2006 Subaru Baja

24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Nov 1, 2022Failure Nov 1, 2022Reynoldsburg, OHService brakes

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11491758
2. Filed May 19, 2020Failure Mar 24, 2020183,000 milesEast Chatham, NYUnderbody shields, Suspension

   I HAD MY HEADLIGHT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 3/18/20. WHILE THERE THEY DID A COMPLIMENTARY SAFETY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND IT PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE CARPORT. I NOTICED A FEW DAYS LATER THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS TIPPED IN ON THE TOP. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BE RUBBING AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL, WHICH RUINED A BRAND NEW TIRE. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE WHOLE SUBFRAME REPLACED IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS THE SUBFRAME TOTALLY RUSTED OUT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A FRIEND OF MINE WHO HAD A 2003 BAJA. SHE ENDED UP JUNKING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A QUOTE FROM THE MECHANIC YET ON THE REPAIRS. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 11325099
3. Filed Mar 11, 2020Failure Feb 20, 2020103,000 milesRunning Springs, CAEngine

   IF THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURELY TIGHTEN AND I MEAN TIGHTEN HARD. THE CAR WILL STOP OPERATING WITHIN 5 SEC ISH. THIS IS NOT GOOD, NO MATTER WHERE U ARE DRIVING. NOT ENUFF TIME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES NOW.

   NHTSA complaint 11317580
4. Filed Oct 24, 2019Failure Oct 24, 2019145,000 milesSalt Lake City, UTEngine

   I HAD THE HEAD GASKETS AND TIMING BELT REPLACED AT 142,000 MILES. BRAND NEW. I PUT OIL IN MY CAR EVERY TIME I FILLED UP WITH GAS, AS I WAS TOLD SUBARUS BURN A LOT OF OIL. THE LOW LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. THREE MONTHS LATER, AT 145,000, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG, GOING 70 ON THE FREEWAY, IN 5TH GEAR, I HEAR A "POP" SOUND AND MY CAR STARTS TO LOSE POWER, SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I GET PULLED OVER, SAFELY THANK GOODNESS, AND CAR DIES. NO LONGER WILL TURN ON. SMOKE IS POURING FROM THE ENGINE. I AM TOWED TO THE MECHANICS WHERE THEY TELL ME THEY "THINK" A ROD BEARING THROUGH A ROD THROUGH THE ENGINE. NOT SURE IS THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY THE RECALL, BUT SOMETHING DID. I'M QUITE FRUSTRATED AT THIS CAR, NOT TO MENTION, THE COST. SO. I AM CHECKING. THANK YOU.

   NHTSA complaint 11270840
5. Filed Sep 4, 2018Failure Jun 10, 2016Lima, OHAir bags

   TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LARICHIE SUBARU (920 PLAZA ST, FINDLAY, OH 45840, (419) 423-5656) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

   NHTSA complaint 11124274
6. Filed Mar 12, 2018Failure Mar 12, 2018135,000 milesLivermore, MESuspension

   SUB FRAME ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AT UPPER SUPPORT MAIN ARM RESULTING MAKING TIRE WOBBLE AND RUBBING ON STRUT SPRING.

   NHTSA complaint 11078750
7. Filed Dec 14, 2017Failure Nov 15, 2017106,432 milesLena, ILFuel/propulsion system, Power train

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING WAS HOOKED ONTO THE UNIVERSAL SHAFT, AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED RILEY SUBARU AT (563) 588-2326 (4455 DODGE ST, DUBUQUE, IA 52003) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL FOR THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT, BUT THERE WAS NONE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,432. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

   NHTSA complaint 11054684
8. Filed Jul 30, 2017Failure Jul 29, 2017132,400 milesScarborough, MEUnknown or other

   FRAME THAT HOLDS MOTOR MOUNT AND STEERING COMPONENTS TO FRONT WHEELS IS RUSTED SO BADLY, IT WILL NOT PASS ANNUAL INSPECTION.

   NHTSA complaint 11011544
9. Filed Jun 10, 2017Failure Oct 14, 2015Tiffin, OHEngine

   I BOUGHT THIS CAR A FEW YEARS AGO. I BOUGHT A WELL MAINTAINED SUBARU THAT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION.. ABOUT A YEAR AGO IT STARTED LEAKING OIL FOUND OUT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. HAD THEM REPLACED AND IT STILL LEAKS. SUBARU WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED SOME MONEY OFF A NEW SUBARU. MY CAR IS WORK SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FROM THIS PROBLEM. AND I TO TRY TO FIX IT AGAIN. COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD.

   NHTSA complaint 10994295
10. Filed Dec 9, 2016Failure Jul 15, 2016Alameda, CAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED NOTICE OF PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SEAT AIRBAG RECALL IN JULY 2016; USE OF PASSENGER FRONT SEAT RESTRICTED SINCE THEN. I UNDERSTAND BACKLOG, BUT SIX MONTHS?

    NHTSA complaint 10934111
11. Filed Aug 13, 2016Failure Aug 1, 2016Eliot, MEAir bags

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10895491
12. Filed Jun 8, 2015Failure May 12, 201577,231 milesBoston, PASuspension, Unknown or other, Wheels

    SUB FRAME ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AT UPPER SUPPORT MAIN ARM RESULTING MAKING TIRE WOBBLE AND RUBBING INNER TIRE WELL. IF NOT NOTICED IN TIME TIRE WOULD HAVE BLOWN OUT COLLAPSING MAIN SUPPORT ARM CAUSING A CRASH

    NHTSA complaint 10723933
13. Filed Jan 3, 2015Failure Feb 17, 201455,000 milesBurien, WAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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 OTHERS. I TRIED INJECTOR CLEANER. THAT DID NOTHING. I INSTALLED A NEW COIL PACK ON CYLINDER FOUR. IT RAN BETTER FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN THE CEL CAME BACK ON. I REPLACED ALL FOUR SPARK PLUGS. ONCE AGAIN A SHORT TERM FIX, JUST A FEW MILES. FINALLY, I INSTALLED A NEW FUEL INJECTOR. AGAIN BETTER, THEN MUCH WORSE. I TOOK TO THE BAJA TO A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER FEARING THE WORST. SURE ENOUGH, BURNT EXHAUST VALVES ON CYLINDERS #2 AND #4. THEY GAVE A ROUGH QUOTE OF 5-6K TO FIX IT. I WAS OFFERED 7K FOR THE TRUCK IN THE SHAPE IT WAS IN. ANGERED BY THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, I SENT A LETTER TO SUBARU OF AMERICA AND SUBARU JAPAN EXPLAINING IN GREAT DETAIL THE ISSUE AND THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL SIMILAR CASES NOTED ONLINE IN VARIOUS MODELS OF SUBARU WITH THE EJ255 ENGINE. I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD OFFER SOME ASSISTANCE, NO DICE. THEY BASICALLY THANKED FOR SENDING THEM THE LETTER AND TELLING THEM OF THE ISSUE. THEY STATED SINCE THE BAJA WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10669897
14. Filed Jan 24, 2014Failure Dec 8, 201370,000 milesAustin, TXEngine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline

    FUEL LEAK/SMELL ON PASSENGER SIDE DURING COLD WEATHER. LEAKING OIL FROM ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10561366
15. Filed Dec 30, 2008Failure Nov 20, 2006707 milesLOS Angeles, CAEngine and engine cooling, Power train

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10253489
16. Filed Dec 9, 2008Failure Nov 20, 2006707 milesLOS Angeles, CAVehicle speed control

    MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE 8TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EACH TIME A DIFFERENT PART OR PARTS WERE REPLACED AND EACH TIME THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAR WAS FIXED BUT THE SAME BEHAVIOR WOULD COME BACK, SOMETIMES WITHIN A WEEK OR SOMETIMES MANY MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR. THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO WHEN IT HAPPENS (IE. NOTHING LEADS UP TO IT HAPPENING) BUT BASICALLY, IT HESITATES AND SPUTTERS OR LUNGES FORWARD WHILE YOU ARE ACCELERATING. IT'S AS IF THE ACCELERATION JUST DROPS OUT BUT THEN COMES BACK OR ACCELERATES AND THEN BACKS OFF AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT IS SUBTLE; SOMETIMES IT HESITATES OR ACCELERATES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE EXTENDED MY WARRANTY FOR FREE AND ALSO PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR WHEN IT IS IN FOR SERVICE AS A SIGN OF GOOD WILL, BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS. I AM SERIOUSLY AFRAID THAT EVENTUALLY I WILL BE HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN IT HESITATES OR HIT SOMEONE FROM BEHIND WHEN IT ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY. I'M NOT SURE THE CAR IS EVEN ABLE TO BE FIXED CONSIDERING THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REPAIR IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW. DATES OF SERVICE ARE 11/20/06, 12/3/06, 2/12/07, 2/21/07, 3/8/07, 3/8/08, 7/22/08 AND 11/8/08 (THE DEALER STILL HAS IT AS OF TODAY, 12/9/08). DAYS OUT OF SERVICE IS APPROX. 82 SO FAR. I DON'T KNOW IF THE OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AS THE DEALER HAS KEPT ALL OF THOSE; I DO HAVE SERVICE RECORDS FOR EACH TIME AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND WHAT WAS DONE EACH TIME. I AM ALSO CURRENTLY DEALING WITH A REGIONAL REP FROM SUBARU WHO NEVER RETURNS MY CALLS. I'VE OWNED ONE OTHER SUBARU AND ONLY HAD MINOR AND ORDINARILY PROBLEMS WITH THAT CAR. SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING BY GETTING THIS DANGEROUS CAR OFF THE ROAD. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10251239
17. Filed Aug 22, 2008Failure Aug 22, 200858,540 milesSilverthorne, COEngine

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC EVENTUALLY STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR RELAY SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF 25 TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,540. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10239418
18. Filed Feb 21, 2008Failure Dec 19, 200616,992 milesNanticoke, PAEngine

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. THE ENGINE KNOCKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THE DEALER REPLACED TWO PISTONS, BUT THE FAILURE STILL EXISTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE IS NORMAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,992 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10218752
19. Filed Jan 7, 2008Failure Jan 5, 200811,000 milesGalveston, TXTie rod assembly

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 10 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10214057
20. Filed Jan 4, 2008Failure Dec 20, 200719,700 milesKailua-Kona, HIService brakes, RotorCrash

    RUSTED BRAKES. THE REAR ROTORS ARE PITTED AND NEED TO BE EXCHANGED, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, AFTER 22 MONTHS AND 19,800 MILES. NO WARRANTY, DEALER SEES THIS AS NORMAL WEAR. ACCORDING TO OTHER AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP, BRAKES ARE FINE, SHOES STILL AT 50 %, BRAKES DO NOT NEED REPLACEMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR WITH RUST PITTED ROTORS BEFORE, ESPECIALLY NOT WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND AGE.*CN

    NHTSA complaint 10213752