CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Subaru Impreza has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (17 reports).
2011 Subaru Impreza recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk
The brake light switch can malfunction after exposure to certain contaminants.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Certain Subaru vehicles have a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag may explode and send metal fragments into occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator can degrade over time from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Relay can fail, causing pump overheating and fire risk
A relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Most common 2011 Subaru Impreza problems
Problem areas named in the 58 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 17 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Visibility | 4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Engine | 3 |
What owners report
The car was pulling to the right. An independent service center confirmed that the passenger front tire had tread separation at 33,426 miles. Tire size 205/55R16.
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 â New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a female owner a few days ago. The dealership issued temporary tags on the vehicle with the registration. The vehicle was sold as âas isâ. Within three (3) days of purchase the vehicle On Sunday [XXX] while my [XXX] son was driving on a major highway, the vehicle suddenly showed a engine light which
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 or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 92,860.
None
2011 Subaru Impreza questions
Does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2011 Subaru Impreza: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags; Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Subaru Impreza?
Based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (17), Electrical System (9), Fuel/Propulsion System (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Subaru Impreza has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.