2004 Subaru BAJA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
18 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
79,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data snapshot: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Fuel System, Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 18 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 11.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 11.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap | 1 |
Fuel System, Gasoline: 5; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 4 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 |
2004: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 4; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 3
Pattern summary
Fuel System, Gasoline leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10095186 · 2004-08-24 (August 24, 2004)
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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095186 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10865610 · 2016-05-18 (May 18, 2016)
"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 CAUSE THIS ARE SMALL TO LARGE POT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10865610 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10295002 · 2009-12-08 (December 8, 2009)
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 TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLE…
Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10295002 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10663615 · 2014-12-11 (December 11, 2014)
FUEL LEAK SAME AS 2005-2006 RECALL. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10663615 at NHTSA ↗