Before you buy
This 2004 Subaru Baja has 18 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Fuel System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Subaru Baja Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Subaru Baja trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Subaru Baja Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Subaru Baja has 18 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel System. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Baja
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Fuel System
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Subaru Baja problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel System
Gasoline
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Subaru Baja?
The 2004 Subaru Baja looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Subaru Baja
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage.
- Verify all 10 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage.
- Verify all 10 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Subaru Baja, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 18 NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Subaru Baja, the data suggests potential concerns with the fuel system, though the low complaint volume limits confidence. No crash-related complaints were reported. The vehicle has 10 recalls, which buyers should verify are completed.
- Fuel system complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- No crash-related complaints were recorded.
- The vehicle has 10 recalls, indicating multiple safety-related campaigns.
- Fuel System
- Gasoline
- Fuel/Propulsion System
Full breakdown
All 2004 Subaru Baja complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Baja. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Baja. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.…
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 FI…
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 S…
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 A…
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 MORNI…
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.…
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 RE…
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 …
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 BE…
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 …
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 BAJA…
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 …
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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Subaru Baja.
Safety recalls
2004 Subaru Baja recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Subaru Baja. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Subaru Baja buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Subaru Baja reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 18 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Subaru Baja looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Baja?▾
#1: Fuel System (6 complaints). #2: Gasoline (6 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Subaru Baja?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Subaru Baja?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Subaru Baja, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 18 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Subaru Baja have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Subaru Baja. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Subaru Baja?▾
The 2004 Subaru Baja looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Baja reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Subaru Baja based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.