2011 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Subaru Impreza, 16% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I receive my new swp sti with 7 miles on the odometer. Right of the bat not a great taste in my mouth. Didn't get a great deal, finance room had some shady stuff going on. Whatever though, I have my new sti I'm happy enough! Around 500 miles my car, I'm on the freeway in the left lane going about 75 and the throttle vanishes. The car goes in to failsafe mode and won't go faster than 40 miles an hour, in houston, in the left lane, with no shoulder. I'm terrified, but I manage to limp it to a parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10362210, filed 2010-10, 550 miles“Purchased vehicle brand new no 9, 2011. With is a few weeks, several of the dashboard lights came on (check engine, traction control, flashing cruise control) rendering the cruise control and the traction control disabled. Called dealer and they told me to bring vehicle in. When I brought vehicle in the first time, the lights were off and they informed me there was nothing they could do without the lights being one. Within a few weeks the lights came back on and remained on. Brought vehicle for oil change and to have codes pulled jan 12. Was told they couldn't confirm what the issue was. …”
NHTSA complaint #10452630, filed 2012-03, 1,000 miles“Within 10 minutes of starting the vehicle activating the seat heater associated to the driver seat a burning smell began to become apparent in the passenger cabin. Eventually the smell developed into pain in the legs and there was a hole burned into the driver seat. The seat heater was still operating at full capacity and supplying energy to the system as it was igniting the driver seat. This event occured on 140th in renton, washington. The vehicle was on the roadway traveling with traffic when it occured.”
NHTSA complaint #10945798, filed 2017-01, 85,000 miles“Received a recall regarding brake light switch but dealership (Subaru wakefield) has said that they do not have parts and have no plans. I've asked for a replacement vehicle until this safety issue can be addressed and I was denied. I want my car repaired or replaced with a loaner.”
NHTSA complaint #11185557, filed 2019-03“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V738000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11510774, filed 2023-03, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2011, Legacy 2005–2014, Outback 2005–2014 +3 more
- 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2014, Forester 2009–2013, Outback 2007–2009 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
- 11030567Mar 16, 2026This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the…
- 11030561Mar 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 10% |
| 2018 | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 20 | 26% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 34 | 14% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 2 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Impreza
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology