NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100. This model year presents a robust safety profile, marked by zero recalls and a full complement of standard crash-avoidance technology. Its strong performance in NHTSA crash testing, where data is available, further underscores its protective capabilities.
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 and NHTSA 5-star ratings in both frontal and side crash tests, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness ranks 3 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 | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieved a perfect 70 out of 70 for crash protection, based on its 5-out-of-5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact tests from NHTSA. This strong performance underpins an overall Safety Index score of 98/100, placing it in the Exceptional band and representing a five-point improvement over the 2023 model's 93/100. A key factor in this year's elevated score is its unblemished recall record, with zero recalls contributing to a defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20. The vehicle also earned a full 10 out of 10 for its standard safety technology, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. NHTSA has not issued overall or rollover star ratings for this model year. While its safety scores are high, 28 unverified owner complaints are on file, with six concerning Air Bags and five related to Visibility/Wipers. These categories bear watching as more data becomes available, though no specific complaint area has yet led to a recall investigation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA in both frontal and side crash tests. These two assessed categories represent the strongest possible performance in federal crash evaluations. The overall star rating, however, remains unrated, as does the rollover risk assessment for this model. No weak scores were recorded in any of the rated categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19388
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness have any recalls?
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory, no do-not-drive directive, and no component-specific remedy has been issued for this model year. That clean record is a direct contributor to the defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
NHTSA has logged 28 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other issues (9 reports), Air Bags (6), and Visibility/Wiper systems (5). Three alleged crashes and one alleged injury appear in the data. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
When considering a used 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness, it is critical to confirm all recall work has been completed. Prospective owners should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool. This will verify whether any new campaigns have been initiated since this data was compiled and ensure all necessary remedy work has been performed and documented. Recall repairs are provided at no cost through authorized dealers.
- The 2024 model year Safety Index of 98/100 represents a five-point gain over the 2023 Forester Wilderness score of 93/100, the largest single-year improvement in recent Index history for this nameplate.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for this specific model year, contributing to a defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 in the Safety Index breakdown.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall star rating or a rollover star rating for this model year trim; the only rated crash dimensions are frontal (5/5) and side (5/5), both at the maximum score.
- Twenty-eight unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with Air Bags (6 allegations) and Visibility/Wiper systems (5 allegations) representing the most specific component concerns worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness places
The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness 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 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness. 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 Forester Wilderness years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19388), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester Wilderness 2024.
- 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 3 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.