2011 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 57 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2011 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2011 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2011 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Subaru Impreza has 57 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 14 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 57
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 14
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Subaru Impreza?
The 2011 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any known issues or recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any known issues or recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA data for the 2011 Subaru Impreza shows a concentration of complaints related to airbag malfunctions, with electrical faults and engine problems also reported. The data includes 14 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints (17 out of 57).
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue (9 complaints).
- Engine problems, fuel/propulsion system, brake system, and transmission/drivetrain each have 6 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the most frequently reported component issue.
- Electrical Faults appear as a recurring theme in complaints.
- Engine Problems are among the top concerns with 6 complaints.
All 2011 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 17 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] f…
Smoke starting coming from around the ignition.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed…
None
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V738000 (Electrical System). The manufactu…
Battery won’t hold a charge, randomly leaves driver stranded
2011 Subaru WRX STI would not start, the fuel pump connector power pin on the fuel pump melted also burned the connector. Gas now is entering the fuel pump connecter. This is a fire hazard.
I experienced a sudden acceleration issue when parking my car in January 2020. As I was pulling into my parking spot and removed my foot from the gas pedal to the brake the gas pedal quickly went all the way to the floor and the car sped forward despite the fact that my foot was …
THE GAS TANK IS SLOWLY LEAKING NEAR THE SEAM DUE TO CORROSION FROM SALT AND MOISTURE BEING CAUGHT UP IN THERE FROM THE SAME PLASTIC GAS TANK COVER WITH HOLES IN IT THAT CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL. LEAKS WHEN IT IS OVER HALF FULL.
TAKATA RECALL, BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURE. WE LIVE IN A SMALL ALASKAN BUSH TOWN CALLED DILLINGHAM THAT'S NOT ON THE ROAD SYSTEM. WE (MYSELF AND AROUND 30+ OTHER RESIDENTS) HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET SUBARU TO SEND A TECHNICIAN OUT FOR 2 YEARS NOW TO FIX OUR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. JUS…
3 TIMES MY ENGINE HAS NEEDED A SHORT BLOCK REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BROUGHT CAR IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3500-4000 MILES. THE FIRST ENGINE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT 26,250 MI. I NOTICED A KNOCKING SOUND AND BROUGHT TO SUBARU DEALER. DIAGNOSIS: "BEARI…
TAKATA RECALL: PER THE NOTIFICATION I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL, I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE NECESSARY WORK PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS FARRISH SUBARU IN FAIRFAX, VA. I SCHEDULED MY APPOINTMENT LAST NIGHT FOR MARCH 25. I RECEIVED …
RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BUT DEALERSHIP (SUBARU WAKEFIELD) HAS SAID THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS AND HAVE NO PLANS. I'VE ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL THIS SAFETY ISSUE CAN BE ADDRESSED AND I WAS DENIED. I WANT MY CAR REPAIRED OR REPLACED WITH A LOANE…
RECENT 90K MILE SERVICE REVEALED THE NEED FOR TRANSMISSION LINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT IS STARTING TO LEAK. WITH TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS ON 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA FOR BRAKE LINE CORROSION (WQK47 AND WQQ52), WOULD THE TRANSMISSION LINE ALSO BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SIMILAR CORROSION PROBLEMS?
WEARING MY SEAT BELT, I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL GOING 50 MPH AND REAR ENDED AN SUV IN FRONT OF ME AND SIDE SWIPED ANOTHER CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. BOTH FRONT TIRES BUSTED, HOOD SMASHED IN, BOTH HEAD LIGHT BROKEN OUT, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID CONTAINER COMPLETELY ON GROUND, MOTOR PUSH…
"TAKATA RECALL" NEED TO KNOW IF MY AIRBAG WILL HARM ME IF EVER INFLATED.
AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED LACERATION ON MY FACE- PLASTIC OR AIRBAG CUT MY FACE OPEN
THE HEAT SHIELDS ON THE EXHAUST PIPES AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLE AT TIMES VERY LOUD, ANY RE-CALLS?
TAKATA RECALL. AFTER INFORMING ME IN JULY 2016 THAT THE AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED, SUBARU HAS STILL NOT REPAIRED THE DEFECT AND WILL NOT GIVE A TIMELINE ON WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. I KNOW THAT OTHER PEOPLE WITH SUBARUS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THEIRS REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MAN…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Subaru Impreza.
2011 Subaru Impreza Recalls
14 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. 14 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 57 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 14 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (17 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (9 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 57 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 14 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2011 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.