2004 Subaru Baja

The 2004 Subaru Baja is a unique vehicle, blending the practicality of a small pickup truck with the comfort and handling of a sedan. The 2004 Baja came with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the Baja’s all-wheel drive capability, versatility, and distinctive styling. However, common complaints include the somewhat limited cargo bed size and the issues associated with aging Subaru engines and transmissions.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss (internal or external), white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, resurfacing of the cylinder heads, and checking for head or block warpage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips, burning oil smell, low oil level. Commonly from valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, or oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged

• Turbo Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the turbocharger, excessive oil consumption, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement. Inspect oil lines for blockages.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss (internal or external), white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil. More common in the turbo model due to increased stress.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, resurfacing of the cylinder heads, and checking for head or block warpage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips, burning oil smell, low oil level. Commonly from valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, or oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts, especially between gears 1-2 or 2-3.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, replacement of the shift solenoids, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, unusual noises during clutch engagement.
  • Solution: Clutch kit replacement (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into specific gears, especially 2nd or 3rd.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Sagging Rear Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than the front, poor ride quality, bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Grounding Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering, accessories not working properly, or difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Cleaning and tightening ground connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust bubbling or flaking in areas like the wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate. Common especially in areas where salt is used on the roads.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+, depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate handle breaking or becoming difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tailgate handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, leaking, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (cover) - $1,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Subaru Baja, while a unique and desirable vehicle, does have some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly head gasket failures and oil leaks, are prevalent across both engine options and can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, such as harsh shifting and clutch wear, are also common. Suspension components can also wear out, leading to a reduced ride quality. Electrical and interior issues are less severe but still worth considering. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, but potential buyers should factor in the age of the vehicle and the potential for significant repairs when considering a purchase.