MODEL
Subaru Forester Wilderness Safety
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Forester Wilderness model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Subaru Forester Wilderness we cover (2023 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 98 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 92. 5 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness is a rugged, trail-ready variant of Subaru's long-running compact SUV, pitched at outdoor enthusiasts who want genuine off-road capability without leaving the mainstream SUV segment. With raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, it targets active buyers who need a capable daily driver that can also handle dirt roads and light trails on the weekend.
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness earns MotorCaliber's best-in-class recognition with a 98 out of 100 Safety Index score, placing it in the Exceptional band. This aligns with its federal crash-test performance: the 2024 model achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact testing from NHTSA. However, no rollover rating is available across the 2023 to 2025 model years, a notable omission for a taller SUV. NHTSA records 3 recalls for the 2023 to 2025 Forester Wilderness, a low figure for a three-year production span. Owner complaints present a more detailed picture, totaling 173. These include 19 alleged crashes, 6 fire-related allegations, 12 reported injuries, and 1 reported death. While unverified, the fire allegations warrant continued monitoring by prospective owners. The Forester Wilderness demonstrates strong crash-test results and a low recall count. The lack of a rollover rating and the specific nature of some owner complaints, particularly those involving fire, are areas to watch for updated NHTSA information.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Forester Wilderness as a well-rounded compact SUV that punches above its weight in off-road capability for the segment. They tend to praise its standard all-wheel drive, driver-assistance technology, and practical packaging, while noting that the lifted ride height and all-terrain focus come with some trade-offs in on-road refinement compared to the standard Forester.
- The 2024 Forester Wilderness earns a 98 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, placing it in the Exceptional band, the highest tier in our rating system.
- Frontal and side crash-test scores reach a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the best-performing year, but rollover carries no NHTSA star rating across all covered model years, a notable gap for a raised-suspension SUV.
- Three recalls are recorded across the 2023 to 2025 model years. Shoppers should run their VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to confirm any open recall work has been completed.
- Owner complaints across covered years include 6 fire-related allegations and 19 alleged crashes. These are unverified, but the fire claims in particular are worth monitoring through NHTSA's complaint and investigation portal as the model matures.
Most-recalled year on record: 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness with 2 recalls.