- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Subaru Baja Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Baja with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (10) and the airbags (2). It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2003 has 40 and the 2005 has 37.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Baja year, for its age
#198 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Subaru Baja problems
Share of all 18 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Subaru Baja recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
- The problem
- 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. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
- The problem
- 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. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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18 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Baja
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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. The problem is most evident in winter months with higher humidity and high temperature fluctuation. Each time the issue has occurred the car has been moving both on city streets and highways resulting in being forced to pull over and restart the car. This issue is dangerous to not only people in the vehicle but hose around it when the car suddenly looses all power.
I called my location deaer in traverse city michigan over a year ago they said they would put me on a waiting list have not heard from them over a year ago on the passenger air bag recal
Fuel leaks around clamped rubber hoses in and around intake manifold especially during cold weather. The fumes from these leaks are extremely noticeable at slow speeds or stopped and enter the drivers compartment through the vents. I have great concern for the possibility of fire.
Takata recall-have been waiting 4 months-no one can sit in passenger seat. No parts available? I think 4 months is long enough.
"Ghost walking" I purchased the car 6 months ago from my father who is a professional driver for the largest shipping company in the us and has been driving for them for over 30 years. When I purchased the car he cautioned me that the back of the vehicle wanders when the road surface doesn't provide consistent traction to both rear tires. This occurs on any surface at varying degrees while moving straight on a level road, up hill, down hill, on corners, while accelerating/braking or coasting. Examples which...
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cause this are small to large potholes, cracks in the road surface, driving with one tire on the painted line in the road (very noticeable surging and can be scary when the road is wet), sand or gravel on the shoulder of a paved road effecting one side of the car only, puddles, slight snow/slush cover, etc. Having had the car for 6 months it is something I experience daily, and the car is downright scary, unsafe in some conditions. I consider myself a very good driver, I'm 35 and have never been in an accident despite driving about 35k miles a year. These cars are dangerous, I have no doubt many accidents have occurred and people have been injured by this mechanical defect, I am a mechanical engineer. I cannot sell this car with a clear conscience unless I convey this safety hazard to a potential buyer so the value has also been destroyed by this problem as well. I will continue to search for a solution to this problem and cross my fingers that subaru owns up to it before any more people (or myself) suffer the loss of property or life. I will also add that it goes through rear tires quicker than I ever thought possible despite being in proper alignment. As others have mentioned, it seems to be exaggerated if there is any amount of added cargo weight or additional passengers. Step up subaru, previous loyal owners are dropping like flies in my area.
Strong fuel smell in cabin when started in very cold weather and persisting even once car has warmed up. So severe as to cause nausea and fogging of interior windows. Had to drive in very cold weather with windows down to vent fumes. Diagnosed by dealer as leaking fuel lines around intake manifold (exactly like recall for 05 and 06 model years). $1200 Repair estimate. *Js
FUEL LEAK SAME AS 2005-2006 RECALL. *TR
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. The smell is very, very extreme in the early mornings when it's coldest, bad enough that my boyfriend gets nauseous from it, but it hasn't gone away at all despite it getting warmer recently. *Tr
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. The windows will fog up from the fumes being sucked when the heat is on. This problem has been occurring every winter all winter for the 4 years that I have had the car. The car only has 50,000 miles on it. *Tr
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. Subaru has not and will not make a commitment on a recall. 2005 And 2006 bajas have had a recall for the same problem, but I cannot get it fixed because mine is a 2004. *Tr
I have fuel leaking from the fuel lines on the drivers side to the right of the alternator. I am assuming one or both of these fuel lines are cracked. The fuel leaks when it is cold and stops leaking when the engine warms up. My baja is also hard to start when cold. I'm thinking the fuel lines are sucking in air where cracked. *Tr
My 2004 baja turbo has the gas leak problem in the manifold area. Have replaced hoses and clamps 3 times on the two that are visible. Gas pools on the manifold from a slow leak, fumes in the cabin, must drive with windows down. This happens during colder temps, probably 20 and below. Fumes upon startup and lasts about an hour when first occurred. Now when occurs fumes do not diminish. Have cleaned manifold with engine cleaner to remove residual fuel smell. Dealer had mentioned that something was incorrect about...
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fuel lines when car was in for unrelated repair during warmer temps. A note was on the repair invoice but service advisor had no idea what it meant as the mechanics had already gone for the day. I decided to enter this after finding similar problems reported.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru baja. When the temperatures grew colder, there was a very strong gas smell after starting the vehicle in the morning. The strong gas smell would persist for an hour or o after starting the vehicle. The fuel odor was so strong, the consumer has to roll down the window. Upon inspection, the consumer discovered that the fuel lines were leaking raw fuel into the engine compartment, so much that the raw gas was pooling on top of the engine. The dealer tightened the fuel lines and...
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told the consumer that the problem was fixed. When the next cold temperature returned, the consumer smelled the raw gas again. Raw gas was pooling in the engine compartment. The consumer returned to the dealer and was informed the fuel lines were still leaking but in order to fix the problem the intake manifold would need to be removed at a cost of more than $300.00. The consumer took the vehicle to a private auto repair shop. The mechanic managed to fix the worst part of the leak, but several lines located underneath the intake manifold could not be reached. While much improved, the vehicle is still leaking gas into the engine compartment whenever the temperature drops below 20 degrees. The leak persists until the engine warms up. The dealer informed the consumer they would fix the problem due to a recent recall that had been issued for a similar problem with a different model, but they were waiting to receive the parts. Updated 01/22/10. *Lj updated 01/22/10.*Jb
I have a 2004 subaru baja and fuel vapors emit from the engine. Vapors will fill cabin of the vehicle. There is a risk of fire and intoxicating fumes. These vehicles have a history of this problem. Subaru has not and will not make a commitment on a recall. 2005 And 2006 bajas have had a recall for the same problem, but I cannot get a fix because mine is a 2004. *Tr
Our 2004 subaru baja had thousands in repairs and could never be fixed. We are stuck 3100 miles from home now for three months because they will not repair the whole driveline and all damaged components as this was and had been never noted. They admitted these were defective and they carefully hid the facts by taking all defective drivelines trashing them and now selling the new and improved version at a 650 pricetag, plus the thousands in damage it did to other parts. How can these people get away with this since...
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if that driveline breaks in traffic and they have, it can really hurt the driver or others. The car was parked for over one month before they admitted this was a problem but they were not doing anything since the vehicle was out of warranty and they didn't care, prove it. We couldn't because the bank picked the car up since we had to get another vehicle. This has cost us thousands of dollars now and will continue to cost us and who knows how many other people it may hurt or cost as they continue to hide the facts. *Tr
ENGINE LAMP COMES ON.*TR
Urgent request for automobile recall, tail light problem. *Bf the consumer was unable to see the subaru baja's brake lights due to the solar reflections in the light coverings. Manufactures have incorporatted a highly relective design along with a small brake light area. *Tc
When the driver pulled on the seat belt located in the rear the headliner caved in. *Nm
Subaru Baja: every year compared
All Baja years2004 Subaru Baja vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Subaru Baja | 18 | 10 | B | |
| 2004 Subaru Forester | 219 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Subaru Impreza | 96 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Subaru Outback | 90 | 11 | B | Compare |
| 2004 Subaru Legacy | 49 | 11 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Subaru WRX | 42 | 5 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Subaru Baja
Does the 2004 Subaru Baja have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2004 Subaru Baja: inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (May 2016) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Baja?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (10), airbags (2), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 2004 Subaru Baja had?
18 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 19, 2004 and the latest on October 30, 2017. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Subaru Baja a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 63 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Baja year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Baja years have the most complaints?
2003 (40), 2005 (37), 2006 (24). See every Subaru Baja year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Subaru Baja has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: 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