NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Forester scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 205 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Forester presents a strong safety profile by every federal data measure available. This model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. With five-star overall NHTSA crash protection and standard crash-avoidance technology across the board, the 2021 Forester shows no recalls on file.
The 2021 Subaru Forester received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru Forester ranks 27 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 205 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 27 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Subaru Forester carries a 17 percent risk of rollover in a single-vehicle crash, as rated by NHTSA. This accompanies its perfect ratings in frontal and side impact tests. The model year earns a Safety Index score of 90/100, precisely matching the 2020 model. This index is supported by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a 10 out of 10 for standard crash-avoidance technologies, which include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects 205 unverified owner complaints, not recall activity, as the 2021 Forester has zero recall campaigns. Owner complaints are predominantly in Visibility and Wipers (76 incidents), with an additional 62 combined in Electrical System and Engine.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, achieving perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance registered 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15635
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
The 2021 Subaru Forester has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has logged 205 unverified consumer complaints for the 2021 Forester. The most frequently alleged problem area is Visibility and Wipers, with 76 reported cases, followed by Electrical System and Engine at 31 each. Sixteen alleged crashes and 8 alleged injuries appear in the record. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
205 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Forester?
Because this is a 5-year-old vehicle on the used market, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Although zero campaigns are currently on file for the 2021 Forester, new campaigns can be opened retroactively, and confirming that any future remedy has been completed at a dealer is the buyer's responsibility.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester specifically, a distinction that contributes to its 14/20 defect-record sub-score but does not guarantee future campaigns will not be added.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent risk figure, is the only NHTSA crash category where the 2021 Forester falls short of a perfect score, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
- The 2021 model's Safety Index of 90/100 is unchanged from the 2020 model year, indicating no safety-data improvement or regression between the two consecutive years.
- Visibility and Wiper components account for 76 of the 205 unverified NHTSA complaints logged for this model year, making it the single largest alleged problem area by a wide margin over Electrical System and Engine at 31 each.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Forester places
The 2021 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2021 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 205 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15635), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2021.
- 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 27 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.