NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2024 Subaru Ascent scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 48 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Subaru Ascent presents a strong safety profile by every federal metric available. This model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The Ascent secured a five-star overall NHTSA crash protection rating, complemented by standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims. Notably, the 2024 Ascent has zero recalls on file.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Subaru Ascent ranks 9 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 48 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Subaru Ascent?
The 2024 Subaru Ascent marks a notable step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed five points, from 90/100 in 2023 to 95/100 in 2024, both years sitting in the Exceptional band but the 2024 model reaching the upper tier of that range. The gain is grounded in a near-perfect crash protection subscore of 66 out of 70, a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, and a defect record subscore of 19 out of 20, the last of which reflects the clean recall slate. NHTSA's NCAP program returned a 5-star overall rating, with frontal and side protection both at the maximum. The 4-star rollover result, tied to a 17 percent rollover risk, is the single area where the Ascent does not reach the top mark, a common outcome for taller SUV body styles. The absence of any recall campaign for this model year is a meaningful data point: the defect record component of the index rewards exactly that kind of clean record, and it contributes directly to the index improvement over 2023. The 48 unverified complaints on file are relatively modest for a vehicle of this segment and age, though the concentration in Visibility-related allegations is worth monitoring as the complaint record continues to develop.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Subaru Ascent earns 5 out of 5 stars overall in NHTSA’s crash testing. Frontal and side impact protection are rated at a perfect 5 stars. The Ascent's rollover rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19389
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
The 2024 Subaru Ascent has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA to confirm no new campaigns have been opened.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has received 48 unverified owner complaints for the 2024 Ascent. The most frequently alleged problem area is Visibility, accounting for 23 reports, followed by Visibility/Wiper issues at 8. Wheels, Power Train, and Steering each appear in a smaller number of unverified allegations. Two complaints allege a crash; none allege fire, injury, or death.
48 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Subaru Ascent?
No recalls are on record with the NHTSA for the 2024 Ascent. This absence of recall campaigns provides a clean initial safety profile for the model year. Prospective owners should nonetheless verify a vehicle's specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database to ensure no new campaigns have been initiated and that all remedies have been completed.
- The 2024 model year Safety Index of 95/100 represents a five-point increase over the 2023 Ascent's 90/100, driven by a perfect avoidance-tech subscore and a clean defect record contributing 19 of a possible 20 points.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for the 2024 Ascent, making this one of the cleaner defect records in the model's recent history and a direct factor in the elevated Safety Index score.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test, is the only NHTSA crash-test category where the 2024 Ascent does not achieve the maximum score.
- Of the 48 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, 23 allege Visibility-related issues, making that category account for nearly half of all reported concerns and a pattern worth reviewing before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Subaru Ascent places
The 2024 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2024 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2024 Subaru Ascent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 48 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Subaru Ascent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ascent years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19389), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2024.
- 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 9 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.