NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2024 Subaru Forester scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Subaru Forester earned an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, supported by standard crash-avoidance technology across all trim levels.
The 2024 Subaru Forester received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Subaru Forester ranks 26 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Subaru Forester?
The 2024 Subaru Forester marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring, climbing to 92/100 in the Exceptional band from the 2023 model year's 89/100 in the Strong band. That three-point gain crosses a band boundary, which is notable. The improvement is anchored by a near-perfect crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this year's vehicle. The defect record subscore of 16.25 out of 20 reflects the presence of two recall campaigns, one involving the front driveshaft shared with several other 2023-2024 Subaru models, and a second unique to the 2024 Forester addressing potentially loose engine water pipe bolts. The 28 owner complaints on file, while unverified, include six allegations tied to air bags and five to visibility or wiper systems, components worth scrutinizing during any pre-purchase inspection. Overall, this model year's data picture is defined by strong crash-test execution and a clear upward safety trajectory.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2024 Subaru Forester five stars overall, five stars in both the frontal and side disciplines, and four stars in rollover protection. The rollover risk is measured at 17 percent, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. No category is unrated, and the frontal and side scores are the clear standouts.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19387
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2024 Forester. The first targets the front driveshaft, affecting certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The second is specific to the 2024 Forester and concerns engine water pipe attachment bolts that may be loose, potentially allowing coolant leakage. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive per the available data.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V754000
Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23V723000
Risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
Reported 2023-10-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 28 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (9 reports), Air Bags (6), and Visibility/Wiper systems (5). Three complaints allege crash involvement and one alleges an injury. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Subaru Forester?
Two unresolved recalls for the 2024 Forester, one each for the driveshaft and engine water pipe, present an immediate concern for prospective owners. While neither recall has yet been linked to specific injury or death, the responsibility for remedy transfers with the vehicle. Buyers are advised to verify completion of both recall campaigns via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase.
- The 2024 Forester's Safety Index of 92/100 represents a three-point increase over the 2023 model year's 89/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band.
- Two active recall campaigns were issued for this model year: one covering a potential front driveshaft defect shared with other 2023-2024 Subaru models, and one specific to the 2024 Forester addressing possibly loose engine water pipe bolts that could cause coolant leakage.
- NHTSA awarded the 2024 Forester five stars in both frontal and side crash protection, with rollover rated at four stars and a measured rollover risk of 17 percent with a No Tip dynamic result.
- Of the 28 unverified owner complaints on file, six allege air bag concerns and five allege visibility or wiper issues, making those two areas worth a focused review during any pre-purchase evaluation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Subaru Forester places
The 2024 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2024 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2024 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Subaru Forester. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19387), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2024.
- 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 26 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.