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Body and structurePart report

2003 Subaru Baja Body and structure Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
5%of 38 total for the year
Median mileage
180,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Subaru Baja, 5% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles.

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.

“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that upon inspection the vehicle, the contact discovered severe corrosion to the rear subframe. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to a specialist. The contact was yet to receive a call back from the specialist. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that other model vehicles had experienced a similar failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was no recall for the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11472333, filed 2022-07, 180,000 miles

“Massive penetrating rust thru-out engine compartment, strut tower and frame on a 2003 Subaru BAJA. Subaru has taken months and has done nothing, even after admitting in writting the car should be immed. Replaced and has acknowledged it is a potential driving safty hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #10059924, filed 2004-02

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200628%
2005411%
200325%

Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Baja

Brakes
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Air bags
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Engine
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Baja

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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