AI Damage2004 Subaru Baja: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Subaru Baja filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and fuel/propulsion system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 18
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 22% of all complaints
- 3 Air bags 11% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 6% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 6% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Seat belts 6% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 6 complaints (33% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints (22% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (6% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 18 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
Examples which 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,…
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.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Baja has 29 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 18, below average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Baja?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, fuel/propulsion system, air bags. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (33%), windows, sunroof (22%), smoke, burning smell, fire (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 Subaru Baja?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Subaru Baja from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.