2011 SUBARU IMPREZA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. This model year has 57 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Considering a 2011 Subaru Impreza?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 57 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2011 Subaru Impreza
14 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Subaru Impreza. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Subaru Impreza — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2011 Subaru Impreza has 57 NHTSA owner complaints, 5 crash-related, and 14 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (17 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2011 Subaru Impreza has 5 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 57 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes — 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Subaru Impreza. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2011 Subaru Impreza has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2011 Subaru Impreza
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.