Brake fluid low (light on), added fluid. A week later the fluid is low again. Found recalls for this year Outback with similar potential problem. Upon inspection it appears that fluid is leaking at or near the coupler near the passenger rear wheel well. The BAJA is mechanically the same as the Outback. This model should be included on theses recalls. the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V110000 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V311000
The worst 2006 Subaru Baja problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine8
- Suspension5
- Airbags3
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine8
- Suspension5
- Airbags3
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
- Body2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Recalls 9
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Recall number 20V001000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Recall number 20V002000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Recall number 20V003000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Recall number 17V026000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Recall number 17V014000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.
Recall number 17V016000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑856‑488‑8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Recall number 16V358000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑856‑488‑8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V‑358 for Zone A.
Recall number 16V359000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling 15,761 my 2005-2006 baja vehicles. Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection on the outlet pressure side of the fuel pump.
- Risk
- Fuel can leak from the hose connection. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket including all nipples with a new and stronger design part. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during september 2009. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 09V277000 · Recall details
See all 9 recalls for the 2006 Subaru Baja
Defect investigations
Fuel pump leaks
Subaru will conduct a safety recall (09v‑277) on all 15, 633 model year (my) 2005 and my 2006 baja vehicles, including turbo and non-turbo models.subaru has identified a defect in which cracks develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in a pressurized leak of gasoline from the fuel pump.subaru's analysis of sample parts collected from the field confirmed the issue to be limited to my 2005 and my 2006 vehicles only.subaru dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket, including all nipples, with a version that has been modified for increased strength.please see subaru's defect report in the recall file (09v‑277) for more details.this investigation is closed.
EA09007
Fuel pump leak
Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in the leakage of gasoline from the fuel pump.as a result of additional reports and other information provided by subaru in response to the agency's investigation, this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea 09-007.
PE08064
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Subaru Baja 131
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration
- This announcement provides information on the connected services platform for Subaru EVs.
- This bulletin provides a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES)...
- This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but...
- This announcement provides information on DCM replacememts due to a parasitic draw.
- This announcement provides information on an outage affecting the Subaru Select Monitor 5 application.
- This Service Information Bulletin announces the availability of ThreeBond 1216J (SOA868V9640) designed for...
- This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a...
- This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
2006 Subaru Baja fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 16-20 | 21-26 | 18-22 |
What 2006 Subaru Baja owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I had my headlight repaired at the dealership on 3/18/20. While there they did a complimentary safety inspection of the vehicle and it passed with flying colors. I drove the car home and parked it in the carport. I noticed a few days later that the driver's side rear tire was tipped in on the top. I brought the vehicle to a mechanic who informed me that the subframe was totally rusted out and caused the tire to be rubbing against the inside of the wheel well, which ruined a brand new tire. I now have to have the whole subframe replaced in order to be able to drive the vehicle as the subframe totally rusted out. The same thing happened to a friend of mine who had a 2003 baja. She ended up junking the vehicle. I have not received a quote from the mechanic yet on the repairs.
If the gas cap is not securely tighten and I mean tighten hard. The car will stop operating within 5 sec ish. This is not good, no matter where u are driving. Not enuff time to pull over safely. This has happened to me at least 4-5 times now.
I had the head gaskets and timing belt replaced at 142,000 miles. Brand new. I put oil in my car every time I filled up with gas, as I was told subarus burn a lot of oil. The low light never came on, never had a check engine light come on. Three months later, at 145,000, without any indication that something is wrong, going 70 on the freeway, in 5th gear, I hear a "pop" sound and my car starts to lose power, smoke is coming from the engine. I get pulled over, safely thank goodness, and car dies. No longer will turn on. Smoke is pouring from the engine. I am towed to the mechanics where they tell me they "think" a rod bearing through a rod through the engine. Not sure is this could be caused by the recall, but something did. I'm quite frustrated at this car, not to mention, the cost. So. I am checking. Thank you.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 subaru baja. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called larichie subaru (920 plaza st, findlay, oh 45840, (419) 423-5656) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Sub frame on drivers side rear rusted through and broke at upper support main arm resulting making tire wobble and rubbing on strut spring.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 subaru baja. While the gear shifter was in reverse, the accelerator pedal was depressed and a grinding noise was heard from the front driver's side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger side bearing was hooked onto the universal shaft, and the universal joint and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v277000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact called riley subaru at (563) 588-2326 (4455 dodge st, dubuque, ia 52003) where it was confirmed that the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact inquired about a recall for the universal joint and drive shaft, but there was none. The contact was advised to call the federal safety agency. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,432. Parts distribution disconnect.
Frame that holds motor mount and steering components to front wheels is rusted so badly, it will not pass annual inspection.
I bought this car a few years ago. I bought a well maintained subaru that was in perfect condition.. About a year ago it started leaking oil found out the head gaskets were leaking. Had them replaced and it still leaks. Subaru was contacted and they offered some money off a new subaru. My car is work significantly less from this problem. And I to try to fix it again. Could be a fire hazard.
Takata recall: received notice of passenger-side front seat airbag recall in july 2016; use of passenger front seat restricted since then. I understand backlog, but six months?
Compare the 2006 Subaru Baja
Other model years
Questions about the 2006 Subaru Baja
Is the 2006 Subaru Baja reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2006 Subaru Baja, fewer than a typical Baja model year.
What is the 2006 Subaru Baja year score?
The 2006 Subaru Baja scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Baja: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Subaru Baja?
Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 58,540 miles. Next is suspension (5).
How many recalls does the 2006 Subaru Baja have?
9 recalls, covering air bags and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Subaru Baja get?
Official estimates for the 2006 Subaru Baja range from 18 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 16-20 city and 21-26 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2006 Subaru Baja?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history