Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Subaru Baja
Subaru Baja Models:
Subaru Baja Problems
Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure
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.
Flash fire, total loss
A matter of some three minutes between smelling something burning (and, thankfully, pulling onto the shoulder of I-81 to investigate) and the vehicle bursting into flames. Took 4 firetrucks 45 minutes to put it out, at which point it had literally melted into the pavement, which presented quite a challenge to the tow truck driver who came to remove the carcass. Fire dept couldn't be certain of cause, but best guess was an electrical fire orig...
Subaru Baja Recalls (Recent)
The Automatic Transmission May Not Hold the Vehicle in Park
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The transmission park mechanism located inside the automatic transmission may not hold when the selector is in the "park" position. The vehicle could move/roll without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly to correct this concern.
Learn more »Engine Oil Leak From Oil Control Valve Cover
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 26 vehicles, the engine oil control valve cover may not have been tightened properly, which could allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts hot engine components, a fire could result in the engine compartment. Dealers will inspect and retighten the oil-flow control valve cover bolts. The recall began October 8, 2004. The Subaru recall number is WWU-05.
Learn more »The Water Pump Pully May Come Off
RepairPal Expert Overview:
555 vehicles with a 4-cylinder engine may have a water pump pulley with a center hole that was improperly machined and is too large. This could result in the pulley coming off of the water pump during normal vehicle operation, causing severe engine damage. Dealers will replace the water pump to correct this concern.
Learn more »Possible Fuel Leak at Fuel Pump Pressure Hose Connection
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Cracks may develop from the fuel hose connection at the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump. As a result, a fuel leak may develop, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket, including all nipples, with new, stronger part. This recall is expected to begin during September 2009. The Subaru recall number is WVJ-20.
Learn more »Subaru Baja Questions and Answers
My car has an aftermarket exhaust system. I am told that the computer says that it is not ready for testing because I only have one catalytic converter instead of the two that came stock. Do I need...
My baja has a coolant leak. What does a coolant system test cost? Will it definitely locate the leak. The coolant ultimately leaks from behind the from wheels in approximately the location of the s...
If the timing belt breaks on this model is there an interference problem? I have been given the cost of replacing the belts to be $650, is this reasonable?
I was charged $389.00 for a set of "head bolts".
Is this right!?
I just inspected the repair and see no new bolts anywhere.
Had it done at Midas and was charged $3,086.00
Please advise.
I recently had a clicking noise when I turned the steering wheel. I replaced the front axle and thought that would take care of the noise. However it did not and it sounds as though it is actually ...
Subaru Baja Reviews
i like this car but ther are lots subaru cheepened, and as with the 98 to 2002 head gasket issue subaru dosnt stand behind thier product , the manual trans has tooo high 1st gear and always stalls when i leave my driveway on a snow day,also driving lights go off when switching to high beams this sucks and is dangerous. also drink holder is in the way of shifter and e brake, poor lay out. also park /neutral switch went out at 80k mi ,why it has a park switch on a stick nobody knows!
LOVED my Baja--the perfect vehicle for the Western NC mountain terrain, good on gas, plus the handy back compartment for hauling a bale of hay for the garden or taking the trash to the dump--that is, until it burst into flames on I-81 coming into Syracuse last week. I was lucky to get out. Took 4 firetrucks, and literally melted into the pavement. "Nightmare" does not begin to describe it. Fire inspectors determined it was an electrical fire originating with the blower (fan) that circulates air through the vents. OMG.
All I can say is I LOVE MY CAR!!!! I was thinking of trading my car in but not sure what i wanted...sitting at a light one day i saw a yellow (not to crazy about that color) subaru baja pass me and i followed it so that i could find out the make and model....checked the internet and there happen to be one at a nearby dealership....and the best thing is its blue...my favorite color....sad to hear they stopped making them....
I Love this car! It does so many things for me. I would have bought another if they hadn't stopped producing them. I may pick up an 06 if I can find a low mileage one.
Fun car. Plainer the better.fast enough -- Non- turbo here with a more than a few miles. So, I don't have to worry about premium gas and added maintenance cost. Very functional bed, easy to lower and lift most things and the bed extender with cargo hole will allow a person to get almost anything they want from LOWE'S. Groceries are a cinch. rugged interior with a lot of child safety features built in. AWD all time gas mileage isn't bad.