2005 Subaru Baja Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,671miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Subaru Baja, 5% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,671 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.
“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“Drive shaft failure/. Started making horrible sound. Next thing I know drive shaft comes out!!!! Traveling 70 MPH on the highway. Almost died when I lost control of the vehicle. '05 suburu BAJA w/ 90,000 miles on it. Very scary event!!!! This does not seem right that a car that has been maintained and serviced regularly would have this type of failure and that suburu is not more concerned about my situation!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10207718, filed 2007-11, 91,342 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10150949Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10150924Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Baja
12 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
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 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