NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru Ascent scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru Ascent earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. With zero recalls on file, a full five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, and a perfect avoidance-tech score, this model year presents a strong federal safety profile by every available measure.
The 2026 Subaru Ascent received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru Ascent ranks 24 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 | 95 / 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 | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This score marks a single-point improvement over the 2025 model's 95/100. A perfect 20/20 in the defect record sub-score underscores this gain, reflecting the absence of any recall campaigns to date. The avoidance technology sub-score remains at a perfect 10/10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard features. Crash protection contributes 66 out of a possible 70 points. This is consistent with the vehicle's four-star rollover rating, the sole result below five stars in the crash-test assessments. NHTSA data shows a rollover risk of 17 percent, with a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing. The 2026 Ascent's federal safety record is, at this stage, essentially clean, with just one unverified owner complaint and no recall history. This combination of high-tier crash protection and a flawless defect record distinguishes this year's Safety Index performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent achieved a 17 percent rollover risk in NHTSA testing, resulting in a four-star rollover rating. This stands in contrast to the five-star sweep in every other crash-test category, including overall, frontal, and side protection. The dynamic tip result was recorded as No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21699
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
The 2026 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, as recall filings can be added 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 2026 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. The alleged concern touches Service Brakes, Hydraulic systems, and Vehicle Speed Control. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been confirmed as defects.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
As a current model-year vehicle, this model's recall status requires particular attention. Shoppers should run the VIN through NHTSA's official recall database to verify there are no newly filed recall campaigns. Any future remedy must be completed at a dealer before taking delivery.
- The 2026 Ascent's Safety Index of 96/100 is one point higher than the 2025 model's 95/100, driven by a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score reflecting zero recalls this model year.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for the 2026 model year, with the only sub-perfect result being a four-star rollover rating and a measured 17 percent rollover risk.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2026 Ascent, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Only one unverified consumer complaint has been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, alleging concerns in the Service Brakes, Hydraulic, and Vehicle Speed Control categories, with no injuries or crashes reported in that filing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru Ascent places
The 2026 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 2026 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ascent years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21699), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2026.
- 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 24 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.