NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Ascent scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Ascent achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 90 out of 100. This strong performance is underpinned by robust crash-test results and a comprehensive suite of crash-avoidance technologies. However, three recalls and 39 unverified owner complaints bear consideration alongside these positive points.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Ascent ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, rising from 86/100 in the Strong band for 2022 to 90/100 in the Exceptional band, a four-point gain that reflects a stronger defect record component score of 14/20 alongside a perfect 10/10 for crash-avoidance technology. Crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating. The rollover score of 4 stars and a 17 percent rollover risk are the only crash-test figures that fall short of the top mark, a characteristic worth noting for buyers who prioritize rollover protection in a three-row SUV. The three recalls are the primary factor holding the defect record score below a perfect 20. Two of those campaigns, the front lower control arm and the tire bead issue on 20-inch wheel variants, are specific to the Ascent and represent structural and tire integrity concerns that warrant prompt remedy confirmation. The driveshaft center support bolt recall is shared across several 2023 Subaru models. The 39 reported complaints, including 3 alleged crashes and 2 alleged injuries, add a layer of caution, particularly around braking and the forward collision avoidance system, though all remain unverified allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent demonstrates a strong performance in federal safety tests, achieving a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle’s performance in the rollover category presents a relative weak point, earning 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA data shows a measured rollover risk of 17 percent, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18435
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2023 Ascent. The first targets a potential tire bead defect on vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The second addresses an improperly manufactured front lower control arm, a suspension safety concern. The third involves center support bolts on the driveshaft, shared with other 2023 Subaru models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V436000
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Reported 2026-07-07
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V647000
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Reported 2023-09-21
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM23V392000
Risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Reported 2023-06-01
TIRES23V258000
Risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
Reported 2023-04-07
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has logged 39 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Ascent. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 9 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Visibility/Wiper systems with 6 reports each. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
Three recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ascent, covering issues with driveshaft bolts, the front lower control arm, and the tire bead. Shoppers of this model year should verify, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, that all three recall remedies have been completed. Manufacturers perform recall repairs at no cost.
- The 2023 Ascent's Safety Index of 90/100 represents a four-point improvement over the 2022 model year's 86/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band.
- Two of the three 2023 recall campaigns are Ascent-specific: one covering a potentially improperly manufactured front lower control arm and one covering a tire bead defect on 20-inch wheel trims.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is both a standard safety feature and the third most reported complaint category with 6 unverified allegations, a combination worth monitoring through NHTSA's complaint database.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk is the only NHTSA crash-test score below the top mark for this model year, relevant context for buyers prioritizing rollover safety in a three-row SUV.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Ascent places
The 2023 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Ascent earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Ascent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Ascent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ascent years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18435), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.