CarBrief

NHTSA has 58 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport, and air bags are the largest group[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The model year also has 14 recalls[10], and each one in our data lists a dealer remedy[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24].

58owner complaints[1]
14recalls[10]
19–22MPG combined (EPA)[25]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 58 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Five mention a crash[1]. Two mention a fire and 5 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports. Some complaints name more than one group, so the group counts below add up to more than the total[1].

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Air bags[2] 17 55,000
Electrical system[3] 9 78,000
Engine[4] 6 7,000
Brakes[5] 6 26,000
Fuel/propulsion system[6] 6 not listed
Power train[7] 6 32,193
Unknown or other[8] 5 not listed
Visibility[9] 4 not listed

The small counts matter. No group other than air bags passes 9 complaints[2][3], so none of them is a pattern we can call common.

Air bags. Of the 17 air bag complaints, 4 mention a crash and 2 mention an injury[2]. In the air bag complaints we read, some describe waiting for a recall repair, with owners saying parts were not available or no follow-up notice arrived[2]. Two describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash, and 2 describe a passenger seat sensor that did not detect an adult[2].

Electrical system. In the electrical complaints we read, some describe warning lights, a sudden loss of power and trouble getting the brake light switch recall done[3]. The electrical group includes a complaint that mentions a fire[3].

Engine. In the engine complaints we read, some describe an engine failure that ended with a replaced short block[4]. One owner says this happened more than once[4]. The engine group includes a complaint that mentions a fire[4].

Brakes. The brake group includes a crash report and injury reports[5]. In the brake-group complaints we read, some describe a clutch pedal bracket that shifts at the firewall and makes noise, and 1 describes a car that would not stop[5].

The power train, fuel/propulsion, unknown or other and visibility groups had no complaint texts in our sample, so we do not describe what owners report there[6][7][8][9].

Recalls

The data lists 14 recalls for this model year[10]. Each one lists a dealer remedy[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Several of these recalls cover several Subaru models, and some apply only to cars sold or registered in certain states.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings are the same for the Impreza AWD and the Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD. All versions have all-wheel drive.

Engine and transmission City / highway / combined MPG Fuel Annual fuel cost
4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[25][26] 20 / 27 / 22 Regular $3,050
4-cyl, Automatic (S4)[27][28] 20 / 26 / 22 Regular $3,050
4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd[29][30] 19 / 25 / 21 Premium $3,900
4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd[31][32] 17 / 22 / 19 Premium $4,350

The turbo versions use premium fuel and cost more to run.

Safety ratings

NHTSA publishes a rollover rating for the 4-door and the station wagon[33][34]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year, so this page does not rate crash protection.

Engine and size

The EPA Test Car List gives a horsepower rating for the 4-cylinder engine, and it depends on the version[35]. The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds.

Length, width, height, wheelbase and curb weight for each variant are listed in the Transport Canada data[36][37][38][39][40][41].

How 2011 compares with other years

1995: 46 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 20 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 30 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 30 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 22 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 292 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 62 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2005: 75 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2007: 68 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 213 complaints, 14 recalls2009: 119 complaints, 14 recalls20092010: 46 complaints, 15 recalls2011: 58 complaints, 14 recalls5820112012: 243 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 251 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 108 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 79 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 125 complaints, 7 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Impreza/Outback Sport model year. The 2011 is highlighted[10].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995461
1996200
1997300
1998300
1999220
2000410
2001110
20022926
2003626
2004968
2005756
20066010
2007689
200821314
200911914
20104615
20115814
20122436
20132514
20141083
2015792
2016751
20171257

NHTSA data covers Impreza/Outback Sport model years 1995 through 2017[10]. The 2011 model year has 58 complaints[10].

Recalls are a different picture. The 2011 model year has 14 recalls[10]. Only 2010, with 15, has more, and 2008 and 2009 also have 14[10]. By 2012 the count drops to 6, and by 2016 it is 1[10].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat these as rough comparisons within one model.

Should you buy a used 2011 Impreza?

The 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport has a modest complaint count of 58 compared with several other years of the same model[10]. The passenger air bag inflator stands out in the data, with 9 recalls on file and 17 complaints in the air bag group[2][11][12][13][16][17][18][19][20][22]. Every recall in our data lists a remedy[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24], so a buyer can ask for proof that the work was done on the specific car. The engine and electrical groups are small, but the sample we read shows some serious stories, such as engine replacements and sudden power loss[3][4]. Our data does not cover prices, repair costs or reliability scores, so weigh those separately.

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport[1]. Air bags are the largest group with 17 complaints[2].
Does the 2011 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. The data lists 14 recalls, and 9 of them concern the passenger air bag inflator[10][11][12][13][16][17][18][19][20][22]. The others cover the ignition switch, brake light switch, air injection pump relay and brake line corrosion[14][15][21][23][24].
What gas mileage does the 2011 Subaru Impreza get?
The fuel economy table above lists the EPA city, highway and combined ratings for each engine and transmission[25][27][31][29].
Does the 2011 Impreza take regular or premium gas?
EPA lists regular fuel for the non-turbo versions and premium for the turbo versions[25][31].
Is 2011 a good year for the Impreza?
It has 14 recalls on file, tied with 2008 and 2009 and behind only 2010 with 15[10].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport

Compare all model years of the Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport

Other Subaru models from 2011

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2011: compact cars

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 58 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (5 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 17 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 9 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 6 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,193). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 5 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 4 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V149, filed February 28, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 19V008, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 19V007, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 19V009, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V012, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 17V014, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 14V830, filed December 31, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 14V311, filed June 10, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  25. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 265 to 305 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 2.5i/SPORT/LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,064 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR 2.5i/SPORT/LIMITED HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,064 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR WRX/WRX LIMITED HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,384 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 5DR HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX/WRX LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.