2005 Subaru Baja

Routine

Owners filed 37 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 11 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 95,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Fuel System, Gasoline5
000
Engine4
000
Structure › Body2
101
Structure2
000
Service Brakes2
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Suspension › Rear1
000
Steering › Linkages1
000

11 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 Module17V026000
Filed Jan 11, 201769,529 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules 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 front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V014000
Filed Jan 10, 201753,480 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are 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 front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V016000
Filed Jan 10, 201762,764 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, 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 front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.

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 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump13E065000
Filed Nov 29, 2013397 vehiclesAirtex Products, Lp

Defect. Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure
Filed Dec 8, 2023174,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact walked around the vehicle, and while inspecting the exterior of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was leaned in toward the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear subframe was fractured and missing parts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 20, 2022CA

2005 SUBARU BAJA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICES RECEIVED WERE FRAUDULENT.

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2020121,000 milesMA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 17, 2019240,000 milesSC

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 (706-760-4102, 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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 9, 2019100,900 milesPA

THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL. WHEN TANK IS FULL THE PRESENCE OF THE FUMES ARE OVERWHELMING. OTHER 2005 BAJA'S HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I CAN'T PARK IN A GARAGE DUE TO LIFE THREATENING REASONS AND IT COULD IGNITE RIGHT NOW. PLEASE HELP ME.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2017MI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V016000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 27, 2017230,000 milesTN

FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE REFUSED TO DO CHECK FOR CAUSE, THOUGH THEY WERE PAID TO.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2016OH

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 12, 2016NY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2016FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 27, 2016VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2016FL

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?

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 3, 201685,000 milesNJ

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 16, 2016100 milesCA

IT IS A COMMONLY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARUS OF THIS ERA THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE RUBBER FUEL LINES UNDERNEATH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WILL BEGIN TO LOSE THEIR ELASTICITY AS THEY AGE AND LEAK PROFUSELY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MECHANICS KNOW THIS AND IT IS DISCUSSED EXTENSIVELY ON THE SUBARU FORUMS. THIS HAPPENED TO MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA WHEN I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, FUEL WOULD BEGIN PUDDLING ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE DUE TO THE FUEL VAPORS PRODUCED. AS THE ENGINE WARMED THE RUBBER WOULD SWELL AND STOP THE LEAK AFTER A GOOD 30 MINUTES OR LONGER DEPENDING ON THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. I HAD TO TRAVEL WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AT THE READY AND COULD NOT KEEP ANY VENTS OPEN IN THE CABIN. IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD NOT BE REMEDIED UNTIL I WAS BACK FROM MY TRIP. SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO FOR A SMALL PART NEAR THE FUEL PUMP AND TANK BECAUSE IT HAD THE POTENTIAL TO LEAK, BUT THEY HAVEN'T ADDRESSED THIS FAR MORE PERVASIVE ISSUE AT ALL. THE REMEDY REQUIRES A DIFFICULT AND COSTLY REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL THE RUBBER LINES THAT RUN BETWEEN THE HARD PIPES ON THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL CIRCUIT. I SUSPECT THIS IS WHY THEY ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL. IT IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 7, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2016130,000 milesCA

STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE

Engine
Filed Oct 14, 201550,000 milesCA

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.

Engine
Filed May 20, 201595,000 milesCA

MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING, SO I HAD MY NEPHEW (A MECHANIC) REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT - TWICE. MY NEXT STEP WAS TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER, AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT OVER. THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP, AND HAD DROPLETS AROUND MY HEAD GASKET, BUT IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT (THAT WAS AT 98,000 MILES). I EXPLAINED THAT I WAS TAKING MY 91 YEAR OLD MOM, AND 17 YEAR OLD DOG TO L.A. FROM SACRAMENTO, AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS SAFE. THEY SENT ME ON MY WAY WITH THE ASSURANCE THE CAR WOULD BE FINE. I OVERHEATED GOING OVER THE GRAPEVINE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I'VE HAD THE WATER PUMP, RADIATOR, TIMING BELT REPLACED, AND IT'S STILL OVERHEATING. IN THE LAST MONTH OR SO, IT STARTED LEAKING SO I LOOKED UP ONLINE ANY COMPLAINTS AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REGARDING HEAD-GASKETS, AND THAT SUBARU HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES OR 8 YEARS. TOO BAD FOR ME, HUH? WHEN I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE DEALER (AT 104,000 MILES) THEY TOLD ME THE EXTENSION DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. NOT ONLY DO I RESENT THE FACT THAT I FEEL RIPPED OFF, I RESENT THEM SENDING ME OUT THE DOOR WHEN IT WASN'T SAFE TO BE STUCK ON THE FREEWAY WITH AN ELDERLY PARENT, AND ELDERLY DOG.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 31, 2015107,000 milesMA

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 IT'S COLD OUT, BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED IN THE PAST...10 YEARS OF COLD WINTERS AND NOW THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES? SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG AND I DO FEAR A FIRE. *TR

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 8, 2015148,000 milesMT

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 RELEASE OF METAL SHARDS UPON DEPLOYMENT. MAYBE I WAS LUCKY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU TO SEE IF IN LIGHT OF THIS SITUATION, THEY WOULD POTENTIALLY CONSIDER ASSISTING ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. AFTER A 2 WEEK DELAY, ROB THE CSR TOLD ME THAT PER PAGE XXX OF THE OWNER?S MANUAL THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT OR BACK. ALSO, ALTHOUGH I READ THAT MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HE SAID IT WAS NOT. APPARENTLY, THE COMPANY FEEL NO OBLIGATION WHAT SO EVER TO ASSIST WITH THE SITUATION. POSSIBLY THEY WOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION IF I WAS INJURED OR DEAD. I AM NOW AN EX-SUBARU CUSTOMER. I WILL BE SEEKING AN ATTORNEY TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. *TR

20 of 37 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2006241000Routine
2005 — this page371100Routine
2004181000Routine
2003381030Routine

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.