NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 68 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, landing it firmly in the Strong category. This assessment is bolstered by its overall rating from NHTSA, indicating robust performance in federal crash testing. The absence of any recalls on record further supports this positive safety profile. While owner complaints have been noted, they do not detract from the vehicle's otherwise strong safety standing.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall crash rating and zero recalls from NHTSA, yielding a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.6% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 68 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2020 model year marks a notable safety inflection point for the Crosstrek. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed nine points, from 74/100 in 2019 to 83/100 in 2020, moving the vehicle out of the Average band and into Strong. That gain is anchored by a crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70, which reflects the five-star overall and five-star side ratings NHTSA recorded. The avoidance-tech subscore of 6 out of 10 is the one area that tempers the total: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard, meaning not every 2020 Crosstrek on the road carries those systems. The defect record subscore of 16.25 out of 20 benefits directly from the zero-recall outcome, which is the cleanest possible result for that component. Taken together, this specific model year presents a measurably stronger safety profile than its immediate predecessor, with the absence of any recall campaign being the single most operationally significant fact for a used-market buyer.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek's side-impact performance was a standout in NHTSA testing. For frontal crash protection and rollover resistance, the vehicle achieved consistent ratings. The rollover risk for the Crosstrek was measured at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing yielding a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14811
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners have filed 68 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The top alleged problem area is Visibility and Wipers, with 30 reports, followed by Electrical System at 10 and Power Train at 9. Six complaints allege crashes and three allege injuries, all unverified.
68 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
No active recall campaigns are currently on file with NHTSA for this model year. Despite this, prospective buyers should always verify the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup portal to confirm that all past recall remedies were completed by previous owners.
- The Safety Index rose nine points year over year, from 74 in 2019 to 83 in 2020, the largest single-year gain in recent Crosstrek history captured in our data.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 model year specifically, a clean defect record that directly contributed to the 16.25/20 defect-record subscore.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year, so buyers should verify which safety packages a specific used unit actually has installed.
- Visibility and Wiper components account for 30 of the 68 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, making that system the most frequently alleged concern by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek places
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru Crosstrek safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 15.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 68 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. 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 Crosstrek years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14811), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Crosstrek 2020.
- 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 71 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.