What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2009–2011) Impreza WRX?

Impreza WRX owners have made 10 complaints about the 2009–2011 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with some engine and clutch concerns.

Compare With Other Impreza WRX Generations

Common 2009-2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Impreza WRX owners have to deal with.

  1. Brake Light Switch Defect

    A build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone can disable the brake light switch in millions of Subaru vehicles. This can prevent the brake lights from turning on when pressing the pedal, among other things, and…

    Continue reading article "Brake Light Switch Defect" Close-up of a brake light with a red lens on top, clear lens on bottom.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2009–2011) Impreza WRX Key Numbers

  1. 2 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 10 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 10th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent 3rd Generation (2009–2011) Impreza WRX News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Subaru is recalling 783,000 vehicles to replace dangerous Takata airbag inflators.

    This campaign is part of an industry-wide effort involving more than a dozen automakers and 1.7 million vehicles. The chemical inside of Takata airbag inflators can become unstable over time, leading to violent and sometimes deadly airbag deployments. The recall is for both driver and passenger side inflators in certain 2010-2014 model years, but is limited to certain states.

    keep reading article "The Latest 783,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled with Takata Inflators"

  3. A class-action lawsuit alleges that Subaru’s high-performance engines, found in WRX and WRX STI vehicles, can’t create enough lubrication to properly protect the engines from failing.

    _…the engines allegedly have severe problems with oil lubrication to the bearings and crankshafts which doesn't create enough lubrication to properly protect the engines from problems.…

    keep reading article "Does the WRX Have a High Performance Engine Without High Performance Protection?"