NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2022 Subaru Forester scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 93 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Subaru Forester earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it firmly in the Strong category. This score is supported by a full rating in avoidance technology, though it represents a one-point decrease from the 2021 model. The vehicle's recall and complaint record, while not alarming, contributes to a modest defect-record assessment.
The 2022 Subaru Forester received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Subaru Forester ranks 47 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 93 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 47 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Subaru Forester?
The 2022 Forester's Safety Index of 89/100 represents a one-point retreat from the 2021 model's 90/100 Exceptional rating. The shift is narrow, but the band change from Exceptional to Strong is meaningful in MotorCaliber's scoring framework. The crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 is the backbone of the rating, reflecting the five-star overall, frontal, and side results from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment on this year's vehicle. The area that costs the 2022 model the most ground is the defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20. That figure reflects the single recall campaign involving the park and neutral start interlock switch, combined with 93 reported complaints, including 8 alleged crash-related incidents and 6 alleged fire-related incidents. The complaint volume around Visibility and Wiper systems and Forward Collision Avoidance is notable for a model that scores perfectly on avoidance-tech availability, suggesting that hardware presence and reported real-world performance are separate considerations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Forester earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. It achieves five out of five stars in both frontal and side impact assessments. The rollover category presents as a relative area of concern, receiving four out of five stars, with NHTSA data indicating a 17 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16679
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2022 Forester. The campaign targets the powertrain automatic transmission park and neutral start interlock switch. Subaru determined that an insufficiency in this component could pose a safety concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Subaru Forester?
Ninety-three unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged top problem areas include Visibility and Wiper systems (20 reports), Unknown or Other issues (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (12), Electrical System (10), Engine (10), and Vehicle Speed Control (9). These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
93 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Subaru Forester?
The 2022 Forester's safety profile is impacted by an open recall concerning the shifter interlock. This issue, which affects a significant number of units, necessitates that prospective buyers of used models verify remedy completion via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Resolution of open recalls falls to the owner and should be confirmed prior to purchase to ensure the vehicle meets its intended safety specifications.
- The 2022 Forester's Safety Index dropped one point to 89/100 compared to the 2021 model's 90/100, moving the vehicle from the Exceptional band into the Strong band, a distinction driven largely by the defect-record sub-score of 13/20.
- A single recall specific to the 2022 model year targets the automatic transmission park and neutral start interlock switch, a powertrain safety component shared across certain 2021-2023 Subaru models.
- NHTSA recorded 93 unverified complaints for this model year, with Visibility and Wiper systems generating the highest single-category count at 20 alleged reports, and Forward Collision Avoidance accounting for 12 alleged reports.
- The rollover sub-rating of four out of five stars, paired with a 17 percent rollover risk figure from NHTSA, is the only crash-test category where the 2022 Forester falls short of a top score, and it is the one area prospective buyers in high-center-of-gravity driving conditions should weigh.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Subaru Forester places
The 2022 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2022 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2022 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 93 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16679), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2022.
- 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 47 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.