Problem Reports

Subaru Baja

Report: Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

Subaru Baja Problem

10 Reports

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Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Engines Affected: 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 2.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo

Average Mileage: 80,373 mi (46,000 mi - 156,000 mi)

The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.

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Visitor, 2003 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 58,630 mi

I was driving with the a/c on when the temp guage rose to the "hot" area on the dashboard and the a/c turned warm. I turned the heat on high until I could reach a service station. After adding coolant the problem seemed fixed. I asked around about it and was told to have the collant flushed and replaced which I did. Now I've noticed my driveway is wet under the car. Not a puddle just wet. I also have to add coolant from time to time to replace what is leaking. What should I do?

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foofer, 2005 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo, 156,000 mi

Rookie
Head gasket replaced at approx. 100,000 miles. About three weeks ago, the gasket started leaking. Since the cooling system problems have not been addressed this problem may surface again.

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Visitor, 2003 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 92,293 mi

Intermittent overheating
Coolant looked like Yoohoo.
$3000 repair at Midas

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Visitor, 2004 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 80,000 mi

Bought a used 2004 Baja. had been jury rigged for sale, but engine was bad due to blown head gasket. Had to replace engine.

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buggs, 2005 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 49,315 mi

Rookie
During past 650 miles and 1 1/2 mo. (last oil change 49379), oil has gone to nearly out twice and coolant to lower third once. "check engine" code said catalytic converter out and I was told it could be from broken head gasket. There's no oil leaking underneath. Are these problems related and where is oil going? I'm not driving it because check light stays on.

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Visitor, 2003 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 58,630 mi

I was driving with the a/c on when the temp guage rose to the "hot" area on the dashboard and the a/c turned warm. I turned the heat on high until I could reach a service station. After adding coolant the problem seemed fixed. I asked around about it and was told to have the collant flushed and replaced which I did. Now I've noticed my driveway is wet under the car. Not a puddle just wet. I also have to add coolant from time to time to replace what is leaking. What should I do?

Flag This

Like0
foofer, 2005 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo, 156,000 mi

Rookie
Head gasket replaced at approx. 100,000 miles. About three weeks ago, the gasket started leaking. Since the cooling system problems have not been addressed this problem may surface again.

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Visitor, 2003 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 92,293 mi

Intermittent overheating
Coolant looked like Yoohoo.
$3000 repair at Midas

Flag This

Like0
Visitor, 2004 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 80,000 mi

Bought a used 2004 Baja. had been jury rigged for sale, but engine was bad due to blown head gasket. Had to replace engine.

Flag This

Like0
buggs, 2005 Subaru Baja, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 49,315 mi

Rookie
During past 650 miles and 1 1/2 mo. (last oil change 49379), oil has gone to nearly out twice and coolant to lower third once. "check engine" code said catalytic converter out and I was told it could be from broken head gasket. There's no oil leaking underneath. Are these problems related and where is oil going? I'm not driving it because check light stays on.

Flag This

Like0

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Subaru Baja

Report: Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

Subaru Baja Problem