- The problem
- On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
- The risk
- In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began september 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Engine & cooling
2003 Subaru Baja Engine problems
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Baja's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 18% of all its complaints, most recently on February 2, 2022. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2003 Subaru Baja
Engine complaints
Subaru water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined
The car has been using oil a lot and it's not leaking out and it smells like burnt oil and smokes
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
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
Vehicle pulls to left when driving. Vehicle shudders when driving in snow, hesitation when taking off in first gear, reverse lights stop working.*Ak
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...
Read the full complaint
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
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
Subaru Baja engine complaints by year
Baja engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data