2005 SUBARU BAJA

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Baja. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact walked around the vehicle, and while inspecting the exterior of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was leaned in toward the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear subframe was fractured and missing parts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

2005 SUBARU BAJA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICES RECEIVED WERE FRAUDULENT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK, CORROSION DEVELOPED AROUND THE BRAKE LINE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE ALARM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES SUBARU (706-760-4102, LOCATED AT 4022 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.

THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL. WHEN TANK IS FULL THE PRESENCE OF THE FUMES ARE OVERWHELMING. OTHER 2005 BAJA'S HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I CAN'T PARK IN A GARAGE DUE TO LIFE THREATENING REASONS AND IT COULD IGNITE RIGHT NOW. PLEASE HELP ME.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V016000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.

FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE REFUSED TO DO CHECK FOR CAUSE, THOUGH THEY WERE PAID TO.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

RECEIVED A LETTER 8-1-16 PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STATING THAT PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE AND NOT TO LET ANYONEDRIVE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. MFG CAN NOT GIVE A DATE. WILL THIS HAVE NO END? THEY JUST NOTIFIED ME NOW AND NOTHING CAN BE RESOLVED?

I RECENTLY HAD ISSUES WITH THE SUSPENSION WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, SO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME AND UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING EARS HAVE ROTTED OUT.

I RECENTLY HAD ISSUES WITH THE SUSPENSION WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, SO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME AND UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING EARS HAVE ROTTED OUT.

IT IS A COMMONLY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARUS OF THIS ERA THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE RUBBER FUEL LINES UNDERNEATH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WILL BEGIN TO LOSE THEIR ELASTICITY AS THEY AGE AND LEAK PROFUSELY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MECHANICS KNOW THIS AND IT IS DISCUSSED EXTENSIVELY ON THE SUBARU FORUMS. THIS HAPPENED TO MY 2005 SUBARU BAJA WHEN I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, FUEL WOULD BEGIN PUDDLING ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE DUE TO THE FUEL VAPORS PRODUCED. AS THE ENGINE WARMED THE RUBBER WOULD SWELL AND STOP THE LEAK AFTER A GOOD 30 MINUTES OR LONGER DEPENDING ON THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. I HAD TO TRAVEL WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AT THE READY AND COULD NOT KEEP ANY VENTS OPEN IN THE CABIN. IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD NOT BE REMEDIED UNTIL I WAS BACK FROM MY TRIP. SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO FOR A SMALL PART NEAR THE FUEL PUMP AND TANK BECAUSE IT HAD THE POTENTIAL TO LEAK, BUT THEY HAVEN'T ADDRESSED THIS FAR MORE PERVASIVE ISSUE AT ALL. THE REMEDY REQUIRES A DIFFICULT AND COSTLY REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL THE RUBBER LINES THAT RUN BETWEEN THE HARD PIPES ON THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL CIRCUIT. I SUSPECT THIS IS WHY THEY ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL. IT IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE

STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE

STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM,PROBLEM PERSISTS. AFRAID CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE

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.

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.

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.

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. SUBSEQUENTLY, I'VE HAD THE WATER PUMP, RADIATOR, TIMING BELT REPLACED, AND IT'S STILL OVERHEATING. IN THE LAST MONTH OR SO, IT STARTED LEAKING SO I LOOKED UP ONLINE ANY COMPLAINTS AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REGARDING HEAD-GASKETS, AND THAT SUBARU HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES OR 8 YEARS. TOO BAD FOR ME, HUH? WHEN I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE DEALER (AT 104,000 MILES) THEY TOLD ME THE EXTENSION DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. NOT ONLY DO I RESENT THE FACT THAT I FEEL RIPPED OFF, I RESENT THEM SENDING ME OUT THE DOOR WHEN IT WASN'T SAFE TO BE STUCK ON THE FREEWAY WITH AN ELDERLY PARENT, AND ELDERLY DOG.

IT'S BEEN COLD IN MA LIKE PAST WINTERS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED SINCE OWNING MY BAJA FOR 10 YEARS NOW, WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. I NOTICED THAT WHEN I FIRST START UP MY CAR WITH THE HEAT VENTS OPEN TO WARM IT INSIDE, THE CAR FILLS WITH STRONG FUEL/GAS FUMES. I TOOK MY CAR TO BE SERVICED AT A SUBARU DEALER AND THEY CHECKED ALL THE FUEL LINES; TIGHTENED THEM, BUT COULD NOT FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. SO NOW I RECIRCULATE THE CABIN AIR AND DON'T DRAW IN FRESH AIR TO TRY TO KEEP THE FUMES OUT. IT STILL CONTINUES TO EMIT FUMES WHEN IT'S COLD OUT, BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED IN THE PAST...10 YEARS OF COLD WINTERS AND NOW THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES? SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG AND I DO FEAR A FIRE. *TR

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. MAYBE I WAS LUCKY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU TO SEE IF IN LIGHT OF THIS SITUATION, THEY WOULD POTENTIALLY CONSIDER ASSISTING ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. AFTER A 2 WEEK DELAY, ROB THE CSR TOLD ME THAT PER PAGE XXX OF THE OWNER?S MANUAL THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT OR BACK. ALSO, ALTHOUGH I READ THAT MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HE SAID IT WAS NOT. APPARENTLY, THE COMPANY FEEL NO OBLIGATION WHAT SO EVER TO ASSIST WITH THE SITUATION. POSSIBLY THEY WOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION IF I WAS INJURED OR DEAD. I AM NOW AN EX-SUBARU CUSTOMER. I WILL BE SEEKING AN ATTORNEY TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. *TR

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. MAYBE I WAS LUCKY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU TO SEE IF IN LIGHT OF THIS SITUATION, THEY WOULD POTENTIALLY CONSIDER ASSISTING ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. AFTER A 2 WEEK DELAY, ROB THE CSR TOLD ME THAT PER PAGE XXX OF THE OWNER?S MANUAL THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT OR BACK. ALSO, ALTHOUGH I READ THAT MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HE SAID IT WAS NOT. APPARENTLY, THE COMPANY FEEL NO OBLIGATION WHAT SO EVER TO ASSIST WITH THE SITUATION. POSSIBLY THEY WOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION IF I WAS INJURED OR DEAD. I AM NOW AN EX-SUBARU CUSTOMER. I WILL BE SEEKING AN ATTORNEY TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. *TR

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. MAYBE I WAS LUCKY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU TO SEE IF IN LIGHT OF THIS SITUATION, THEY WOULD POTENTIALLY CONSIDER ASSISTING ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. AFTER A 2 WEEK DELAY, ROB THE CSR TOLD ME THAT PER PAGE XXX OF THE OWNER?S MANUAL THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT OR BACK. ALSO, ALTHOUGH I READ THAT MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HE SAID IT WAS NOT. APPARENTLY, THE COMPANY FEEL NO OBLIGATION WHAT SO EVER TO ASSIST WITH THE SITUATION. POSSIBLY THEY WOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION IF I WAS INJURED OR DEAD. I AM NOW AN EX-SUBARU CUSTOMER. I WILL BE SEEKING AN ATTORNEY TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. *TR

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. IN THE MORNING, STARTED CAT TO WARM CAR UP AND GAS SMELL WAS EXTREMELY STRONG AND WHITE SMOKE ALSO APPEARED OFF AND ON. IN TWO DAYS AND DRIVING ONLY 54 MILES THE GAS GAUGE WAS BELOW 1/2 TANK. IN THE PROCESS NOW WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC TO REPAIR. FINAL STEP WILL BE SUBARU DEALER. NOTE: BEEN GOOGLING THE WEB AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 SUBARU ENGINE WHERE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. I THINK THIS MUST BE A DESIGN DEFICIENCY ON THE SUBARU ENGINE. I AM NOT THE FIRST OWNER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PRESENT DURING THE WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS VERY COLD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS INTERMITTENTLY PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

THIS WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROPPED BELOW FREEZING I HAD A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN MY CAR. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN WARMING THE VEHICLE UP IN THE MORNING. I NOTICED THE SMELL ON BOTH THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF THE CAR. ON THE OUTSIDE IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE BEHIND THE REAR DOOR I INVESTIGATED BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY FUEL LEAKS OR THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. *TR

DURING COLD WEATHER A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ENTERS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR

STRONG FUEL SMELL BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE CAR WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 30 F. FUEL PUMP RECALL DONE BEFORE THE SMELL STARTED. SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE FUEL LINES TIGHTENED. FUMES WORSE THIS YEAR THAN EVER. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NO RECALL. DEALER TOLD ME TODAY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM & REQUIRES FUEL LINE REPLACEMENT @ BETWEEN 600 TO 700 DOLLARS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 09V277000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY, FUEL PUMP). HE TRIED ON FIVE TO SIX OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE REPAIR PERFORMED BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND ON BACKORDER. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. UPDATED 6/1/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. UPDATED 06/10/10.*JB

UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, THE SUBARU MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A FUEL LEAK. THE ELBOW FITTING ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED AND A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED. IN TALKING TO THE MECHANIC AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY INDICATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD INSTANCE OF THIS THEY HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCED IN THEIR DEALERSHIP. THEY ALL SPECIFICALLY INVOLVED THE SUBARU BAJA TURBO AND ALL THREE VEHICLES HAD APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. *TR

AFTER SMELLING A TERRIBLE ODOR IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL WEEKS THAT WAS NOT RESOLVED BY UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER SERVICE STATION AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE SMELL CAME FROM MOLD THAT DEVELOPED BENEATH THE CARPET OF MY CAR. THE MOLD CAME FROM STANDING WATER WHICH I WAS TOLD ACCUMULATED BECAUSE OF A CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAIN HOSE. THE RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE SEATS AND CARPETING WERE REMOVED. THE WATER WAS DRAINED; THE PADDING WAS REPLACED AND THE CARPET WAS TREATED. THE WORK COST ME OVER $700. I COULD NOT AFFORD THE ADDITIONAL $500 TO REPLACE THE CARPET, HOWEVER I WAS ASSURED THAT BY TREATING THE CARPET THE MOLD AND SMELL WOULD BE REMOVED. I WAS TOLD IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS FROM OCCURRING AGAIN, I SHOULD HAVE THE HOSE BLOWN EVERY OTHER TIME I CAME IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. I ASKED SEVERAL TIMES IF THAT WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD YES. SINCE THAT TIME I FAITHFULLY REQUESTED THAT THE HOSE BE BLOWN OUT. NOW THERE IS WATER ONCE AGAIN IN THE FLOOR OF MY CAR. *TR

MY VEHICLE 2005 SUBARU BAJA AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS LEAKING SO BAD THAT I CAN'T KEEP FREON IN IT. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. I NOTICED ON THE ALL 2004 MODEL A FACTORY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BUT I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING FOR THE 2005 ON THE RECALL WEB SITE. I PURCHASED IN 2004 BUT VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS 2005. *TR

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!!!! *TR

I OWN A 2005 SUBARU BAJA WITH 27,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A RATTLE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR AND FOUND A STABILIZER MOUNT TO THE RIGHT TIRE BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF WHERE THE ROD CONNECTED TO IT. IT LOOKED LIKE THE METAL HAD FATIGUED UNTIL IT JUST BROKE. THERE WAS A MINOR INDENTATION ON THE CONNECTING ROD, BUT NOTHING THAT WOULD INDICATE A MAJOR IMPACT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW THIN THE MOUNT MATERIAL WAS. IT LOOKED MORE LIKE BODY SHEET METAL THAN ANYTHING STRUCTURAL. *TR

(1) BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP. (2) ABS FEATURE DISENGAGED BRAKES OVER BUMPY SURFACE, DISABLING MY ABILITY TO STOP AND CAUSING MY CAR TO COLLIDE WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. (3) SUBARU DENIES ANY CULPABILITY ALTHOUGH THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AMONG SUBARU OWNERS. MY BRAKES HAVE FAILED IN THIS MANNER MANY TIMES PREVIOUSLY, BUT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME INVOLVING AN ACTUAL COLLISION. *NM

TIRE TREAD COMING APART ON BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 TIRES. ORINGINAL EQUIPMENT ON 2005 SUBARU BAJA. *NM

THIS IS REGARDING A 2005 SUBARU BAJA TURBO, VIN #:[XXX]. IN SERVICE DATE IS 6/9/04. PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. IN FEBRUARY, 2005 THE PROBLEM FIRST MANIFESTED ITSELF. THIS IS A STEERING CONCERN. ON MAKING A HARD RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN AS WELL AS A K TURN, THE STEERING COLUMN AND/OR WHEEL LETS A VERY LOUD SQUEAL. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A STUCK PIG!! WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD TO MANEUVER ALMOST AS THOUGH IT WENT BACK TO UNASSISTED STEERING. AFTER THE TURN IS COMPLETED THE STEERING RETURNS TO NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE LOCAL DEALER ON AT LEAST FIVE OCCASIONS. THE LAST TIME HE KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A DAY AND A HALF AND GAVE ME A LOANER. BECAUSE IT DIDN'T "SQUEAL" FOR THEM THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO WAY TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS AND/OR REPAIR. FOR A VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW I FIND THIS SITUATION UNACCEPTABLE. I AM FEARFUL THE STEERING COULD GO OUT AT ANY MOMENT WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, OR ANYWHERE FOR THAT MATTER, AND COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT FOR MYSELF OR OTHER MOTORISTS. THE SUBARU CORPORATION HAS OFFERED NOTHING IN THE WAY OF SOLUTIONS.*JB UPDATE 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I DO HAVE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAND NEW SUBARU BAJA TURBO 2005. SOMETIMES WHEN I DRIVE IN THE FREEWAY, I HEAR WINDY NOISE DOES AT 70 MPH IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR A POSSIBLE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE T.O SUBARU DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM HOWEVER THEY DENIED ME THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE WINDY NOISE WHEN THE MECHANIC DROVE THE CAR WITH HIS SERVICE MANAGER. FOLLOWING AFTER THE DENIAL I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE MECHANIC FOR A TEST DRIVE, DROVE THE CAR AND SHOWED THE NOISE THAT I HEARD AND HE AGREED THERE IS AN EXISTING NOISE, AFTER I DROVE THE VEHICLE HE FIRST MENTIONED AS SOLUTION TO BUY WIND REFLECTOR, LATER WHEN I MENTIONED TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THE WARRANTY HE DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING. UNTIL WE ARRIVE BACK TO THE DEALER HE MENTIONED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A LADY IN ANOTHER SUBARU WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE AND HE WILL LOOK ON THE RECORDS WHAT HE DID AT THAT TIME TO FIX THE LADY'S CAR. I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND SPOKE WITH MR. SHUMAKER TO HELP ME TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, HE CREATED CASE # 783649 LATER ON I GOT NOTICED THE T. O. SUBARU DEALER DENIED THE WARRANTY BY THE SERVICE MANAGER; TAKING A POSITION AS HE WAS THE ONE THAT DIAGNOSTIC THE PROBLEM. THAT I WAS TOLD BY MR KEVIN SHUMAKER,I WAS SO IRRITATED DUE TO THE FACT HIS MECHANIC PROMISED ME FOR A FIX INSTEAD HIS MANAGER DENIED THE FIX. I JUST WANT THIS WINDY NOISE PROBLEM BE FIX ONCE FOR ALL PROOF THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA AWARE OF THIS WINDY NOISE OFFERING A CATALOG WHERE THEY OFFER WIND REFLECTOR. I MAY FILE LAW SUIT FOR MISREPRESENTATION AND DISHONESTY TO HONOR WARRANTY IN REGARDS WITH THIS ONGOING ISSUE I HAVE, I ASKING YOU DEPARTMENT TO FOLLOW AN INVESTIGATION IN THE WAY THIS DEALERSHIP WORKS IN REGARDS WITH WARRANTY ISSUES AND INSTEAD OF PROVIDED IT THEY TRY TO SELL EXTRA EQUIPMENT SUBARU OF AMERICA DOESN'T ACCEPT MY CLAIM BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO BE VERIFY BY A SUBARU DEALER AND I'M STILL STUCK WITH THIS WINDY NOISE ON MY CAR. THANK YOU. *JB

DT:CONSUMER HAS A SUBARU BAJA AND THE HAND BRAKE DOES NOT KEEP VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS ON A HILL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 3 TIMES. FIRST, DEALER ADJUSTED BRAKE, BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS ACTUALLY MADE PROBLEM WORSE. CONSUMER SAID THAT VEHICLE ROLLED FASTER AFTER ADJUSTMENT. ON THE OTHER TWO TRIPS TO DEALER NOTHING WAS DONE TO VEHICLE OTHER THAN TECHNICIAN TAKING VEHICLE ON A TEST DRIVE TO SEE THE PROBLEM. TECHNICIAN SAW THE PROBLEM AND SAID THIS WAS NORMAL. CONSUMER HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE HE OWNED VEHICLE. IT WAS BOUGHT NEW. NO BRAKE WORK WAS DONE T OTHER THAN THE ONE ADJUSTMENT THAT DEALER MADE.*AK

VEHILDE ENGINE HAS KNOCKING SOUND WHEN STARTED FROM COLD AND FOR THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF OPERATION. IT SOUNDS LIKE BAD VALVE GEAR AND WE HAVE HAD A "TENSIONER" BRACKET REPLACED BY THE DEALER, BUT I AM NOW HEARING ABOUT A "PISTON SLAP" ISSUE ON THIS MOTOR THAT I CANNOT FIND A REPORT ABOUT. IT WILL BE INTO CLASSIC SUBARU IN ATLANTA TOMOROW TO ATTEMPT A REPRODUCTION OFTHE NOISE AFTER LEAVING VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TO PROPERLY SIMULATE THE COLD-START CONDITIONS.