Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Subaru Impreza
The 2011 Subaru Impreza is a solid used car choice but has several recalls, primarily related to airbags and electrical systems. Buyers should ensure these issues have been addressed. Moderate complaints about the brakes, powertrain, and engine warrant a thorough inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Subaru Impreza has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 58 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V149000 Brake Lights May Not Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V007000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V008000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V009000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V738000 Power Relay may Fail Allowing Air Pump to Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V830000 Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V311000 Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 17 complaints
- Electrical System 9 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 6 complaints
- Power Train 6 complaints
- Service Brakes 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 5 complaints
Of the 58 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 58 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator recall
How to check: Verify the airbag recall has been completed by the dealer.
Ignition switch failure
How to check: Test the ignition switch for any stickiness or resistance.
Brake light switch failure
How to check: Check if brake lights activate when pressing the pedal.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or long cranking.
Red flag: Engine struggles to start smoothly
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights stay on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and smooth stopping.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed braking response
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth acceleration without hesitations.
Red flag: Stuttering or lack of power
- 05
Parking
What to check: Check steering precision and ease of maneuvering.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any issues with the ignition switch?
- Have there been any brake repairs?
- Has the car been in any accidents?
- What's the history of regular maintenance?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Proof of airbag recall service
- Recent service records
- Proof of brake light switch repair
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2011 Subaru Impreza? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.