NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Ascent scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Subaru Ascent earns an overall NHTSA crash rating that, combined with a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, places the vehicle in our "Exceptional" band. A significant contributing factor to this assessment is the complete absence of any recalls on file, a rare distinction that underscores its strong performance in federal safety evaluations.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Subaru Ascent ranks 19 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 | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent holds a Safety Index of 95/100, identical to the 2024 model year's 95/100. That flat year-over-year movement is not a weakness; it reflects sustained Exceptional-band performance rather than a regression. The index breakdown tells a precise story: crash protection contributed 66 of a possible 70 points, a figure anchored by three five-star NHTSA ratings and a four-star rollover score with a 17 percent rollover risk. The avoidance technology component scored a perfect 10/10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment. The defect record component came in at 18.5 out of 20, bolstered by the clean zero-recall count for this model year. The 12 complaints on file are modest for a three-row family SUV and carry no confirmed causal link to any defect. The 2025 year specifically benefits from no inherited recall baggage, which is a meaningful distinction when evaluating a one-year-old used vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance test yielded four out of five stars, with a 17 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20210
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open campaigns, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall records can be updated at any time.
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 2025 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has logged 12 unverified owner complaints for the 2025 Ascent. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System, Engine, Structure, Visibility/Wiper, and Visibility, each with two reported allegations. One alleged crash and one alleged fire are included in those filings. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
While there are no open recalls for the 2025 Ascent at the time of this analysis, it remains prudent for any prospective owner to verify a specific unit's VIN against the NHTSA recall database. New campaigns can be initiated, and it is essential to confirm the completion of any applicable prior remedies.
- Zero recalls are on file for the 2025 model year specifically, meaning no outstanding safety remedy campaigns exist at this time for this vehicle.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 Ascent five stars in both frontal and side crash protection, with the rollover category scoring four stars and a 17 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result.
- The 2025 Safety Index of 95/100 matches the 2024 figure exactly, indicating no decline in the defect record or crash-test performance between these two consecutive model years.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2025 Ascent, contributing a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Subaru Ascent places
The 2025 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2025 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Subaru Ascent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20210), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2025.
- 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 19 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.