NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, securing its position in the Exceptional band. Its federal safety profile is strong, marked by near-perfect crash protection scores. A full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology is integrated, and the model year is associated with only one recall on record.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid SUV HEV AWD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid ranks 32 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 | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 32 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the first model year of this variant to carry a NHTSA Safety Index, and it enters the record at 95 out of 100 in the Exceptional band with no prior-year baseline to compare against. That score is built on a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, and a near-clean defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20. The one point deducted from the defect record reflects the single active recall tied to the moonroof assembly. The crash-test picture is notably strong: five stars overall, five stars in frontal and side categories, and a four-star rollover result with a 17 percent risk figure and a clean dynamic tip outcome. All three major active-safety aids, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, come standard. The 11 reported complaints are modest for a new-model-year vehicle and skew toward electrical system allegations rather than structural or powertrain safety concerns. Taken together, the federal data portrait for this specific model year is one of high crash performance paired with minimal documented defect activity.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash tests. It earned perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact protection. The rollover assessment presents a relative weakness, with a 4 out of 5 stars rating and a 17 percent rollover risk. However, the Forester Hybrid did pass the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21698
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for this model year, targeting the visibility sun and moonroof assembly. Subaru is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles due to a concern with the sliding glass panel of the power moonroof. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data. Owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
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
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY26V346000
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginnin
Reported 2026-05-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
Eleven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with four reports, Unknown Or Other with three, and Visibility and Visibility/Wiper components with two each. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
For the current model year, a recall for the moonroof assembly has been issued. Prospective buyers should consult the NHTSA recall lookup tool using the vehicle's VIN to verify the completion of this remedy prior to purchase or delivery.
- The 2026 Forester Hybrid carries one open recall specific to this model year covering the power moonroof sliding glass panel, a concern shared with the non-hybrid 2026 Forester.
- NHTSA crash testing produced a perfect 5-star overall score for this model year, with the only sub-5 result being the 4-star rollover rating at a 17 percent risk estimate.
- All three federally tracked crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, contributing a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech portion of the Safety Index.
- Eleven unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System category drawing the most reports at four, a pattern worth monitoring as the vehicle accumulates more time in service.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid places
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, 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 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid 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 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid. 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.
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 21698), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester Hybrid 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 32 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.