SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Impreza airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Subaru Impreza have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Impreza | 25 |
| 2008 Impreza | 39 |
| 2009 Impreza | 12 |
| 2010 Impreza | 5 |
| 2011 Impreza (this page) | 16 |
| 2012 Impreza | 91 |
| 2013 Impreza | 65 |
| 2014 Impreza | 35 |
| 2015 Impreza | 4 |
4crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 16 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Impreza, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004-2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two airbag non-deployment events in frontal crashes. One driver hit another vehicle at nearly 90 degrees through an intersection—severe damage to bumper, grill, headlights, radiator, fenders, and hood—yet no bags deployed; the responding officer and tow driver were surprised. Another driver rear-ended an SUV at ~50 mph and sideswiped a car, destroying both front tires, hood, headlights, frame damage, and motor pushed back, with zero airbag activation. A third collision involved a front-right barrier impact that failed to deploy airbags and also failed to lock the seatbelt, resulting in head injury.
Separately, one owner reports the passenger-side occupancy sensor fails to detect a 115-pound adult more than half the time, keeping the passenger airbag off; it only activates after the passenger bounces vigorously on the seat multiple times.
The Takata recall (Campaign 16V358000), issued in mid-2016, created a secondary crisis: remedy parts remained unavailable months after notification. Owners report 8–14-month waits with dealerships unable to provide timelines, multiple appointment cancellations, and promised second notices never arriving. One owner was told to schedule a repair but then asked to wait until May—two months out—while another was stuck without their vehicle during a dealer shipment hold. Owners expressed frustration and concern about driving with a known defective airbag system.
Same Subaru Impreza airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags fail to deploy in frontal impacts
Front airbags do not deploy during frontal collisions despite severe damage indicating crash severity that should trigger deployment. Reported in at least two separate crashes—one head-on and one rear-end/sideswipe—with extensive structural damage but no airbag activation.
When: During collision events
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite 90-degree frontal impact with extensive damage to bumper, grill, headlights, radiator, fenders, hood; No airbags deployed during rear-end collision at ~50 mph with hood damage, motor pushed back, frame bent; Police officer and tow truck driver reported surprise that bags did not deploy; No powder or movement observed from airbags
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided by owners; failure occurred during actual collision events.
Passenger airbag occupancy sensor malfunction
Passenger-side occupancy detection sensor fails to detect properly seated adult passengers, leaving the passenger airbag disabled more than 50% of the time. Sensor only activates after passenger bounces vigorously on the seat multiple times.
When: Intermittently during normal vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag remains off with 'passenger airbag off' light illuminated even when full-grown adult (~115 lbs) is seated; Sensor activates only after passenger bounces on seat multiple times; Problem occurs both while stationary and in motion; Intermittent airbag off indicator despite passenger present
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; owners reported the hazard without repair completion.
Takata recall—parts unavailability and repair delays
NHTSA Campaign 16V358000 (Takata airbag recall) issued in June–July 2016 but repair remedy parts unavailable for extended periods. Owners report waiting 8+ months with no repair timeline, multiple appointment cancellations, and lack of communication about parts availability or expected repair dates.
When: Recall issued June–July 2016; owners report waiting 8–14+ months without resolution as of 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Owners notified of recall but parts not available for repair; Dealership unable to provide timeline for parts arrival; Multiple appointment cancellations due to missing parts; Owners unable to use passenger side of vehicle during recall hold; Second notification promised for parts availability not received
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V358000
Repairs/costs cited: Remedy parts unavailable; Putnam Subaru (San Francisco), Farrish Subaru (Fairfax, VA), and West Herr Subaru (Orchard Park, NY) all reported inability to obtain parts despite months on order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V358000 (Takata airbag recall); owners not provided with timeline or second notice as promised
Airbag deployment injury
Airbag deployment caused laceration to driver's face, with unclear whether injury was from airbag material itself or plastic component.
When: During airbag deployment event
Symptoms owners cite: Laceration to face upon airbag deployment; Possible sharp edge or plastic from airbag or deployment mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Seatbelt failure during collision
Seatbelt failed to lock during frontal barrier impact, contributing to driver head injury despite airbag non-deployment.
When: During front-right impact with concrete barrier on interstate exit ramp
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt did not lock during frontal impact; Driver sustained head injury
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
"takata recall" I received this mailing in june 2016 and have not heard anymore about this recall.west herr Subaru in orchard park ny said they have ordered the parts for my car months ago. I have not heard back from west herr Subaru or Subaru themselfes. I am not suppost to have anybody in the front seat but this has become a problem since I have 5 people to transfer sometimes. Do I have any…
"takata recall" need to know if my airbag will harm me if ever inflated.
Airbag deployed and caused laceration on my face- plastic or airbag cut my face open
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Subaru impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…
Takata recall. After informing me in july 2016 that the airbag has been recalled, Subaru has still not repaired the defect and will not give a timeline on when the parts will be available. I know that other people with subarus have been able to get theirs repaired in a timely manner, but I have now gone over 14 months without the use of my front, passenger side seat. Putnam Subaru in san…
The vehicle hit a concrete barrier on an exit ramp from the interstate. The hit was front right of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to lock causing the driver head injury. *tr
Takata recall - recall status: recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available this is completely ridiculous, looks like I am putting myself and anyone in my car in harms way if I drive this car. What can I do ? What should I do ?
"takata recall" it is imperative that I receive my car in a timely manner. As a veteran with no job, it is difficult for me to get from location to location with no vehicle. Not having a vehicle has a negative effect on my life; which is causing undue stress and hardship. I believe that halting my vehicle from shipment without a sufficient amount of time to resolve the issue is unfair to myself…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 Subaru Impreza?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 Subaru Impreza?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 52,580 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Impreza.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.