Subaru recalls 15,000+ 2005-2006 Baja models over fuel pump woes
The Subaru Baja never managed to win over the buying public, but those that own the little trucklet seem to downright adore Fuji Heavy's platypus, so they'll probably want to listen up, as their baby may be subject to a safety recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has discovered that cracks may develop in the Baja's fuel hose connection on the pressure side of the pump. The condition could result in a fuel leak, which could then lead to a fire. Beginning in September, Subaru is recalling 15,633 MY 2005-2006 Bajas and affected owners can bring their vehicles to any Subaru dealer to get the fuel pump bracket – including all nipples – replaced free of charge. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's press release.
[Source: NHTSA]
PRESS RELEASE:
Vehicle Make / Model: SUBARU / BAJA Model Year(s): 2005-2006
Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JUL 16, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V277000
NHTSA Action Number: EA09007
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 15633
Summary:
SUBARU IS RECALLING 15,633 MY 2005-2006 BAJA VEHICLES. CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTION ON THE OUTLET PRESSURE SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP.
Consequence:
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.
Notes:
SUBARU RECALL NO. WVJ-20. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Matt (that likes ford) 6:39PM (7/27/2009)
Does anyone else absolutely love these things?
Has anyone actually flogged it off-road (or on a track for that matter)?
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Farmboy 7:00PM (7/27/2009)
Friend of mine had one, a couple trucks ago. He loved it. The only reason why he doesn't have it today is because he went into a ditch deeper than what he thought it was. :) They do take quite a beating. A lot of fun on the dunes. Too bad they don't make them anymore
Matt (that likes ford) 7:05PM (7/27/2009)
As a matter of fact I'm looking for a used one.
I would love to have one of these in college!
BoxerFanatic 6:49PM (7/27/2009)
I kinda wish I could afford, and find one.
The wife would love it for hauling garden and landscaping supplies.
But like so many Subaru things, it was good, but could have been great.
It should have offered an H6, and bigger brakes and actually been able to pull more than a light utility trailer, considering how small the bed is.
I still wish Subaru would back-half the body of the new Forester for a new version of the Baja. With the 3.6 H6, and robust brakes, and either a strengthened 5EAT or the already strong 6MT.
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why not the LS2LS7? 7:56PM (7/27/2009)
A 236HP 2.5 boxer 4 with a turbo is good enough for a WRX, wasn't good enough for what you want to use it for?
BoxerFanatic 8:10PM (7/27/2009)
A turbo engine is great.
But peaky power delivery isn't as well suited to work duties as smooth torque is.
A WRX, STI, Legacy GT, great turbocharged performance cars.
SUVs, SUTs, etc... a torque-tuned H6 or torquey turbo-diesel is better.
And I wouldn't generally reverse that mix, although a nice H6 tuned for power is a very nice engine.
One doesn't really want to have to launch and drop the clutch to start up a hill with cargo in the vehicle.
adrian 7:00PM (7/27/2009)
Subaru should recall it for looking ugly.
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Brandon 3:12PM (7/28/2009)
Agreed, these things always make me puke in my mouth.
Rich 7:36PM (7/27/2009)
If you think that's ugly, you should try the F150 or Silverado.
Alex 3:40AM (7/28/2009)
They were able to sell 15,000+ of these things?
ForgedInternals 7:01PM (7/27/2009)
I really want one of the turbo ones
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Marc-O 7:31PM (7/27/2009)
I am convinced this is a picture of a speedboat with wheels photoshopped on. Yes.
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Art 7:56PM (7/27/2009)
how are the legacies they're based off of not effected?
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Scott K. 8:03PM (7/27/2009)
I own a 2001 Outback, which other than appearance is mechanically close to the Baja (in fact my Hayes manual covers both in the same book). I'm wondering why they don't recall those, either.
wvuquentin 11:25PM (7/27/2009)
By MY05 and 06, the Legacy and Outback were completely redesigned, where the Baja lingered on the older chassis. Thus, the Legacy and Outback likely had a different fuel pump setup by this point. Note that the 03 and 04 Bajas weren't recalled either. This was just a later model year issue.
Kitko 8:15PM (7/27/2009)
That picture.... for a split second I thought it was a Ford Sierra sedan :-)
http://www.wrc-cosworth.org/dv/history/Sapphire4WD.jpg
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inline6 8:17PM (7/27/2009)
I was one of those who looked forward to the Baja when it hit the concept circuit. However, what ended up in production was abominable. The damn thing has more plastic cladding than the Aztek, Avalanche, and Grand Am GT put together.
It was more expensive than the Outback, but less useful, since its "Midgate" pass-through was about as big as a doggie door. The only advantages to it were for those who carried inordinately tall (but not wide or deep) cargo, or for those who wanted to move a cubic yard of barkdust at a time. That's about it.
Never mind the fuel pump, they should have recalled it long ago over styling woes.
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Chris 8:31PM (7/27/2009)
There is only 1 of these in my city...
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Shiftright 8:41PM (7/27/2009)
They sold that many?
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Shiftright 8:44PM (7/27/2009)
They sold that many?
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