NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
This page covers 12 recalls, 57 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Subaru Impreza.
19–22 mpg combined
10.7–12.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2011 Subaru Impreza, the dominant complaint category is the airbag system, which accounts for roughly a quarter of all filed complaints. Owners most commonly describe airbag warning lights illuminating and staying on, with several reports noting the passenger seat occupant sensor appearing to malfunction, registering an occupied seat incorrectly or failing to detect an adult passenger. The electrical system is the second most-reported area, with owners describing dead or draining batteries, check engine lights coming on without a clear diagnosis, and at least one report of smoke near the ignition. Visibility complaints, a smaller but distinct cluster, center on the sunroof, multiple owners describe it cracking or shattering unexpectedly while driving, without any reported impact or debris involvement.
57
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Subaru Impreza has 12 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side front airbag inflator that can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
This airbag defect is covered across multiple recalls but describes the same hazard: the inflator can explode during deployment, turning the airbag module itself into a source of metal debris directed at the front seat passenger, driver, or other occupants. Two other recalls involve the ignition and electrical systems. A replacement ignition switch with a faulty internal spring can fail, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving; if a crash follows, the airbags may not deploy. On turbocharged models, the relay controlling the secondary air injection pump can stick on, keeping the pump running continuously until it overheats and melts, raising the risk of an engine fire. There is also a brake light switch that can fail, leaving brake lights dark when the driver presses the pedal and giving following drivers no warning that the vehicle is slowing.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator with a different design at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminants can damage the brake light switch, stopping brake lights from working and preventing some vehicles from starting or shifting out of Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake light switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breaking down after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the propellant inside degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The relay controlling the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the explosive propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.