NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Forester scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 76 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Subaru Forester enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it within the "Strong" safety band. This rating is supported by excellent crash protection and a comprehensive suite of avoidance technology. However, two active recall campaigns and a slight decline from the 2024 model year's performance introduce some reservations for consumers prioritizing safety.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid SUV AWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Subaru Forester ranks 89 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 | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 76 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 89 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid SUV AWD posts a Safety Index of 88/100, a meaningful four-point decline from the 2024 model year's 92/100 Exceptional rating. The drop is driven entirely by the defect record sub-score, which lands at 12 out of a possible 20 points, compared to what would be needed to sustain an Exceptional band. Crash protection remains the standout story: a 66/70 sub-score reflects the near-perfect NHTSA star ratings, and the avoidance tech sub-score is a full 10/10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The two recall campaigns are what separate this year from its predecessor. The wheel recall, issued earlier in the model year, targets a potential manufacturing defect in the 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The child seat anchor recall, issued later, raises a direct occupant-protection concern for families carrying young passengers. Neither is a minor paperwork matter. The complaint volume of 76 reports is notable for a vehicle this new, and the eight alleged Forward Collision Avoidance complaints deserve attention given that system's role in the avoidance tech score. The 2025 Forester Hybrid is still a strong safety performer by the numbers, but this specific model year carries more open safety business than the 2024 version did.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Subaru Forester achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its primary crash evaluations. It secured the highest 5-star rating in both frontal and side impact assessments. The rollover test presented its only relative deficiency, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip-test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20209
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns are on record for the 2025 Subaru Forester. The first involves wheels: certain vehicles equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels may have improperly manufactured wheels. The second involves child seat anchors: anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data, but both should be verified and remedied by VIN before use.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V436000
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Reported 2026-07-07
CHILD SEAT25V419000
Risk: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
Reported 2025-06-19
WHEELS25V033000
Risk: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Reported 2025-01-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 76 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Forester, including alleged reports of 9 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, and 1 death. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (16 reports), Visibility and Wipers (12), Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Fuel and Propulsion System (8), and Exterior Lighting (8). All are unverified consumer allegations.
76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester has been subject to two significant recalls, impacting its safety profile. A recall addresses the wheel attachment, a critical safety concern, and a separate recall involves the child seat anchors. While NHTSA has not yet published crash-test star ratings or owner complaint data for this model year, these recalls are active and require manufacturer-authorized resolution. Prospective owners must verify that any affected 2025 Forester has undergone dealership-performed remediation for both the wheel and child seat anchor issues.
- The 2025 Forester's Safety Index dropped four points year over year, from 92/100 Exceptional in 2024 to 88/100 Strong in 2025, with the entire decline traced to the defect record sub-score falling to 12/20 due to two active recall campaigns.
- Two distinct recalls are on record for this model year: one targeting potential defects in 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and one targeting improperly tightened child seat anchor bolts, the latter being a direct concern for households carrying child passengers.
- Eight unverified owner complaints specifically allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is worth noting because that same system is listed as Standard equipment and contributes to the vehicle's perfect 10/10 avoidance tech sub-score.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk, is the only area where NHTSA crash-test performance falls short of perfect, and it is the one star rating that distinguishes this SUV from a clean sweep across all NHTSA categories.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Subaru Forester places
The 2025 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2025 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 76 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20209), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2025.
- 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 89 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.