NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 32 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek registers no recalls, a notable point in its safety profile. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 places it in the Strong band. While federal crash testing results contribute to this assessment, both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are offered as optional equipment rather than standard features.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 70 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 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 | 32 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 70 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek slipped one point on the NHTSA Safety Index, landing at 84 compared to the 2022 model's 85, yet both years remain firmly in the Strong band. The single-point decline is narrow and does not signal a meaningful safety regression. The crash protection component, which carries the most weight in the index at 61 out of 70 possible points, reflects the five-star overall NHTSA result and the strong side-impact performance. The avoidance tech score of 6 out of 10 is the area that holds this year back: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional equipment, meaning not every 2023 Crosstrek on the road carries them. Electronic stability control is standard, which provides a baseline. The defect record score of 17 out of 20 benefits directly from the zero-recall outcome, one of the cleaner records in this segment for this model year. The 32 filed complaints, with allegations touching the Forward Collision Avoidance system specifically, are worth monitoring given that the avoidance tech score is already constrained by optionality. No fire or fatality allegations appear in the complaint file.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a perfect five-star rating. Frontal and rollover protection each scored four out of five stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing favorably concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18430
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive directives associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data is updated continuously and a remedy could be added after this analysis was compiled.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has logged 32 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Crosstrek. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other issues (11 reports), Visibility and Wipers (6), Electrical System (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (5), and Engine (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
32 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
Before purchasing a used 2023 Crosstrek, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been issued since this analysis. Verify whether the specific unit was built with optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning, as trim and package choices affect the safety equipment actually present in the vehicle.
- The 2023 Crosstrek carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a standout outcome that contributes directly to its defect record score of 17 out of 20 in this year's index.
- NHTSA's five-star overall rating for this model year is anchored by a perfect five-star side-impact result, while frontal and rollover each land at four stars with a 16 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on the 2023 Crosstrek, not standard, which is a key reason the avoidance tech component scores only 6 out of 10 and why buyers should confirm what equipment a specific unit carries.
- Five of the 32 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year specifically allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component worth inspecting on any used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek places
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Crosstrek safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 32 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18430), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Crosstrek 2023.
- 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 70 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.