2003 Subaru Baja Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,788miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Subaru Baja, 11% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,788 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“When trying to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated. The dealer reprogrammed the computer/replaced the oxygen sensor and replaced the ecu, but the problem still continued. The consumer stated the timing belt was also replaced, however the vehicle stalled twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10042505, filed 2003-11, 2,575 miles“I am the owner of a 2003 Subaru BAJA with just over 4,000 miles. While the car is at idle, for some unknown reason, it stalls out. This occurred 4 times in two-and-a-half days starting on thursday 4-15-04 and the last time on 4-17-04. The three previous times, I was able to re-start the vehicle. The last time, it would not start and I had to have the car towed to my dealership, classic Subaru-cadillac in atlanta, ga. The dealership advised that I was the 8th person to report the problem and that Subaru is aware of it. The dealership has been very nice and they put me in a rental car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067653, filed 2004-04“While driving, an odor was coming from the vent area. The driver noticed that the steering wheel vibrated uncontrollable. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. The consumer informed the mechanic this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information. The consumber stated that when vehicle is cut off and the key is taken out the engine comes on and revs all the way to the red.”
NHTSA complaint #10091500, filed 2004-10Related recalls
- 02V240000Sep 13, 2002On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.Covers: Subaru Baja 2003, Outback 2003, Legacy 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
- 10016482Sep 1, 2003Rough idle/check engine light after battery disconnect.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Baja
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
5 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 27, 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