2003 Subaru Baja Subaru Baja 2003

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2003 Subaru Baja repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (29%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (6%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (0%)

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Chart based on 31 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Subaru Baja.

2003 Subaru Baja engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (18%)

$1000 - $2499 (27%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (9%)

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Chart based on 11 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Subaru Baja 4dr SUT

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

97000 mi

US $150
Thermostat Housing Cover and Thermostat, $190 Valve Cover Gaskets replaced, $200 Replaced Muffler 
110000 mi

US $600
Head gasket leaking oil and water, no abnormal running issues. Replaced head gaskets. This is a common issue with Subaru. Head gasket externally leaking oil and coolant 
194000 mi

US $1200
Head gaskets blown; also performed 100K maintenance (195K miles) including water pump, timing belt, accessory drive belts and pulleys, plugs, wires and all filters. 
200000 mi

US $300
Head gaskets blown again after just 5000 miles. 
2410980 mi Spun rod bearings. Replacement engine on order. 
241098 mi

US $700
Replaced engine due to spun rod bearings. 
188000 mi

US $3400
Head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, tensioners, and clutch 

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2003 Subaru Baja 4dr SUT

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

230000 mi

US $2500
Overheated, cracked block, replaced engine 
151000 mi

US $1700
Replacement of valve cover gaskets, oil pan, crank seal, and rear main seal. 
68000 mi

US $1600
Replace intake & exhaust valves on number 3 and 4 cylinders due to pitting caused by oil deprivation. At same time, replace timing belt. 

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2003 Subaru Baja Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Subaru Baja problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.