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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,432. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Lena, IL, USA

I have a 2006 Baja turbo, obsidian black, 5 speed. It has (60K) on the odometer. I bought it new and loved it from day one. However, February of last year that love was lost. The cel came on and I went to autozone to have the code pulled. It showed PO304. I was told it was a misfire on cylinder #4. I asked the guy there what the cause could be. He said it could be anything from a fuel injector, to the coil pack or a valve issue. I looked up on this forum and there were multiple cases that pulled up. I read what fixes worked for some and not for others. I tried injector cleaner. That did nothing. I installed a new coil pack on cylinder four. It ran better for a short time and then the cel came back on. I replaced all four spark plugs. Once again a short term fix, just a few miles. Finally, I installed a new fuel injector. Again better, then much worse. I took to the Baja to a local Subaru dealer fearing the worst. Sure enough, burnt exhaust valves on cylinders #2 and #4. they gave a rough quote of 5-6K to fix it. I was offered 7K for the truck in the shape it was in. Angered by the whole experience, I sent a letter to Subaru of America and Subaru Japan explaining in great detail the issue and that there were several similar cases noted online in various models of Subaru with the EJ255 engine. I was hoping they would offer some assistance, no dice. They basically thanked for sending them the letter and telling them of the issue. They stated since the Baja was out of warranty and there was no recall for this issue, there was nothing they would do.

- Burien, WA, USA