2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2011 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Subaru WRX has 9 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are EJ255 Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Clogged Banjo-Bolt Filter Screen Causing Turbo Failure and AVCS Timing Codes ($150-$2,500 repair), EJ255 Oil Pickup Tube Brazed-Joint Cracking Leading to Oil Starvation and Spun Rod Bearings ($300-$8,000 repair), Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Joint from Salt-Water Intrusion Causing Fluid Leak and Long Pedal (Recall 14V-311) ($0-$600 repair) and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Subaru WRX has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ255 Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Clogged Banjo-Bolt Filter Screen Causing Turbo Failure and AVCS Timing Codes, EJ255 Oil Pickup Tube Brazed-Joint Cracking Leading to Oil Starvation and Spun Rod Bearings, Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Joint from Salt-Water Intrusion Causing Fluid Leak and Long Pedal (Recall 14V-311). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2011 Subaru WRX has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: EJ255 Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Clogged Banjo-Bolt Filter Screen Causing Turbo Failure and AVCS Timing Codes and EJ255 Oil Pickup Tube Brazed-Joint Cracking Leading to Oil Starvation and Spun Rod Bearings and Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Joint from Salt-Water Intrusion Causing Fluid Leak and Long Pedal (Recall 14V-311) and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru WRX issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ255 Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Clogged Banjo-Bolt Filter Screen Causing Turbo Failure and AVCS Timing Codes, typically costs $150-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
On the EJ255-powered WRX (2006-2014), the turbocharger oil-supply banjo (union) bolt and the AVCS oil-supply banjo bolts contain small mesh filter screens. Over time the screens load up with sludge and debris, restricting oil flow to the turbo center section (and to the AVCS cam-… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: high.
The factory oil pump pickup tube on 2008-2014 EJ255 WRX engines is a thin steel tube with a brazed joint that can crack with heat cycling and vibration. A cracked pickup sucks air instead of oil, dropping oil pressure under load and cornering, which starves the rod bearings. Owne… Repairs typically run $300-$8,000. Severity: high.
On 2008-2014 Impreza WRX (and 2008-2011 Impreza, 2009-2013 Forester) operated in salt-belt states, salty water can splash through a gap in the fuel tank protector onto the brake-line four-way joint connector, corroding the lines until brake fluid leaks. Owners notice a sinking pe… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.
Impreza WRX models from roughly 2003 through 2014 were built with Takata phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate airbag inflators (driver and/or passenger side, depending on year and expansion phase). After years of humidity and temperature cycling the propellant degrades and the infla… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Turbo EJ255/EJ257 WRX models equipped with the secondary air injection system commonly develop failures of the air pump, pressure sensor, or the air switching valves. Moisture intrusion and corrosion can cause the valves to stick or the pump to seize, which sets emissions faults… Repairs typically run $700-$2,200. Severity: medium.
Turbo WRX intake manifolds carry tumble generator valves — butterfly plates in each runner driven by a small electric actuator with a position sensor. The original valve shaft material corrodes from EGR/condensation and binds, or the actuator motor/sensor fails, and the ECU logs… Repairs typically run $350-$1,200. Severity: medium.
A common WRX complaint is a groaning or whining power steering system, especially when cold, often traced to the pump inlet O-ring or suction hose allowing air into the system. Aerated fluid becomes foamy in the reservoir and steering assist can feel inconsistent or heavy at low… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.
Owners of the WRX 5-speed (2008-2014 GR/GV) and 6-speed manual (2015+ VA WRX and the STI 6MT) gearboxes widely report grinding or 'crunching' when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, worst on higher-RPM/aggressive shifts and when the transmission is cold. The root cause is premature w… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.
Many 2002-2014 WRX owners report coolant leaks from the crimped plastic end tanks of the factory radiator, especially as the car ages and sees repeated heat cycles. Cracks often form near the upper tank seam or hose neck, leading to a sweet coolant smell, low coolant level, and e… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
