2003 Subaru Baja

Routine

Owners filed 38 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 10 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip3
306
Vehicle Speed Control2
000
Suspension2
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
101
Service Brakes2
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission2
000
Power Train2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling2
000

10 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V001000
Filed Jan 2, 2020258,813 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V003000
Filed Jan 2, 2020111,562 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V002000
Filed Jan 2, 2020127,547 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V359000
Filed May 25, 2016146,010 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V358000
Filed May 25, 2016302,127 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V361000
Filed May 25, 201662,940 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module15V323000
Filed May 28, 2015432,016 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags14V763000
Filed Dec 1, 20144,175 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission02V282000
Filed Oct 30, 2002172,564 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.

Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System02V240000
Filed Sep 13, 2002555 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.

Risk. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF THE PULLEY CENTER HOLE AND THE WATER PUMP DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS SPECIFIED IN THE DRAWING SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE WATER PUMP PULLEY DISLODGING FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT, WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE/SEIZURE DURING VEHICLE USAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 1, 2026KY

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 a known issue by them. This issue will cost me to fix the wiring, but I am unsure how much yet.

Suspension
Filed May 8, 2025VA

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 and potential for subframe failure." The recall numbers that I was able to locate online are O3V-153 and WWM-96. I have already reached out to the Customer Advocacy Department of Subaru of America and they are unable to help me because this particular VIN was not tied to this recall. I am unable to get this vehicle inspected because it does not pass due to this issue. This was a KNOWN issue for this year make and model vehicle in the states in which this vehicle has been titled over the last 20+ years. Because of the issue that was found during my state inspection combined with the fact that this vehicle has been titled in "salt-belt" states, I feel that it should been included in with this recall and as such, repaired by Subaru of America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 5, 2024CA

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 where I should start on modifications and upgrades. However, upon doing a multipoint inspection with the car on a lift he discovered that the undercoat sealant had been sprayed over duct tape to conceal rust holes in the running boards. Further, the undercoat had been sprayed after the frame had gotten significantly damaged by rust, not as a preventative measure as it’s intended to be used. The frame has severe rust damage as does the steering, suspension, and worst of all, the brakes. The backing plates for the brakes are almost entirely disintegrated. Additionally, my mechanic discovered that there was oil and coolant which had leaked from the engine, indicating that there was in fact a head gasket leak. So, this vehicle is in an unusably unsafe condition with a head gasket leak which makes it unreliable. The vehicle was purchased under false pretenses due to intentional misrepresentation by the salesman regarding the reliability and sa

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 5, 2022180,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that upon inspection the vehicle, the contact discovered severe corrosion to the rear subframe. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to a specialist. The contact was yet to receive a call back from the specialist. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that other model vehicles had experienced a similar failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was no recall for the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2022CA

Subaru water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined

Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 2021165,000 milesOR

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.

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2021110,000 milesPA

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

Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2019NC

TAKATA RECALL -- FAILURE TO COMPLY

Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2019NY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MID HUDSON SUBARU AT 845-296-1152 (LOCATED AT 1715 U.S. 9, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 15, 2018107,000 milesWI

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 (303) 438-7500 (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 MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 9, 2018112,500 milesCO

THE CAR ACCELARATED FOR NO REASON, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2018113,000 milesRI

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 16, 201879,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BUSAM SUBARU, 6195 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD RESEARCH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 15, 2017NC

TAKATA RECALL- I AM STILL WAITING TO RECIEVE THE INFORMATION TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED. THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN EVERYDAY~ WHEN WILL MY VEHICLE BE FIXED. THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 8, 2016WY

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 FUEL LINE UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITION. WHY WASN'T ALL SUBARU MODELS INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? IT SEEMS A LOT OF SUBARU OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MAKESUBARUOFAMERICAFIXTHEIRFUELLEAKS/ PLEASE FIX THIS SOON. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 2016CT

TAMARA RECALL. RECEIVED LETTER OF RECALL IN JULY, 2016. BOLDLY TOLD NOT TO ALLOW PASSENGERS IN FRONT SEAT WHILE SUBARU SAYS PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE? HAVE USED WEBSITE, NO UPDATE. CALLED AND WAITED AND WAITED, RECORDING REPEATEDLY SAYS GO TO WEBSITE. WEBSITE SAYS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT FOR MORE INFO. I THOUGHT SUBARU CARED ABOUT SAFETY?? THEY SHOULD TAKE ACTION HERE AND REPLACE AIRBAGS, OR AT LEAST UPDATE THEIR CUSTOMERS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2016GA

"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.

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 201569,500 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V399000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.

Power Train
Filed Apr 16, 2014182,837 milesAR

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

SuspensionFire
Filed Jan 26, 2012141,000 milesNY

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 MILEAGES WERE 141,000.

20 of 38 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2006241000Routine
2005371100Routine
2004181000Routine
2003 — this page381030Routine

Compare every Baja year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 2, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.