NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness achieves an exceptional federal safety profile, earning a perfect 100/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This score reflects an absence of recalls, indicating a strong defect record, and the standard inclusion of crash-avoidance technology across all trims. For consumers prioritizing NHTSA-measured protection, the 2026 Crosstrek Wilderness presents as a highly secure option.
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100 and a 5-out-of-5 NHTSA frontal crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 100 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness posts a Safety Index of 100/100, a one-point gain over the 2025 model's 99/100, both in the Exceptional band. That marginal but meaningful uptick reflects a perfect score across all three index pillars: crash protection at 70/70, avoidance technology at 10/10, and defect record at 20/20. The defect record component is particularly notable because zero recalls have been filed against this model year, a clean slate that is harder to maintain as a vehicle ages into the fleet. The frontal crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the one published NHTSA NCAP result for this year, and it is the strongest possible outcome. Overall, side, and rollover ratings remain unpublished, so the crash protection score draws on the data NHTSA has confirmed. All three primary crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment, accounting for the full avoidance tech score. Three unverified complaints have reached NHTSA, spread across forward collision avoidance, seat belts, and lane departure, none alleging physical harm. At this stage in the model year, the 2026 Crosstrek Wilderness stands as one of the stronger federal safety profiles in the compact SUV segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness achieved a 5-out-of-5 star rating in frontal crash protection, the highest possible score in that category. This is the only crash-test result NHTSA has published for the model year. Overall, side, and rollover protection remain unrated by the agency; no data are available for these categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21693
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness have any recalls?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued. This clean recall record directly contributes to a perfect defect record score of 20/20 in the Safety Index. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
NHTSA has received 3 unverified consumer complaints for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Alleged issues touch three separate components: Forward Collision Avoidance, Seat Belts, and Lane Departure. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
As a current-model-year vehicle, the potential for future recall campaigns remains. Owners should verify any open recalls by checking the VIN against the NHTSA database and ensure all remedies are completed by a franchised dealer.
- The 2026 model year gained one index point over the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness, moving from 99/100 to a perfect 100/100, driven by a zero-recall defect record and full avoidance-tech credit.
- NHTSA has published only the frontal crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars for this model year; overall, side, and rollover ratings are not yet rated, so the crash picture is partially complete.
- Three unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed against the 2026 model year, alleging concerns with forward collision avoidance, seat belts, and lane departure, with no injuries or deaths alleged in any report.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, earning the maximum 10/10 avoidance technology score in the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness places
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 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 Crosstrek Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. 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 Crosstrek Wilderness years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21693), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness 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 5 of 72 in the Sedan 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.