Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Subaru BAJA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

18 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

79,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel System, Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 18 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior211.1%
Fuel system concerns211.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel System, Gasoline
5
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
Air Bags
2
Electrical System
1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Air Bags2
Electrical System1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap1

Fuel System, Gasoline: 5; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
2
2008
2
2009
2
2011
1
2012
1
2014
4
2015
1
2016
2
2017
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20042
20082
20092
20111
20121
20144
20151
20162
20173

2004: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 4; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 3

Pattern summary

Fuel System, Gasoline leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10059371 · 2004-02-19 (February 19, 2004)

WHEN THE DRIVER PULLED ON THE SEAT BELT LOCATED IN THE REAR THE HEADLINER CAVED IN. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10059371 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095186 · 2004-08-24 (August 24, 2004)

URGENT REQUEST FOR AUTOMOBILE RECALL, TAIL LIGHT PROBLEM. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE SUBARU BAJA'S BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO THE SOLAR REFLECTIONS IN THE LIGHT COVERINGS. MANUFACTURES HAVE INCORPORATTED A HIGHLY RELECTIVE DESIGN ALONG WITH A SMALL BRAKE LIGHT AREA. *TC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095186 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10234353 · 2008-07-15 (July 15, 2008)

ENGINE LAMP COMES ON.*TR

Owner-reported narrative. 41,647 miles reported. Look up ODI 10234353 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10251241 · 2008-12-09 (December 9, 2008)

OUR 2004 SUBARU BAJA HAD THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS AND COULD NEVER BE FIXED. WE ARE STUCK 3100 MILES FROM HOME NOW FOR THREE MONTHS BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE WHOLE DRIVELINE AND ALL DAMAGED COMPONENTS AS THIS WAS AND HAD BEEN NEVER NOTED. THEY ADMITTED THESE WERE DEFECTIVE AND THEY CAREFULLY HID THE FACTS BY TAKING ALL DEFECTIVE DRIVELINES TRASHING THEM AND NOW SELLING THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION AT A 650 PRICETAG, PLUS THE THOUSANDS IN DAMAGE IT DID TO OTHER PARTS. HOW CAN THESE PEOPLE GET AWAY WITH THIS SINCE IF THAT DRIVELINE BREAKS IN TR…

Owner-reported narrative. 31,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10251241 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10288628 · 2009-10-16 (October 16, 2009)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10288628 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 10385688 · 2011-02-19 (February 19, 2011)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 79,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10385688 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10447382 · 2012-02-10 (February 10, 2012)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10447382 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V473000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2004-10-01 (October 1, 2004)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.

Consequence: IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE OIL-FLOW CONTROL VALVE COVER BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V763000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2014-12-01 (December 1, 2014)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V323000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V358000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-05-25 (May 25, 2016)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V359000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-05-25 (May 25, 2016)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V361000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-05-25 (May 25, 2016)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V001000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-02 (January 2, 2020)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V002000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-02 (January 2, 2020)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V003000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-02 (January 2, 2020)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

18 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

72.2%Usable mileage13 / 18 records
94.4%Valid incident date17 / 18 records
100.0%Valid filing date18 / 18 records
94.4%Ordered incident and filing dates17 / 18 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2003200420052006
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…

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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 …

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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…

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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.

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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

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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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range69,500 mi4 (sparse)
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…

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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

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Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range90,500 mi4 (sparse)
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

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ODI 10690709 · 90,000 mi

STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN WHEN STARTED IN VERY COLD WEATHER AND PERSISTING EVEN ONCE CAR HAS WARMED UP. SO SEVERE AS TO CAUSE NAUSEA AND FOGGING OF INTERIOR WINDOWS. HAD TO DRIVE IN VERY COLD WEATHER WITH WINDOWS DOWN TO VENT FUMES. DIAGNOSED BY DEALER AS LEAKING FUEL LINES AROUND INTAKE MANIFOLD (EXACTLY LIKE RECALL FOR 05 AND 06 MODEL YEARS). $1200 REPAIR ESTIMATE. *JS

Look up ODI 10690709 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range158,200 mi1 (sparse)
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.

Look up ODI 11041437 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range41,647 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10234353 · 41,647 mi

ENGINE LAMP COMES ON.*TR

Look up ODI 10234353 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsToo few reports for a range98,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And CapToo few reports for a range98,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 210 reports

2005: 9 complaints · 2006: 10 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005479
20065810
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20053700
20062400

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
ComponentFuel System, GasolineFuel/Propulsion SystemAir BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (Esc)Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsFuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
Fuel System, Gasoline—0000000
Fuel/Propulsion System0—000000
Air Bags00—00000
Electrical System000—0000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling00000—00
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings000000—
1
ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap000000
1
ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗

—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

6 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,500 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10295002 · 98,000 mi

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…

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 ↗

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 ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 158,200 mi (1 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.

Look up ODI 11041437 at NHTSA ↗

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