NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 2 recalls, and 76 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieves an Exceptional rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 92 out of 100. This strong performance is primarily supported by its crash protection and advanced avoidance technology scores. However, prospective buyers should consider the presence of two active recall campaigns and a notable volume of owner complaints.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness received a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 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 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness ranks 43 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 76 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 43 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness posts a Safety Index of 92/100, which remains Exceptional but represents a six-point drop from the 2024 model year's 98/100. That movement is entirely explained by the defect record sub-score, which came in at 12 out of a possible 20 points, compared to a stronger result the prior year. Crash protection held at a maximum 70/70, and avoidance technology scored a full 10/10, confirming that the structural and electronic safety architecture of this specific build year is as strong as the data allow. The two recall campaigns, one touching child seat anchor integrity and one affecting 18-inch alloy wheels, are the direct drivers of the lower defect record score and are the defining safety story for this model year. The 76 owner-reported complaints, while unverified, include allegations of crashes, fire, and injuries, and the forward collision avoidance system appears among the top reported concern areas, which is notable given that system scored perfectly in the avoidance-tech sub-index. Shoppers should treat the Index drop not as a signal of poor crash performance but as a precise reflection of two open recall campaigns that have not yet been fully remedied across the fleet.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness secured 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, a strong performance in these critical safety categories. Overall and rollover ratings for this model year were not published by NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20208
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The first involves child seat anchor bolts that may have been improperly tightened, a direct child-restraint safety concern. The second targets vehicles equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels that may have a manufacturing defect. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive order, but both warrant immediate VIN verification.
CHILD SEAT25V419000
Risk: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
Reported 2025-06-19
WHEELS25V033000
Risk: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Reported 2025-01-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Owners have filed 76 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year, including reported incidents involving crashes, fire, and injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues, Visibility and Wiper systems, Forward Collision Avoidance, Fuel and Propulsion, Exterior Lighting, and Visibility.
76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Potential buyers of a used 2025 Forester Wilderness should prioritize a VIN check against the NHTSA recall database. This is particularly crucial for confirming the completion of both the child seat anchor and alloy wheel recall campaigns. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle, and their remedy completion represents a critical safety checkpoint for any prospective owner.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index dropped six points to 92/100 from the 2024 score of 98/100, driven entirely by a reduced defect record sub-score of 12/20 tied to two active recall campaigns.
- A child seat anchor bolt recall is specific to 2025 Forester production and represents a direct child-restraint safety issue that requires VIN-level verification before transporting children.
- An 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel recall also applies exclusively to certain 2025 Forester vehicles, making wheel configuration a critical detail to confirm when reviewing any specific used unit.
- Forward Collision Avoidance appears among the top reported complaint components in the 76 unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA, a detail worth noting even though the avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10/10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness places
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 76 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20208), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester Wilderness 2025.
- 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 43 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.