NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness exhibits strong safety performance, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. Its crash protection and avoidance technology categories both received perfect scores. However, a single active recall affecting the front driveshaft is a notable concern for this model year.
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness received 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA frontal and side crash tests and holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness ranks 19 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 | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieves an Exceptional Safety Index of 93 out of 100, its inaugural entry in the MotorCaliber database. This model year distinguishes itself with perfect scores in two critical areas: a 70 out of 70 for crash protection, supported by 5-star frontal and side crash-test ratings from NHTSA, and a 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, attributed to the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The only factor preventing a higher overall score is its defect record, which stands at 13 out of 20. This defect score reflects a single recall concerning the driveshaft and a total of 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Notably, 11 of these complaints specifically target the forward collision avoidance system, a system that otherwise contributed to the perfect avoidance technology score. This discrepancy between the fitted technology's rating and reported real-world issues presents the most significant point of scrutiny for this vehicle's safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieved 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, marking its strongest performance in federal safety evaluations. The overall safety rating and rollover assessment were not rated by NHTSA, indicating an absence of assigned scores in these categories rather than a deficient result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18434
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness have any recalls?
Yes, the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness carries one recall campaign. It involves the powertrain driveline, specifically the front driveshaft, and covers certain 2023 and 2024 Subaru models including this Forester. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V754000
Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Owners have filed 69 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (19 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (11), and Visibility and Wipers (11). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness faces a critical safety concern with an open recall for its front driveshaft. Buyers of used models must confirm through NHTSA's VIN lookup that this recall has been addressed, as the responsibility for repair transfers with ownership.
- The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieved a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70, anchored by 5-star NHTSA frontal and side ratings, but the overall and rollover star ratings were not assigned by NHTSA for this model year.
- A single recall was issued for this model year targeting the front driveshaft in a campaign that also covered certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, and 2023 WRX vehicles, making VIN verification essential for used-market buyers.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the second most frequently cited component in NHTSA complaints for this model year, with 11 unverified allegations, even though the system itself is rated standard and contributes to a perfect avoidance technology sub-score.
- The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 is the sole reason the 2023 Forester Wilderness does not reach a higher Index ceiling, reflecting the combined weight of its one recall and 69 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness places
The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester Wilderness years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18434), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester Wilderness 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 19 of 139 in the SUV 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.