Is the 2011 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2011 Subaru WRX has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Subaru WRX?

Top problems: BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (1 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Subaru WRX?

Yes, there are 11 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, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Subaru WRX 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 WRX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2011 Subaru WRX has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is brakes problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: while driving, three dash lights turn on-abs light, traction control light, and hill assist light. when this happens, anti-lock brakes no longer function along with traction control and hill assist, furthermore, the brake lights do not illuminate.the part was replaced by subaru when under warranty. . There are 11 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BRAKES

1 complaints

20%

• WHILE DRIVING, THREE DASH LIGHTS TURN ON-ABS LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND HILL ASSIST LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTION ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST, FURTHERMORE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE.THE PART WAS REPLACED BY SUBARU WHEN UNDER WARRANTY.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHILE DRIVING, THREE DASH LIGHTS TURN ON-ABS LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND HILL ASSIST LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTION ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST, FURTHERMORE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE.THE PART WAS REPLACED BY SUBARU WHEN UNDER WARRANTY. ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (11)

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Subaru WRX

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 WRX 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 WRX, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: WHILE DRIVING, THREE DASH LIGHTS TURN ON-ABS LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND HILL ASSIST LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTION ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST, FURTHERMORE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE.THE PART WAS REPLACED BY SUBARU WHEN UNDER WARRANTY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: CLUTCH PEDDLE SQUEAKS AS IT IS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR... APPARENTLY ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 08 MODELS SOMETHING CRACKED ON FIREWALL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CLUTCH PEDAL MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN FULLY DEPRESSED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR. IT WILL ALSO MAKE A CLICKING TYPE NOISE WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS ONLY DEPRESSED 25% OF THE WAY DOWN. CAN EASILY BE REPLICATED DAY OR NIGHT, HOT OR COLD. KNOWN ISSUE BUT DEALERSHIP SERVICE HAS NO WARRANT F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: MULTIPLE SUBARU'S WITH TURBO ENGINES ARE EXPERIENCING THE P2441 CEL CODE WHICH IS AN ISSUE WITH SECONDARY AIR VALVES BEING STUCK. THIS IS PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM AND NOT POWERTRAIN SO WARRANTY DOESNT COVER BEYOND A CERTAIN TIMEFRAME. THIS ISSUE HAS ALSO BEEN OCCURING OVER THE PAST DECADE, WITH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 11 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)