2003 Subaru Baja Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 21%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,904miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Subaru Baja, 21% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,904 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Subaru BAJA has an intermittent braking problem. When travelling at about 10 - 20 miles per hour it will not stop but just slow down even though pressing the brake as hard as I can. The brakes do not go all the way to the floor. Two days ago I almost hit a car when doing about 10 miles per hour and the brakes failed to stop properly. It took the car about 20 feet to stop applying as much pressure as I could to the brakes. It repeated this problem in a safe area of the parking lot 4 more times before working properly. The pavement was dry. The dealer says there is no problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10063628, filed 2004-03, 8,135 miles“Rear brake line has corroded at the 4 way connector and failed, similar to other models and years that have been recalled. Vehicle is registered and operated in rhode island”
NHTSA complaint #11113043, filed 2018-07, 113,000 miles“Total ABS brake system failure while attempting to stop vehicle in light traffic at less than 20 MPH on dry surface. First attempt to brake met with undue brake pedal resistance with no stopping action. Second attempt met with unrestricted pedal travel to the floor with no stopping action. Vehicle only stopped on impact. The driver and two other people were injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10071145, filed 2004-01, 6,790 miles“Total ABS brake system failure while attempting to stop vehicle in light traffic at less than 20 MPH on dry surface. First attempt to brake met with undue brake pedal resistance with no stopping action. Second attempt met with unrestricted pedal travel to the floor with no stopping action. Vehicle only stopped on impact. The driver and two other people were injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10043567, filed 2003-10, 6,802 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11592745, filed 2024-06Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Baja
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Baja
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology