2011 Subaru Impreza: common problems and reliability

The 2011 Subaru Impreza has 57 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag cvt transmission problems — jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

57
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
5
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Subaru Impreza vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
17
electrical system
9
fuel/propulsion system
6
service brakes
6
power train
6

Recalls affecting the 2011 Impreza

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 19V149000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to ce…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V007000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, G…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V008000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, A…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V009000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Col…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models (circa 2005-2013) with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions frequently praise the vehicles for their practicality, spacious interiors (especially hatchbacks), an

  • CVT transmission problems — Jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption — Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Head gasket failures — A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Rust — Severe corrosion, especially on rear wheel arches and undercarriage, noted as a major issue for older models (e.g., 2008) in regions using road salt. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Weak air conditioning — Inadequate cooling performance, particularly in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza.

Typical used price

Used Impreza listings typically run $12,499–$26,251 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Impreza model years

2023 Impreza2020 Impreza2016 Impreza2015 Impreza2008 Impreza2007 Impreza2006 Impreza2005 Impreza2002 Impreza2000 Impreza1998 Impreza1996 Impreza
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