Is the 2011 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2011 Subaru IMPREZA has 75 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (17 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (9 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 14 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2011 Subaru IMPREZA gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Subaru IMPREZA is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Subaru IMPREZA has 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is air bags problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle hit a concrete barrier on an exit ramp from the interstate. the hit was front right of the vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to lock causing the driver head injury. *tr. There are 14 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 5 crash reports 5 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

17 complaints

23%

• THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE HIT WAS FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER HEAD INJURY. *TR
• THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT THROUGH A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. A VEHICLE APPROACHING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING THE COLLISION. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE AT ALMOST A PERFECT 90
• 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG LIGHT WILL INDICATE OFF WHEN SOMEONE IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE HIT WAS FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER HEAD INJURY. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 48 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 55K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Later than typicalmedian 45K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

High-mileage issuemedian 78K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (14)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH28/02/2019

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 certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Subaru IMPREZA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru IMPREZA Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2011 IMPREZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 75 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE HIT WAS FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER HEAD INJURY. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I RECEIVE MY NEW SWP STI WITH 7 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. RIGHT OF THE BAT NOT A GREAT TASTE IN MY MOUTH. DIDN'T GET A GREAT DEAL, FINANCE ROOM HAD SOME SHADY STUFF GOING ON. WHATEVER THOUGH, I HAVE MY NEW STI I'M HAPPY ENOUGH! AROUND 500 MILES MY CAR, I'M ON THE FREEWAY IN THE LEFT LANE GOING ABOUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: WHILE DRIVING HOME TO DENVER, CO FROM DURANGO, OUTSIDE OF BAYFIELD, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT OVERHEAD AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED OUTWARD. THERE WAS NO OTHER TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. THE SUNSHADE (?) WAS CLOSED, SO NO GLASS FELL INTO THE CAR. HALF THE GLASS WAS GONE,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 1. WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STARTED TO SMOKE LIKE CRAZY, AND LOST POWER WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. 2. I HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE, ALMOST 75% OF THESE CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE 3. BROUGHT IT IN FOR WORK AND THE DEALER MADE ME PAY FOR IT BECAUSE SUBARU DIDN'T WANT TO WARRANTY THE CAR! *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 14 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)