SubaruBaja2004Overview/subaru/baja/2004/base/

2004 Subaru Baja

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Baja.

Body TRUCKTransmission Automatic (S4)

The 2004 Subaru Baja is a TRUCK that rides on Subaru’s platform and is powered by a 4.2‑qt engine lubricated with 5W‑30 API oil, paired with an Automatic (S4) transmission and EPA‑rated fuel economy of 16/21/18 mpg. In its reliability record the model generated 18 total owner complaints—down from 40 the previous year—and was accompanied by 10 recalls, marking it as the lowest‑complaint year within a 2003‑2006 span. That relative improvement positions the 2004 Baja as the most dependable iteration of the model line.

Model year200620052004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque66-81 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/21/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 430 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 430 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S4)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length193.3 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height61.4 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight3486 lb
Track (front / rear)57.9 / 57.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 21 / 18 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Baja of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.3–7.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.30 sec — 2004 Turbo Crew Cab (41.5" Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2004Turbo Crew Cab (41.5" Bed) 2.5L Turbo F-47.30 sec15.50 sec210 hpAWD
2004Turbo Crew Cab (41.5" Bed) 2.5L Turbo F-47.50 sec15.90 sec210 hpAWD
2003Crew Cab (41.5" Bed) 2.5L F-49.30 sec17.10 sec165 hpAWD
2003Crew Cab (41.5" Bed) 2.5L F-410.00 sec17.30 sec165 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 66-81 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10.4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-5
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts66-81 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub174 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance10,880-14,720 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing10 degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance8 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.43 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity5.20 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Engine Compression156-185 psi
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000
Intake Valve LashSOHC: 0.008, DOHC: 0.079 in
Exhaust Valve LashSOHC: 0.010, DOHC: 0.118-0.158 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket58 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.295; Rear: 0.256 specification
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in / 0.0028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.944 in / 0.393 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.944 in / 0.393 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.866 in / 0.335 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees..80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; spark plugs at 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
Every 9,300 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Steering System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
At 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miWheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2004 model year represents the nadir of owner complaints within the Baja’s four-year federal record, plummeting to just 18 complaints from 40 in 2003 and preceding a rebound to 37 in 2005, with fuel-system categories comprising the majority of those reports. While recalls held steady at 10 units matching the preceding year, investigations doubled from two to four, and technical service bulletins declined modestly to 168 from 187. Across the generation, complaint volume follows a U-shaped arc peaking at launch in 2003, bottoming out in 2004, spiking in 2005, and tapering to 24 by 2006, with 2004 uniquely recording zero crash or fire complaints despite the elevated investigation count. Given its position as the statistical low point for reported issues and absence of severe safety complaints, the 2004 model presents the most favorable risk profile of the production run and is the strongest candidate for purchase among these model years.

10
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
168
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
18
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 18 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel System, Gasoline6
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Air Bags2
Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control1
Steering,Wheels,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Power Train1
Engine & Engine Cooling1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V003000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… 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…

20V002000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 168 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Baja. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Baja take?

4.2 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Baja have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Baja get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined mpg.