2003 SUBARU Baja Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
39
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
5 complaints
TAKATA RECALL -- FAILURE TO COMPLY
Mar 25, 2019
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.
Feb 21, 2019
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.
Mar 15, 2017
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.
Dec 05, 2016
"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.
Nov 05, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT LAST APRIL 28, 200) AND WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES, ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY WEREN'T GOING TO WORK. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH AND GRAVITY SLOWED ME DOWN TO BELOW 18 MPH BECAUSE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, ONLY TO BE STOPPED BY A CAR MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A HIGHWAY VIA ROAD-RAMP. 3 PEOPLE WERE INJURED, AND MY DRIVING RECORD SEVERELY SCORCHED. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE BRAKES TICKET. THERE WERE NO SUBARU DEALERS IN TOWN. THEY DID A VISUAL INSPECTION AND FOUND NOTHING TO BE THE MATTER. AS SOON AS I GOT BACK HOME, A WEEK LATER, I TOOK MY CAR INTO SUBARU, WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE ABS ONLY TO CONCLUDE THAT I WAS A CRAZY PERSON. I DECIDED I RATHER NEEDED A SECOND, AND THIRD OPINION. NOW SUBARU HAD MY CAR FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS, GAVE IT BACK, TOOK ME BEHIND THE STORE TO TEST THE BRAKES, AND THE 20 FEET ON GRAVEL IT TOOK TO STOP WAS NORMAL, NOT TO MENTION, I HAD I QUOTE STATING 100% FUNCTIONAL AND NEW BRAKES. SO MY MAIN MECHANIC TOOK THE TIRES OFF TO LOOK THE BRAKES ,AND SAID OH MY GOD YOU CAN'T DRIVE THIS CAR, THERE WERE NO BRAKES! NONE, IT WAS NOT MEASURABLE, THAT' WAS HOW LITTLE THERE WERE.. SO I GOT A THIRD OPINION, AGREEING WITH THE SECOND OF MY MECHANIC, I CONCEDED, AND GOT MY BRAKES CHANGED. I ASKED TO KEEP THE BRAKE PADS TO TAKE TO SUBARU TO SHOW THEM THEIR GRAVE ERROR. I GAVE THE PADS TO THEM, THEY SWORE UP AND DOWN TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT, AND THAT WAS JULY 3, 2006, THIS IS APRIL 9, 2007. I THOUGHT ALL WAS WELL THAT ENDS WELL, BUT NOW THAT I KNEW OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS I DIDN'T WANT TO DIE JUST BECAUSE I LOVE MY CAR, AND I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TIME TO BUY OUT OF MY BAJA. *AK
Apr 09, 2007
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING POWER. SHE TRIED TO SLOW IT BY DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS, AND THEN SHE USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND SHE DROVE INTO A DITCH. THE BRAKES HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THERE WAS BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT YET INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 23, 2005
MY SUBARU BAJA HAS AN INTERMITTENT BRAKING PROBLEM. WHEN TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 10 - 20 MILES PER HOUR IT WILL NOT STOP BUT JUST SLOW DOWN EVEN THOUGH PRESSING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I CAN. THE BRAKES DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. TWO DAYS AGO I ALMOST HIT A CAR WHEN DOING ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. IT TOOK THE CAR ABOUT 20 FEET TO STOP APPLYING AS MUCH PRESSURE AS I COULD TO THE BRAKES. IT REPEATED THIS PROBLEM IN A SAFE AREA OF THE PARKING LOT 4 MORE TIMES BEFORE WORKING PROPERLY. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THIS IS THE 3RD OR 4TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER THE PAST 5 MONTHS . WE ARE BRINGING THE CAR IN AGAIN BUT THE DEALER SAYS IT HAS TO OCCUR WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING THE CAR. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS. WOULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURED.*AK
Mar 22, 2004
TOTAL ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT LESS THAN 20 MPH ON DRY SURFACE. FIRST ATTEMPT TO BRAKE MET WITH UNDUE BRAKE PEDAL RESISTANCE WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. SECOND ATTEMPT MET WITH UNRESTRICTED PEDAL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED ON IMPACT. THE DRIVER AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED.
Jan 15, 2004
TOTAL ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT LESS THAN 20 MPH ON DRY SURFACE. FIRST ATTEMPT TO BRAKE MET WITH UNDUE BRAKE PEDAL RESISTANCE WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. SECOND ATTEMPT MET WITH UNRESTRICTED PEDAL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED ON IMPACT. THE DRIVER AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED. *LA
Oct 25, 2003
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
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.
Sep 02, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER CHANGING A FLAT TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. THE SMOKE WAS CAUSE BY THE SPARE TIRE DUE TO THE DIFFERENT TREAD AND SIZE CAUSED THE DIFFERENTIAL TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC NOTICE THE ENTIRE REAR END HAD BLOWN. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE SPARE TIRE COULD HAVE CAUSED A HUGH FIRE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mar 05, 2010
CLUTCH SHUDDER/JUDDER: COOL, COLD AND/OR HIGH HUMIDITY CLUTCH SHAKES DRIVELINE & ENTIRE CAR. DULY DOCUMENTED ON THE ULTIMATE SUBARU MESSAGE BOARD ON THE INTERNET. SOME MODELS COVERED BY MANUFACTURER FOR PARTS AND LABOR BUT MANY SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER NEW CLUTCH IS INSTALLED. SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY MANUFACTURER THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM WITH AN OTHERWISE OUTSTANDING CAR.*AK
Apr 24, 2004
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *LA
Nov 18, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
NOTICED PINGING NOISE FROM ENGINE. SUBARU REPLACED BLOCK. ABOUT A YEAR LATER, HAD PINGING NOISE AGAIN, AND CAR WAS STALLING AFTER COLD NIGHT, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. SUBARU SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE A FEELING I'LL BE GETTING ANOTHER BLOCK IN A YEAR OR SO.*AK
Feb 02, 2005
WHILE DRIVING, AN ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE VENT AREA. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB THE CONSUMBER STATED THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS CUT OFF AND THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT THE ENGINE COMES ON AND REVS ALL THE WAY TO THE RED. *TC
Oct 19, 2004
VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT WHEN DRIVING. VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW, HESITATION WHEN TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR, REVERSE LIGHTS STOP WORKING.*AK
Jul 16, 2004
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 VERY NICE AND THEY PUT ME IN A RENTAL CAR. HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY INDICATION THEY GAVE ME IS THAT IT IS HAPPENING TO OTHER SUBARUS WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE AFTER THE VEHICLE TURNS 4,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED ONE TIME WHEN THE CAR STALLED OUT. AS OF THIS DATE, 4-22-04 I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR SUBARU AS TO WHETHER THEY HAVE FOUND OR KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU. SINCERELY, GORDON DECKER . *AK
Apr 22, 2004
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
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)
May 08, 2025
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.
Jan 26, 2012
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
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.
Jul 05, 2022
MASSIVE PENETRATING RUST THRU-OUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT, STRUT TOWER AND FRAME ON A 2003 SUBARU BAJA. SUBARU HAS TAKEN MONTHS AND HAS DONE NOTHING, EVEN AFTER ADMITTING IN WRITTING THE CAR SHOULD BE IMMED. REPLACED AND HAS ACKNOWLEDGED IT IS A POTENTIAL DRIVING SAFTY HAZARD. *AK
Feb 27, 2004
ENGINE
2 complaints
Subaru water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined
Feb 02, 2022
THE CAR HAS BEEN USING OIL A LOT AND IT'S NOT LEAKING OUT AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL AND SMOKES
Mar 17, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
THE CAR ACCELARATED FOR NO REASON, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET
Oct 09, 2018
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.
Jul 16, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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
Jun 05, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Nov 15, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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
Jul 23, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Dec 08, 2016
STEERING
1 complaint
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.
Jan 13, 2015
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
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
Apr 16, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SUBARU ROTORS, WE HAVE IN OUR FAMILY 6 SUBARUS, 2-2003 BAJAS ,I - 2005 FORESTER, 1-2005 LEGACY, 1-2007 IMPREZA, ALSO SOLD ONE 2004 FORESTER. OUR BAJAS HAVE 48,000 MILES ONE EACH VEHICLE AND WE HAVE HAD OUR ROTORS REPLACED, CUT, AND REPLACED AGAIN. EACH TIME WE TAKE THEM IN FOR INSPECTIONS WE ARE TOLD THE ROTORS NEED TO BE CUT DUE TO THEM WARPING. THE CARS WILL SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE AND WE KNOW THIS AS IT HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS. THEY ARE CUT THEN CANNOT BE CUT ANYMORE THEN HAVE TO BE REPLACED . THE 2004 FORESTER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, AS DID THE 2005 FORESTER IN WHICH MY SON ENDED UP BUYING AND AFTER MARKET ROTOR INSTEAD OF LETTING SUBARU CONTINUE TO CUT THEM EVERY 6 MONTHS. THE AFTER MARKET ROTORS WORK FINE. THE 2005 LEGACY SAME ROTOR PROBLEM, MY DAUGHTER THIS PAST WEEKEND AFTER GETTING TIRED OF THE PROBLEM PUT ON AFTER MARKET ROTORS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY SONS 2003 BAJA HAS THE ROTORS WARP EVERY 6 MONTHS AND ENDS UP HAVING THEM CUT TO RESTORE THE STEERING AND BRAKING SAFETY. MY 2003 BAJA HAS HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED TWICE AND CUT 4 TIMES , AND MY CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN 3000 MILES A YEAR. I WAS TOLD THAT JUST HAVING MY CAR SIT AND NOT USED WILL CAUSE THE ROTORS TO WARP AND CAUSED BRAKING AND STEERING CONCERNS. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CONCERNS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP INSPECT THEM AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS TELLS US TO HAVE THE ROTORS CUT AND ALWAYS AT OUR OWN EXPENSE. WITH ALL THE SUBARUS WE OWNED AND HAVE OWNED. IT SEEMS THAT THE ONES MADE IN THE 2003 TO 2004'S , AND 2005 MODELS HAVE ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WE ARE LEFT WITH THE CHOICE OF HAVING OUR ROTORS CUT TO SOLVE THE BREAKING PROBLEM, THEN AFTER 2 CUTTINGS THEY BECOME TOO THIN AND THEN HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS AND HAS JUST HIDDEN THE TRUTH FROM ITS OWNERS. WITH ALL OUR SUBARUS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.. I CHECKED THE PROPERTY DAMAGE CIRCLE ON THE FORM SINCE THE ROTORS ARE PROPERTY DAMAGE. ALL YEARS LISTED. *TR
May 19, 2010
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT, WITH LOUD BANGING/POPPING NOISES WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL...WORSENED AS VEHICLE WARMED UP...WOULD FEEL AS THOUGH STEERING WHEEL WAS BEING JERKED OUT OF MY HANDS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING VISCOUS CLUTCH IN CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (AT TRANSMISSION)...WAS TOLD THAT MANY SIMILAR CASES ARE APPEARING ON THESE VEHICLES...DO NOT KNOW WHETHER OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR
Apr 19, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR
Apr 07, 2008
TIRES
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU BAJA WITH 17,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THIS CAR CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 HIGH PERFORMANCE ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE 225/60/R16. THESE TIRES ARE POSITIVELY HAZARDOUS ON SNOW AND ICE: I HAVE TWICE IN THE PAST SIX WEEKS LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE ON SNOWY, FLAT, STRAIGHT ROADS, CAUSING A TOTAL OF $5,000 OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE LOSS OF CONTROL IS UNPREDICTABLE AND SUDDEN, AS IF A GIANT HAND PICK THE CAR UP AND TOSSED IT OFF THE ROAD. WHILE RESEARCHING SNOW TIRES YESTERDAY, I FOUND NUMEROUS WARNINGS ON WEB SITES FROM CONSUMERS (TIRERACK.COM, 1010TIRES.COM, NHTSA.DOT.GOV) ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRIVING ON WET/SNOWY/ICY PAVEMENT WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES. THESE TIRES ARE EXPOSING UNWARY CONSUMERS TO ACCIDENTS, INJURY AND WORSE. I FEEL RESENTFUL TO BRIDGESTONE FOR MAKING SUCH AWFUL TIRES, ALSO TO SUBARU CORPORATION FOR INSTALLING THEM ON A CAR WHICH IS ADVERTISED AS A VERY SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN WINTER WEATHER AND TO MY LOCAL DEALER WHO SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH SUCH DANGEROUS TIRES. *JB
Jan 20, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE'S BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE ABS IS TOO EASILY ACTIVATED BY BUMPS OR DEBRIS ON THE ROAD DURING ROUTINE STOPS UNDER NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF DECELARATION OF VARYING DEGREES OF SEVERITY. THIS HAS CAUSED ONE ACCIDENT ALREADY AND ALMOST CAUSED ANOTHER ONE ON 12MAR04. WE HAVE NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA AFTER THE FIRST ACCIDENT, WHO REFUSED ASSISTANCE. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE THEN, WHO MAINTAINS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S ABS. STILL, THE FAILURES CONTINUE. WE ARE BEING COMPELLED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA AND ITS LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO OPERATE A PATENTLY DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THIS FAILURE CAN BE REPLICATED AND IT OCCURS AN AVERAGE OF THREE TIMES A WEEK ON DAILY DRIVING. IT EVEN HAPPENS WHILE PULLING UP INTO OUR GARAGE AT LESS THAN 1 MPH. WE URGE NHTSA TO EXTEND DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA-03-024 TO INCLUDE ALL MODELS COVERED IN SUBARU'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 06-31-03.*AK
Mar 19, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER/REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND REPLACED THE ECU, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE.*JB *NM
Nov 19, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
HESITATION, NO POWER ON ACCELERATION. COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED BY SUBARU IN NJ.. TRANS ENGAGING HARD FROM A DEAD STOP ON ACCELERATION. *NLM
Jun 20, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 SUBARU Baja have?
The 2003 SUBARU Baja currently has 39 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 SUBARU Baja?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 SUBARU Baja are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 SUBARU Baja problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 SUBARU Baja comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Baja
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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