NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 21697
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY26V346000
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHT
Reported 2026-05-28
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V889000
Risk: A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 202
Reported 2025-12-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.