The Lemon Index2011 Subaru Impreza.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza is better than average by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 58, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 14 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 63 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 62K miles on the car (41 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 14
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
Show all 14 recalls
- electrical 2019
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
- lights 2019
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 …
- airbags 2019
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipm.
- airbags 2018
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2016
The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- brakes 2014
The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through.
- brakes 2014
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 274 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional…
- This bulletin announces design changes made to the rear axle hubs
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza SW AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
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.
2011 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 10473221
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 58; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2011 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (19%), airbags (14%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have?
14 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Subaru Impreza get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,400 and 62,500 miles. The middle report was at 38,000 miles, from 41 complaints.
Does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works