2004 Subaru Baja
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 38 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 24 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 2004 SUBARU BAJA AND FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. VAPORS WILL FILL CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RISK OF FIRE AND INTOXICATING FUMES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140101
4 of 18 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I NOTICED AN EXTREME SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE UP ON AN ESPECIALLY COLD MORNING (<10 DEGREES), AND I FOUND THE LEAK COMING FROM ONE OF THE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL LINE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE BAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141119
WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 40 DEGREES MY 2004 SUBARU BAJA TURBO BEGINS TO LEAK FUEL. IT IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE UNDER THE MANIFOLD. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG IN THE CABIN AND IN THE GARAGE WHEN PARKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141113
2 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
THE THROTTLE PEDAL LOOSES SIGNAL TO THROTTLE BODY CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY THROTTLE INPUT. A CHECK ENGINE CODE P2138 ALSO OCCURS AS THE THROTTLE LOOSES CONNECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE OIL-FLOW CONTROL VALVE COVER BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 04V473000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP LEAK
FUEL PUMP LEAKS
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
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.
Campaign 14V763000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 15V323000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 16V358000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 16V361000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 16V359000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 20V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 20V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 20V003000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 13E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Subaru Baja — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V473000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V763000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V323000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V358000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V361000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V359000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V002000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V003000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 Subaru Baja reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Baja?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Subaru Baja have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.