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).

Is 2011 a good year for the Impreza?

Across the 13 Impreza model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2023) to 300 (2002). With 57 complaints, the 2011 Impreza sits belowthe model's median of 68.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

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…

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza. See the full Impreza owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

Other Impreza model years

Compare every Impreza year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Impreza against its rivals