NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.