NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 2 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieves an Exceptional standing on the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 98 out of 100 points. This places it among the top performers for its model year. The vehicle earned full marks in crash protection and for its avoidance technology suite. A minor deduction in the defect record category was the only factor preventing a perfect score.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness received 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 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness ranks 9 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 | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
A perfect crash-protection score of 70 out of 70, coupled with a perfect 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology, elevates the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to a Safety Index of 98/100, placing it firmly in the Exceptional band. This marks a six-point improvement over the 2025 model year's 92/100. The only deductions stem from its defect record, accounting for a two-point reduction. These points correspond to two active recall campaigns: one addressing the power moonroof sliding glass panel and another concerning the liftgate hinge and attachments. Potential buyers should note these recalls, as remedy availability or service scheduling may impact new vehicle delivery. Owner complaints remain modest, with 11 total allegations and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. Four of these complaints pertain to the Electrical System, a trend that warrants continued observation as more owners report their experiences. The Forester Wilderness’s safety profile is further strengthened by its strong NHTSA frontal and side crash-test results, alongside standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness received 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests from NHTSA. While these are the only disciplines for which the agency has published results, no overall or rollover ratings are available for this model year. The rollover dynamic tip result is listed as "none," though a formal rollover star rating has not been issued.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The first addresses the power moonroof sliding glass panel assembly, affecting 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The second involves an incorrect component in the hatchback liftgate hinge and attachments. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Eleven owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 4 reports, Unknown Or Other with 3, and Visibility or Wiper-related issues with 2 each. All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Potential buyers of this model year should prioritize checking the VIN for open recalls. Two campaigns are currently active: one addresses the moonroof assembly, and the other concerns the liftgate hinge. Ensure both have been remedied by a Subaru dealer and request documentation of completed repairs.
- The 2026 model year Safety Index of 98/100 represents a six-point increase over the 2025 Forester Wilderness score of 92/100, the largest year-over-year gain in the current data set for this nameplate.
- Two active NHTSA recall campaigns exist specifically for 2026 Forester vehicles: one for the power moonroof sliding glass panel assembly and one for an incorrect liftgate hinge component, both issued within the current model year cycle.
- NHTSA has not published an overall star rating or a rollover star rating for the 2026 Forester Wilderness; only frontal and side ratings of 5 out of 5 are confirmed, so the overall safety picture from crash testing remains partially incomplete.
- Of the 11 unverified owner complaints on file, four allege Electrical System issues and two separately allege Visibility or Wiper problems, making those the two component categories most worth asking a dealer to inspect or document before delivery.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness places
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester Wilderness years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21697), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester Wilderness 2026.
- 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 9 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.