Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Exterior lighting recall
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Remedy
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Remedy
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Remedy
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Brakes recall
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Brakes recall
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
19
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a female owner a few days ago. The dealership issued temporary tags on the vehicle with the registration. The vehicle was sold as “as is”. Within three (3) days of purchase the vehicle On Sunday [XXX] while my [XXX] son was driving on a major highway, the vehicle suddenly showed a engine light which blink on and immediately went out. Thereafter, the car started smoking and was engulfed in flames ie: caught on fire. I am grateful that my [XXX] son was able to exit the vehicle safely and quickly to avoid injury. The car was completely destroyed by the result of the fire internally and externally. This created a serious life-threatening safety situation for my [XXX] son, which had to exit the vehicle quickly to avoid injury. Multiple people on the highway witnessed the fire. I am concerned that the vehicle sold to me by Clean Cut Auto (owner Lonnie and dealer Erika Fernandez) may have had a serious pre-existing defect involving the engine, electrical system or fuel system that caused the fire while the vehicle was being driven. I am submitting this complaint so that the incident can be investigated as a potential safety defect involving this vehicle model. 2011 Subaru Impreza VIN# [XXX] Fire Date: [XXX] Registration: [XXX] Location: [XXX] – [XXX] from [XXX] 3.04 miles from New Castle Municipality Police Report [XXX] Cpl Diprima -Troop 2 State Police 302-834-2620 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723119 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
5
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11714471 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
3
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11185557 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
2
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
CONTINENTAL EXTREME CONTACT DW TIRES THAT CAME WITH USED SUBARU HAVE ALMOST NO WEAR ON TREAD, BUT WHEN I ASKED THAT THEY BE SWAPPED WITH THE CAR'S WINTER TIRES, TECHNICIAN SAID THEY WEREN'T SAFE BECAUSE OF CRACKS IN THE TREADS. THESE TIRES ARE ONLY 2 YEARS OLD, MANUFACTURED IN MARCH 2013, AND HAVE BEEN STORED IN COVERED SHED SINCE LATE LAST FALL (SO NO EXCUSE FOR SUNLIGHT DEGRADATION). CONTINENTAL'S WARRANTEE IS ONLY FOR ORIGINAL BUYER, SO WE'RE OUT OF LUCK. DEFINITELY WILL NOT REPLACE THESE WITH CONNENTALS!!!!
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10722337 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
17
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL, BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURE. WE LIVE IN A SMALL ALASKAN BUSH TOWN CALLED DILLINGHAM THAT'S NOT ON THE ROAD SYSTEM. WE (MYSELF AND AROUND 30+ OTHER RESIDENTS) HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET SUBARU TO SEND A TECHNICIAN OUT FOR 2 YEARS NOW TO FIX OUR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. JUST TODAY WE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR OUR BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. WE CANNOT SIMPLY 'GO TO A DEALER'S AS THERE IS NONE. WE'D HAVE TO SEND OUR CAR AS FREIGHT TO ANCHORAGE (WHICH COSTS THOUSANDS AND CAN TAKE UPWARDS OF A MONTH) AND MOST OF THE TOWN CANNOT AFFORD TO DO SO. WE EVEN HAVE A FACEBOOK GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO NEED RECALLED CARS FIXED FROM SUBARU, HONDA AND TOYOTA. WE'VE BEEN CALLING AND WRITING FOR 2 YEARS AND NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN DONE. WE'RE JUST TOLD THAT 'THEYLL SEND SOMEONE OUT'. SOMEONE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE KILLED BY A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG OR IN AN ACCIDENT JUST TO GET THESE ISSUES FIXED.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11205871 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
9
Most reports here involve loss of braking.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 92,860.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11685042 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
2
Most reports here involve fire.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11590793 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 57 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (46) and fewer than the 2012 (243). Of the 14 model years of the Subaru Impreza we cover, the 2013 has the most (249). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.