NHTSA vehicle safety data
2005 Subaru Baja Recalls & Complaints
The 2005 Subaru Baja has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 37 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Subaru Baja. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2005 Subaru Baja owner complaints
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Subaru Baja, describing incidents dated February 10, 2005 to December 6, 2023.
Most-cited components
- Fuel/Propulsion System 12 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
- Engine 7 complaints
- Service Brakes 4 complaints
- Structure 4 complaints
- Suspension 3 complaints
Of the 37 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 37 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11559168 · Filed
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact…
ODI #11465414 · Filed
2005 SUBARU BAJA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICES RECEIVED WERE FRAUDULENT.
ODI #11325421 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK, CORROSION DEVELOPED AROUND THE BRAKE LINE. THE DEALER WAS NOT…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Subaru Baja in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA15-001: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since February 24, 2015
- Recall 14V-668
- Recall 15V-284
- Recall 15V-285
- Recall 15V-286
- Recall 15V-287
- Recall 15V-312
- and 188 more on the investigation page
- Preliminary Evaluation PE14-016: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Closed March 2, 2015
- Recall 13V-172
- Recall 14V-428
- Recall 14V-700
- Recall 14V-763
- Recall 14V-770
- Recall 14V-787
- and 3 more on the investigation page
- Engineering Analysis EA09-007: FUEL PUMP LEAKS
Closed July 20, 2009
- Preliminary Evaluation PE08-064: FUEL PUMP LEAK
Closed May 21, 2009
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #20V002000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 127,547 vehicles
Repair completion: 83.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKB-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built May 16, 2002 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #20V001000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 258,813 vehicles
Repair completion: 89.22% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKA-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built August 29, 2002 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #20V003000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 111,562 vehicles
Repair completion: 82.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKC-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built August 6, 2002 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #17V026000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 11, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 69,529 vehicles
Repair completion: 93.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKB-17 · Owners notified March 6, 2017 · Vehicles built April 27, 2004 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #17V016000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 10, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 62,764 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.97% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKC-17 · Owners notified March 8, 2017 · Vehicles built January 5, 2004 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #17V014000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 10, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 53,480 vehicles
Repair completion: 97.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKA-17 · Owners notified March 6, 2017 · Vehicles built May 1, 2004 – April 11, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #16V359000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported May 25, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 146,010 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKB-16 · Owners notified August 24, 2016 · Vehicles built May 16, 2002 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #16V358000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported May 25, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 302,127 vehicles
Repair completion: 94.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign TKA-16 · Owners notified July 22, 2016 · Vehicles built May 16, 2002 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
NHTSA #14V763000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported December 1, 2014 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 4,175 vehicles
Repair completion: 93.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign WQP-51 · Owners notified January 15, 2015 · Vehicles built March 16, 2004 – October 27, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Fuel Pump may Leak Fuel
NHTSA #13E065000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported November 29, 2013 · Airtex Products, LP
Potentially affected: 397 vehicles
Repair completion: 62.72% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Defect description
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
Safety consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
FUEL PUMP NIPPLE CRACK
NHTSA #09V277000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported July 17, 2009 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Potentially affected: 15,761 vehicles
Subaru campaign WVJ-20 · Owners notified October 23, 2009 · Vehicles built March 16, 2004 – April 18, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
SUBARU IS RECALLING 15,761 MY 2005-2006 BAJA VEHICLES. CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTION ON THE OUTLET PRESSURE SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP.
Safety consequence
FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE HOSE CONNECTION. A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP BRACKET INCLUDING ALL NIPPLES WITH A NEW AND STRONGER DESIGN PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Notes
SUBARU RECALL NO. WVJ-20.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Other Subaru Baja model years
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