2003 Subaru Baja

38 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jun 27, 2026Shepherdsville, KYElectrical systemFire

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11747690
2. Filed May 8, 2025Failure Apr 14, 2025Richmond, VASuspension

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11659809
3. Filed Jun 5, 2024Failure Apr 8, 2024Lincoln, CAService brakes, Steering, Suspension

   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 safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, I’ve spoken to multiple mechanics and a dealership and none of them want to attach their name to this vehicle because of the liability attached to it due to these safety issues. Beyond this I have done extensive research to find out how much it would cost to repair these issues and replace these parts myself and it would cost me more than the cost of the vehicle let alone the actual value of the car. Finally, I am going to be unable to sell the vehicle for anyt

   NHTSA complaint 11592745
4. Filed Jul 5, 2022Failure Aug 1, 2021180,000 milesPortage, INFrame and members

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11472333
5. Filed Feb 2, 2022Failure Feb 2, 2022Newark, CAEngine

   Subaru water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined

   NHTSA complaint 11449912
6. Filed Sep 2, 2021Failure Aug 28, 2021165,000 milesMedford, ORPower train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11431521
7. Filed Mar 17, 2021Failure Nov 1, 2020110,000 milesWest Newton, PAEngine

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

   NHTSA complaint 11403554
8. Filed Mar 25, 2019Failure Mar 25, 2019Durham, NCAir bags

   TAKATA RECALL -- FAILURE TO COMPLY

   NHTSA complaint 11191458
9. Filed Feb 21, 2019Failure Jun 10, 2016Wappingers Falls, NYAir bags

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11181675
10. Filed Nov 15, 2018Failure Nov 10, 2004107,000 milesDepere, WIFuel/propulsion system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11151833
11. Filed Oct 9, 2018Failure Oct 9, 2018112,500 milesGrand Junction, COVehicle speed control

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

    NHTSA complaint 11139334
12. Filed Jul 23, 2018Failure Jul 23, 2018113,000 milesRichmond, RIService brakes

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11113043
13. Filed Jul 16, 2018Failure Jun 24, 201879,000 milesCincinnati, OHVehicle speed control

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11111672
14. Filed Mar 15, 2017Failure Jul 1, 2016Randleman, NCAir bags

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10966017
15. Filed Dec 8, 2016Failure Dec 8, 2016Cheyenne, WYFuel system, Gasoline, Fuel/propulsion system

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10933878
16. Filed Dec 5, 2016Failure Jul 1, 2016Farmington, CTAir bags

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10929902
17. Filed Nov 5, 2016Failure Jul 1, 2016Cohutta, GAAir bags

    "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.

    NHTSA complaint 10924383
18. Filed Jan 13, 2015Failure Jun 1, 201469,500 milesMidlothian, ILSteering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10672161
19. Filed Apr 16, 2014Failure Dec 18, 2004182,837 milesDeer, ARPower train, Wheels

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10583126
20. Filed Jan 26, 2012Failure Jan 20, 2012141,000 milesHurley, NYSuspensionFire

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10445442