RoadVitals

2006 Subaru Baja

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Nov 1, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest Jan 2, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Subaru Baja, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and airbags categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 114 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine825.8%
  • Suspension516.1%
  • Airbags39.7%
  • Brakes39.7%
  • Fuel system39.7%
  • Powertrain (other)26.5%
  • Steering26.5%
  • Body & structure26.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V001000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 2, 2020
258,813 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number TKA-20View on NHTSA.gov
20V003000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 2, 2020
111,562 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number TKC-20View on NHTSA.gov
20V002000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 2, 2020
127,547 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number TKB-20View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA09007ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL PUMP LEAKS

Opened May 21, 2009
Closed Jul 20, 2009

SUBARU WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (09V-277) ON ALL 15, 633 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND MY 2006 BAJA VEHICLES, INCLUDING TURBO AND NON-TURBO MODELS.SUBARU HAS IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN WHICH CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTION (NIPPLE) ON THE OUTLET (PRESSURE) SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A PRESSURIZED LEAK OF GASOLINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP.SUBARU'S ANALYSIS OF SAMPLE PARTS COLLECTED FROM THE FIELD CONFIRMED THE ISSUE TO BE LIMITED TO MY 2005 AND MY 2006 VEHICLES ONLY.SUBARU DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP BRACKET, INCLUDING ALL NIPPLES, WITH A VERSION THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED FOR INCREASED STRENGTH.PLEASE SEE SUBARU'S DEFECT REPORT IN THE RECALL FILE (09V-277) FOR MORE DETAILS.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPLed to recall 09V277000
PE08064ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL PUMP LEAK

Opened Nov 14, 2008
Closed May 21, 2009

CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTION (NIPPLE) ON THE OUTLET (PRESSURE) SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LEAKAGE OF GASOLINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP.AS A RESULT OF ADDITIONAL REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SUBARU IN RESPONSE TO THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA 09-007.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 24
Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2022

Brake fluid low (light on), added fluid. A week later the fluid is low again. Found recalls for this year Outback with similar potential problem. Upon inspection it appears that fluid is leaking at or near the coupler near the passenger rear wheel well. The BAJA is mechanically the same as the Outback. This model should be included on theses recalls. NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V110000 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000

NHTSA ID
11491758
Incident
Nov 1, 2022
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 19, 2020

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
11325099
Incident
Mar 24, 2020
Mileage
183,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2020

IF THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURELY TIGHTEN AND I MEAN TIGHTEN HARD. THE CAR WILL STOP OPERATING WITHIN 5 SEC ISH. THIS IS NOT GOOD, NO MATTER WHERE U ARE DRIVING. NOT ENUFF TIME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES NOW.

NHTSA ID
11317580
Incident
Feb 20, 2020
Mileage
103,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2019

I HAD THE HEAD GASKETS AND TIMING BELT REPLACED AT 142,000 MILES. BRAND NEW. I PUT OIL IN MY CAR EVERY TIME I FILLED UP WITH GAS, AS I WAS TOLD SUBARUS BURN A LOT OF OIL. THE LOW LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. THREE MONTHS LATER, AT 145,000, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG, GOING 70 ON THE FREEWAY, IN 5TH GEAR, I HEAR A "POP" SOUND AND MY CAR STARTS TO LOSE POWER, SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I GET PULLED OVER, SAFELY THANK GOODNESS, AND CAR DIES. NO LONGER WILL TURN ON. SMOKE IS POURING FROM THE ENGINE. I AM TOWED TO THE MECHANICS WHERE THEY TELL ME THEY "THINK" A ROD BEARING THROUGH A ROD THROUGH THE ENGINE. NOT SURE IS THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY THE RECALL, BUT SOMETHING DID. I'M QUITE FRUSTRATED AT THIS CAR, NOT TO MENTION, THE COST. SO. I AM CHECKING. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID
11270840
Incident
Oct 24, 2019
Mileage
145,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 4, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LARICHIE SUBARU (920 PLAZA ST, FINDLAY, OH 45840, (419) 423-5656) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11124274
Incident
Jun 10, 2016
Suspension
Filed Mar 12, 2018

SUB FRAME ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AT UPPER SUPPORT MAIN ARM RESULTING MAKING TIRE WOBBLE AND RUBBING ON STRUT SPRING.

NHTSA ID
11078750
Incident
Mar 12, 2018
Mileage
135,000 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 14, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING WAS HOOKED ONTO THE UNIVERSAL SHAFT, AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED RILEY SUBARU AT (563) 588-2326 (4455 DODGE ST, DUBUQUE, IA 52003) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL FOR THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND DRIVE SHAFT, BUT THERE WAS NONE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,432. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11054684
Incident
Nov 15, 2017
Mileage
106,432 mi
Filed Jul 30, 2017

FRAME THAT HOLDS MOTOR MOUNT AND STEERING COMPONENTS TO FRONT WHEELS IS RUSTED SO BADLY, IT WILL NOT PASS ANNUAL INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID
11011544
Incident
Jul 29, 2017
Mileage
132,400 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SubaruNet Annoucement (E

This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.

01-167-08R

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

SubaruNet Announcement (R

POWER TRAIN

This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

07-240-26R

This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

03-97-26

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

01-167-08R

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Baja by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006Viewing2410258.8
20053711455.9
20041810451.3
20033810266.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.