NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2019 Subaru Forester scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 831 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Subaru Forester achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. NHTSA crash protection ratings are excellent across most categories, complemented by the standard inclusion of all three key crash avoidance technologies. This positive safety profile is somewhat moderated by the presence of three recalls, though none necessitated a do-not-drive order.
The 2019 Subaru Forester received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Subaru Forester ranks 19 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 831 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Subaru Forester?
The 2019 Forester represents a full redesign year, and the NHTSA data reflect a vehicle that performed strongly at launch. The Safety Index of 87/100 in the Strong band is anchored by a near-maximum crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, the result of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment rather than optional. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the one area that pulls the overall Index back, driven by three recall campaigns spanning 2019 through 2021. The steering recall issued in February 2019 is notable because it arrived almost immediately after the model year launched, suggesting a manufacturing-stage defect in the EPS connector. The 831 total complaints, including 35 alleged crashes and 1 alleged death, are unverified allegations but the concentration of 370 reports in the Visibility and Wiper category is a pattern worth noting for any prospective buyer. No prior-year Index is on file for comparison, so year-over-year movement cannot be stated.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Forester achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and side crash tests both yielded perfect 5-star scores, the rollover resistance assessment presented a more modest 4 out of 5 stars. This included a measured rollover risk of 17 percent, though the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13404
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The earliest, issued in early 2019, targets the Electronic Power Steering connector. A second 2019 campaign addresses an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation component in the engine. A third recall, issued in 2021, concerns rear suspension on certain Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data.
SUSPENSION:REAR21V263000
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Reported 2021-04-15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)19V856000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Reported 2019-12-02
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM19V065000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Reported 2019-02-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has logged 831 unverified consumer complaints against this model year. The most-reported category by a wide margin is Visibility and Wipers, with 370 alleged incidents. Electrical System and Engine follow, with 134 and 106 reported allegations respectively. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
831 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Subaru Forester?
Before considering any purchase of this 7-year-old vehicle, a VIN check via NHTSA's recall lookup tool is essential. The three recall campaigns issued for this model, including the significant 2021 rear suspension recall, may not have been addressed by previous owners. Buyers should confirm remedy completion in writing before finalizing a transaction.
- The 2019 Forester was recalled for an Electronic Power Steering connector defect within weeks of its model-year launch, making EPS remedy verification a priority VIN check for used buyers.
- A 2021 rear suspension recall added a third open campaign to this model year well after initial sale, meaning many used examples may still carry an unresolved remedy.
- Visibility and Wiper components account for 370 of the 831 unverified consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, a disproportionate concentration that stands out relative to other categories.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, not trim-dependent options.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Subaru Forester places
The 2019 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2019 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Subaru Forester earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 831 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13404), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2019.
- 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 19 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- 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.