Suspension Problems of Subaru Baja

Vehicle purchased in nc in April, 2025. Registered the vehicle in va (where I live) a week later once I received the nc title. On [xxx], I took the vehicle to get it inspected. It failed the virginia state safety inspection for the suspension - rust on the rear subframe near right rear wheel well. I found the following information online with regards to this issue: these recalls were issued for the 2003-2006 Subaru Baja , specifically those in the "salt-belt" states for "poor paint quality on the subframe components which led to rusting and potential for subframe failure. " the recall numbers that I was able to locate online are o3v-153 and wwm-96. I have already reached out to the customer advocacy department of Subaru of America and they are unable to help me because this particular VIN was not tied to this recall. I am unable to get this vehicle inspected because it does not pass due to this issue. This was a known issue for this year make and model vehicle in the states in which this vehicle has been titled over the last 20+ years. Because of the issue that was found during my state inspection combined with the fact that this vehicle has been titled in "salt-belt" states, I feel that it should been included in with this recall and as such, repaired by Subaru of America. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2003 Subaru Baja 🔎.

At the beginning of April, I purchased a 2003 Subaru Baja from roseville auto center for $10,500 and was reassured by the salesman that it passed a safety inspection and that there were no leaks in the head gasket. I did my own inspection under the hood and underneath the vehicle. I found there to be undercoat sealant which made sense as the vehicle was from pennsylvania. I asked about the rust condition of the car to which I was once again reassured that it was okay. I took the car home and the following week I took it to my mechanic to see where I should start on modifications and upgrades. However, upon doing a multipoint inspection with the car on a lift he discovered that the undercoat sealant had been sprayed over duct tape to conceal rust holes in the running boards. Further, the undercoat had been sprayed after the frame had gotten significantly damaged by rust, not as a preventative measure as it’s intended to be used. The frame has severe rust damage as does the steering, suspension, and worst of all, the brakes. The backing plates for the brakes are almost entirely disintegrated. Additionally, my mechanic discovered that there was oil and coolant which had leaked from the engine, indicating that there was in fact a head gasket leak. So, this vehicle is in an unusably unsafe condition with a head gasket leak which makes it unreliable. The vehicle was purchased under false pretenses due to intentional misrepresentation by the salesman regarding the reliability and safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, I’ve spoken to multiple mechanics and a dealership and none of them want to attach their name to this vehicle because of the liability attached to it due to these safety issues. Beyond this I have done extensive research to find out how much it would cost to repair these issues and replace these parts myself and it would cost me more than the cost of the vehicle let alone the actual value of the car. Finally, I am going to be unable to sell the vehicle for anyt.

I had my headlight repaired at the dealership on 3/18/20. While there they did a complimentary safety inspection of the vehicle and it passed with flying colors. I drove the car home and parked it in the carport. I noticed a few days later that the driver's side rear tire was tipped in on the top. I brought the vehicle to a mechanic who informed me that the subframe was totally rusted out and caused the tire to be rubbing against the inside of the wheel well, which ruined a brand new tire. I now have to have the whole subframe replaced in order to be able to drive the vehicle as the subframe totally rusted out. The same thing happened to a friend of mine who had a 2003 Baja. She ended up junking the vehicle. I have not received a quote from the mechanic yet on the repairs.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Baja 🔎.

Sub frame on drivers side rear rusted through and broke at upper support main arm resulting making tire wobble and rubbing on strut spring.

Sub frame on drivers side rear rusted through and broke at upper support main arm resulting making tire wobble and rubbing inner tire well. If not noticed in time tire would have blown out collapsing main support arm causing a crash.

During the afternoon of the December 21st ice storm in bozeman montana, my 2005 Subaru Baja slid off the road and down a steep incline. Although I only sustained bumps and bruises, the car was totaled. The accident could have easily been fatal. The windshield was heavily damaged, the car axles were broken, there was severe damage to three sides of the vehicle. I wondered why the airbags had not deployed. When I researched the situation I found there was a recall on 2005 Subaru airbags. Supposedly a faulty release switch and potentially a release of metal shards upon deployment. Maybe I was lucky the airbags didn't go off. I contacted Subaru to see if in light of this situation, they would potentially consider assisting me with a replacement vehicle. After a 2 week delay, rob the csr told me that per page xxx of the owner’s manual the airbag would not deploy unless the vehicle was hit from the front or back. Also, although I read that my car was included in the recall, he said it was not. Apparently, the company feel no obligation what so ever to assist with the situation. Possibly they would have paid more attention if I was injured or dead. I am now an ex-Subaru customer. I will be seeking an attorney to see if others have had similar experiences.

See all problems of the 2005 Subaru Baja 🔎.

While driving a Subaru Baja 2006 model I swerved and rolled over after fish tailing. I also almost did the same in a 2005 model but only came up off two wheels but did not roll it , even though it was close. I suspect a tendency for the Baja to roll over is a design flaw.

We bought a 2006 Baja in early October for cash. This car had 157 miles when we left the bill mcbride dealer ship in plattsburgh, NY. We have had a problem with the car pulling to the right since the beginning. We have brought the car back 4 times to have it fixed. They have done 3 alignments, rotated the tires 2 times and replaced 1 tire. This vehicle still pulls to the right. On 3rd alignment the dealership refused to produce a receipt for the alignment and stated the reason was there was no charge for the alignment. All receipts state vehicle pulls to right. Dealership can't seem to find the problem and we are not sure what our next step should be to correct this problem.