2005 Subaru Baja Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 14%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Subaru Baja, 14% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 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 vehicle has had several defects/problems. The engine valve leaked, check engine lights, auto transmission problems since first purchased inherent to vehicle. Vehicle burns engine oil and too hot.. I am afraid to drive car long distances I currently have 113,000 miles on auto.”
NHTSA complaint #10782176, filed 2015-10, 50,000 miles“My car began overheating, so I had my nephew (a mechanic) replace the thermostat - twice. My next step was to take it into the dealer, and have them check it over. They told me I needed a new water pump, and had droplets around my head gasket, but it was nothing to worry about (that was at 98,000 miles). I explained that I was taking my 91 year old mom, and 17 year old dog to l.a. From sacramento, and wanted to make sure it was safe. They sent me on my way with the assurance the car would be fine. I overheated going over the grapevine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10717466, filed 2015-05, 95,000 miles“During the afternoon of the december 21st ice storm in bozeman montana, my 2005 Subaru BAJA slid off the road and down a steep incline. Although I only sustained bumps and bruises, the car was totaled. The accident could have easily been fatal. The windshield was heavily damaged, the car axles were broken, there was severe damage to three sides of the vehicle. I wondered why the airbags had not deployed. When I researched the situation I found there was a recall on 2005 Subaru airbags. Supposedly a faulty release switch and potentially a release of metal shards upon deployment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670946, filed 2015-01, 148,000 miles“Timing belt and associated parts were changed by licensed Subaru mechanic. In the morning when the car was being warmed up, there was a strong smell of gas. Check engine light was on and cruise light was flashing.drove car to paint shop in san diego and left for five days for painting. Drove the car up to long beach to ship to hawaii. Baja burned 3/4 tank of gas and died off and on.with strong smell of gas.filled costco gas premium in hawaii and drove home with car dying off and onn with strong smell of gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640061, filed 2014-09, 161,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Baja
12 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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