF THE DECEMBER 21ST ICE STORM IN BOZEMAN MONTANA, MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA SLID OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. ALTHOUGH I ONLY SUSTAINED BUMPS AND BRUISES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN FATAL. THE WINDSHIELD WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED, THE CAR AXLES WERE BROKEN, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THREE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I WONDERED WHY THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 SUBARU AIRBAGS. SUPPOSEDLY A FAULTY RELEASE SWITCH AND POTENTIALLY A RE… Look up ODI 10670946 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	59,798–142,750 mi	110,000 mi	8	ODI 10445442 · 141,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT 2 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS RUBBING ONTO THE WHEEL WELL AND MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION RUSTED AWAY FROM THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE… Look up ODI 10445442 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10670946 · 148,000 mi DURING THE AFTERNOON OF THE DECEMBER 21ST ICE STORM IN BOZEMAN MONTANA, MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA SLID OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. ALTHOUGH I ONLY SUSTAINED BUMPS AND BRUISES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN FATAL. THE WINDSHIELD WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED, THE CAR AXLES WERE BROKEN, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THREE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I WONDERED WHY THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 SUBARU AIRBAGS. SUPPOSEDLY A FAULTY RELEASE SWITCH AND POTENTIALLY A RE… Look up ODI 10670946 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10892762 · 85,000 mi I RECENTLY HAD ISSUES WITH THE SUSPENSION WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, SO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME AND UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING EARS HAVE ROTTED OUT. Look up ODI 10892762 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	11,000–70,000 mi	41,647 mi	5	ODI 10081171 · 11,000 mi VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT WHEN DRIVING. VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW, HESITATION WHEN TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR, REVERSE LIGHTS STOP WORKING.AK Look up ODI 10081171 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10234353 · 41,647 mi ENGINE LAMP COMES ON.TR Look up ODI 10234353 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10217758 · 100,000 mi MY VEHICLE 2005 SUBARU BAJA AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS LEAKING SO BAD THAT I CAN'T KEEP FREON IN IT. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. I NOTICED ON THE ALL 2004 MODEL A FACTORY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BUT I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING FOR THE 2005 ON THE RECALL WEB SITE. I PURCHASED IN 2004 BUT VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS 2005. *TR Look up ODI 10217758 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	50,000–165,000 mi	106,432 mi	5	ODI 10583126 · 182,837 mi STARTING DEC 2004 PROBLEMS KEEPING ALIGNMENTS/TIRES (MILEAGE 28,176), ENDING IN MAY 2013 WITH COMPLETE REAR WHEEL CRADLE & DRIVE TRAIN REPLACEMENT (MILEAGE 182,837) AFTER THE DRIVE LINE DROPPED OUT ON TO A BRACE AT APPROX 35 MPH AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT DRIVE-FEEL OF VEHICLE. HAD JUST EXITED 70 MPH FREEWAY AND WAS ON A SECONDARY ROAD. WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE 'VOLUNTARY' RECALL BY SUBARU FOR THE REAR CRADLE ISSUED APR 2003, BEFORE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *TT Look up ODI 10583126 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11431521 · 165,000 mi The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle would move forward inadvertently until the contact applied the parking brake. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with any recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V282000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Look up ODI 11431521 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10782176 · 50,000 mi MY VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS/PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE VALVE LEAKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST PURCHASED INHERENT TO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BURNS ENGINE OIL AND TOO HOT.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR LONG DISTANCES I CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 MILES ON AUTO. Look up ODI 10782176 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	121,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11113043 · 113,000 mi REAR BRAKE LINE HAS CORRODED AT THE 4 WAY CONNECTOR AND FAILED, SIMILAR TO OTHER MODELS AND YEARS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. VEHICLE IS REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN RHODE ISLAND Look up ODI 11113043 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11196900 · 240,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE ALARM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES SUBARU [phone removed], LOCATED AT 4022 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000. Look up ODI 11196900 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11325421 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK, CORROSION DEVELOPED AROUND THE BRAKE LINE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 11325421 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	1	None	ODI 11659809 Vehicle purchased in NC in April, 2025. Registered the vehicle in VA (where I live) a week later once I received the NC title. On [XXX], I took the vehicle to get it inspected. It failed the Virginia State Safety Inspection for the suspension - rust on the rear subframe near right rear wheel well. I found the following information online with regards to this issue: These recalls were issued for the 2003-2006 Subaru Baja , specifically those in the "salt-belt" states for "poor paint quality on the subframe components which led to rusting an… Look up ODI 11659809 at NHTSA ↗
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	1	None	ODI 11747690 My cars abs light came on and the speedometer, rpm gauge, and electrical system started failing while driving. I immediately pulled over. The car caught fire around the alternator. The fire was minor, as I found the damage after towing the car home. If it had been worse, I could’ve been injured and burned. When I went to fix the car, we found that the wires were taped together with electrical tape and the other end had a form of glue on it. After we bought the car, the dealership kept calling checking on the vehicle, making me believe it was … Look up ODI 11747690 at NHTSA ↗
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2005: 9 complaints · 2006: 10 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2005	4	7	9
2006	5	8	10

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2005	37	0	0
2006	24	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Fuel/Propulsion System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Engine	Suspension	Engine And Engine Cooling	Power Train	Service Brakes
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	—	1 ODI 10933878 EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2003 BAJA IN COLD WEATHER IT SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY. THE SELL COMES IN THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE CAB WITH FUMES. THE FUEL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE FUEL LINE CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. WE'VE SEEN SIMILAR ISSUES OF FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD CONDITIONS ON NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU MODELS INCLUDING THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS RESOLVES A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FU… Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10839990 · 130,000 mi STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE Look up ODI 10839990 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669897 · 55,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BAJA TURBO, OBSIDIAN BLACK, 5 SPEED. IT HAS (60K) ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND LOVED IT FROM DAY ONE. HOWEVER, FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR THAT LOVE WAS LOST. THE CEL CAME ON AND I WENT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE CODE PULLED. IT SHOWED PO304. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #4. I ASKED THE GUY THERE WHAT THE CAUSE COULD BE. HE SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM A FUEL INJECTOR, TO THE COIL PACK OR A VALVE ISSUE. I LOOKED UP ON THIS FORUM AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE CASES THAT PULLED UP. I READ WHAT FIXES WORKED FOR SOME AND NOT FOR… Look up ODI 10669897 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11054684 · 106,432 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING WAS HOOKED ONTO THE UNIVERSAL SHAFT, AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED RILEY SUBARU AT [phone re… Look up ODI 11054684 at NHTSA ↗	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	1 ODI 10933878 EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2003 BAJA IN COLD WEATHER IT SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY. THE SELL COMES IN THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE CAB WITH FUMES. THE FUEL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE FUEL LINE CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. WE'VE SEEN SIMILAR ISSUES OF FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD CONDITIONS ON NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU MODELS INCLUDING THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS RESOLVES A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FU… Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 10561366 · 70,000 mi FUEL LEAK/SMELL ON PASSENGER SIDE DURING COLD WEATHER. LEAKING OIL FROM ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *TR Look up ODI 10561366 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	0	2 ODI 10839990 · 130,000 mi STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE Look up ODI 10839990 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669897 · 55,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BAJA TURBO, OBSIDIAN BLACK, 5 SPEED. IT HAS (60K) ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND LOVED IT FROM DAY ONE. HOWEVER, FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR THAT LOVE WAS LOST. THE CEL CAME ON AND I WENT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE CODE PULLED. IT SHOWED PO304. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #4. I ASKED THE GUY THERE WHAT THE CAUSE COULD BE. HE SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM A FUEL INJECTOR, TO THE COIL PACK OR A VALVE ISSUE. I LOOKED UP ON THIS FORUM AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE CASES THAT PULLED UP. I READ WHAT FIXES WORKED FOR SOME AND NOT FOR… Look up ODI 10669897 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 10670946 · 148,000 mi DURING THE AFTERNOON OF THE DECEMBER 21ST ICE STORM IN BOZEMAN MONTANA, MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA SLID OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. ALTHOUGH I ONLY SUSTAINED BUMPS AND BRUISES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN FATAL. THE WINDSHIELD WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED, THE CAR AXLES WERE BROKEN, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THREE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I WONDERED WHY THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 SUBARU AIRBAGS. SUPPOSEDLY A FAULTY RELEASE SWITCH AND POTENTIALLY A RE… Look up ODI 10670946 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10782176 · 50,000 mi MY VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS/PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE VALVE LEAKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST PURCHASED INHERENT TO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BURNS ENGINE OIL AND TOO HOT.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR LONG DISTANCES I CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 MILES ON AUTO. Look up ODI 10782176 at NHTSA ↗	0
Suspension	0	0	0	1 ODI 10670946 · 148,000 mi DURING THE AFTERNOON OF THE DECEMBER 21ST ICE STORM IN BOZEMAN MONTANA, MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA SLID OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. ALTHOUGH I ONLY SUSTAINED BUMPS AND BRUISES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN FATAL. THE WINDSHIELD WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED, THE CAR AXLES WERE BROKEN, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THREE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I WONDERED WHY THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 SUBARU AIRBAGS. SUPPOSEDLY A FAULTY RELEASE SWITCH AND POTENTIALLY A RE… Look up ODI 10670946 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 11592745 At the beginning of April, I purchased a 2003 Subaru Baja from Roseville Auto Center for $10,500 and was reassured by the salesman that it passed a safety inspection and that there were no leaks in the head gasket. I did my own inspection under the hood and underneath the vehicle. I found there to be undercoat sealant which made sense as the vehicle was from Pennsylvania. I asked about the rust condition of the car to which I was once again reassured that it was okay. I took the car home and the following week I took it to my mechanic to see wh… Look up ODI 11592745 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	1 ODI 10561366 · 70,000 mi FUEL LEAK/SMELL ON PASSENGER SIDE DURING COLD WEATHER. LEAKING OIL FROM ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *TR Look up ODI 10561366 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10253489 · 707 mi 2006 SUBARU BAJA TURBO WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING LUNGING FORWARD AND RANDOMLY SPUTTERING AND HESITATING.. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 707 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED. KB THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SOMTIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY COME ON AND STAY ON. JB Look up ODI 10253489 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train	0	1 ODI 11054684 · 106,432 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING WAS HOOKED ONTO THE UNIVERSAL SHAFT, AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED RILEY SUBARU AT [phone re… Look up ODI 11054684 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10782176 · 50,000 mi MY VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS/PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE VALVE LEAKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST PURCHASED INHERENT TO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BURNS ENGINE OIL AND TOO HOT.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR LONG DISTANCES I CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 MILES ON AUTO. Look up ODI 10782176 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10253489 · 707 mi 2006 SUBARU BAJA TURBO WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING LUNGING FORWARD AND RANDOMLY SPUTTERING AND HESITATING.. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 707 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED. KB THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SOMTIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY COME ON AND STAY ON. JB Look up ODI 10253489 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Service Brakes	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11592745 At the beginning of April, I purchased a 2003 Subaru Baja from Roseville Auto Center for $10,500 and was reassured by the salesman that it passed a safety inspection and that there were no leaks in the head gasket. I did my own inspection under the hood and underneath the vehicle. I found there to be undercoat sealant which made sense as the vehicle was from Pennsylvania. I asked about the rust condition of the car to which I was once again reassured that it was okay. I took the car home and the following week I took it to my mechanic to see wh… Look up ODI 11592745 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

7 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

12 mentions · 10.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 98,000 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10933878

Look up ODI 10933878 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10385688 · 79,000 mi

MY 2004 BAJA TURBO HAS THE GAS LEAK PROBLEM IN THE MANIFOLD AREA. HAVE REPLACED HOSES AND CLAMPS 3 TIMES ON THE TWO THAT ARE VISIBLE. GAS POOLS ON THE MANIFOLD FROM A SLOW LEAK, FUMES IN THE CABIN, MUST DRIVE WITH WINDOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS DURING COLDER TEMPS, PROBABLY 20 AND BELOW. FUMES UPON STARTUP AND LASTS ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN FIRST OCCURRED. NOW WHEN OCCURS FUMES DO NOT DIMINISH. HAVE CLEANED MANIFOLD WITH ENGINE CLEANER TO REMOVE RESIDUAL FUEL SMELL. DEALER HAD MENTIONED THAT SOMETHING WAS INCORRECT ABOUT FUEL LINES WHEN CAR WAS IN FOR UN…

Look up ODI 10385688 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 5.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 13,918 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10043567 · 6,802 mi

TOTAL ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT LESS THAN 20 MPH ON DRY SURFACE. FIRST ATTEMPT TO BRAKE MET WITH UNDUE BRAKE PEDAL RESISTANCE WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. SECOND ATTEMPT MET WITH UNRESTRICTED PEDAL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED ON IMPACT. THE DRIVER AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED. *LA

Look up ODI 10043567 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10063628 · 8,135 mi

MY SUBARU BAJA HAS AN INTERMITTENT BRAKING PROBLEM. WHEN TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 10 - 20 MILES PER HOUR IT WILL NOT STOP BUT JUST SLOW DOWN EVEN THOUGH PRESSING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I CAN. THE BRAKES DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. TWO DAYS AGO I ALMOST HIT A CAR WHEN DOING ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. IT TOOK THE CAR ABOUT 20 FEET TO STOP APPLYING AS MUCH PRESSURE AS I COULD TO THE BRAKES. IT REPEATED THIS PROBLEM IN A SAFE AREA OF THE PARKING LOT 4 MORE TIMES BEFORE WORKING PROPERLY. THE PAVEMENT WAS …

Look up ODI 10063628 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10071145 · 6,790 mi

Look up ODI 10071145 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 145,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 11041437 · 158,200 mi

THE THROTTLE PEDAL LOOSES SIGNAL TO THROTTLE BODY CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY THROTTLE INPUT. A CHECK ENGINE CODE P2138 ALSO OCCURS AS THE THROTTLE LOOSES CONNECTION. THE PROBLEM IS MOST EVIDENT IN WINTER MONTHS WITH HIGHER HUMIDITY AND HIGH TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION. EACH TIME THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED THE CAR HAS BEEN MOVING BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS RESULTING IN BEING FORCED TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. THIS ISSUE IS DANGEROUS TO NOT ONLY PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE BUT HOSE AROUND IT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES ALL POWER.

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ODI 10640061 · 161,000 mi

TIMING BELT AND ASSOCIATED PARTS WERE CHANGED BY LICENSED SUBARU MECHANIC. IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING WARMED UP, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND CRUISE LIGHT WAS FLASHING.DROVE CAR TO PAINT SHOP IN SAN DIEGO AND LEFT FOR FIVE DAYS FOR PAINTING. DROVE THE CAR UP TO LONG BEACH TO SHIP TO HAWAII. BAJA BURNED 3/4 TANK OF GAS AND DIED OFF AND ON.WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS.FILLED COSTCO GAS PREMIUM IN HAWAII AND DROVE HOME WITH CAR DYING OFF AND ONN WITH STRONG SMELL OF GAS. IN THE MORNING, STARTED CAT TO WARM …

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ODI 10782176 · 50,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS/PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE VALVE LEAKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST PURCHASED INHERENT TO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BURNS ENGINE OIL AND TOO HOT.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR LONG DISTANCES I CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 MILES ON AUTO.

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Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 2,575 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10042505 · 2,575 mi

WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER/REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND REPLACED THE ECU, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE.*JB *NM

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ODI 10067653

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 SUBARU BAJA WITH JUST OVER 4,000 MILES. WHILE THE CAR IS AT IDLE, FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, IT STALLS OUT. THIS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN TWO-AND-A-HALF DAYS STARTING ON THURSDAY 4-15-04 AND THE LAST TIME ON 4-17-04. THE THREE PREVIOUS TIMES, I WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME, IT WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP, CLASSIC SUBARU-CADILLAC IN ATLANTA, GA. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT I WAS THE 8TH PERSON TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VE…

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Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10067653

Look up ODI 10067653 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10326281 · 88,500 mi

STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT, WITH LOUD BANGING/POPPING NOISES WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL...WORSENED AS VEHICLE WARMED UP...WOULD FEEL AS THOUGH STEERING WHEEL WAS BEING JERKED OUT OF MY HANDS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING VISCOUS CLUTCH IN CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (AT TRANSMISSION)...WAS TOLD THAT MANY SIMILAR CASES ARE APPEARING ON THESE VEHICLES...DO NOT KNOW WHETHER OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR

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Matching rule

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 110,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11403554 · 110,000 mi

THE CAR HAS BEEN USING OIL A LOT AND IT'S NOT LEAKING OUT AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL AND SMOKES

Look up ODI 11403554 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b