NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru Forester scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru Forester achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, securing its position in the Exceptional band. Its five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a perfect score for avoidance technology contribute to one of the stronger safety profiles observed in its class for this model year.
The 2026 Subaru Forester received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru Forester ranks 34 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 | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index climbed from 88/100 in the Strong band for the 2025 model year to 94/100 in the Exceptional band for 2026, a six-point gain that pushed it across the band threshold. That improvement is anchored by a crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10/10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The defect-record subscore of 18 out of 20 is solid for a brand-new model year, though two active recall campaigns, one involving the moonroof assembly and one involving the liftgate hinge, introduce a modest but real defect footprint that prospective buyers should track. With eleven complaints on file and zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those allegations, the complaint picture is limited so far. The rollover rating of four stars and a 17 percent risk figure are the only NHTSA scores that fall short of the top mark, a pattern consistent with the SUV segment broadly.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Subaru Forester five stars overall, five stars for frontal protection, and five stars for side protection. Rollover is the relative weak point at four out of five stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk and a dynamic no-tip result. No category is unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21696
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses the power moonroof sliding glass panel on certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The second targets an incorrect component related to the hatchback liftgate hinge and attachments. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY26V346000
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginnin
Reported 2026-05-28
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V889000
Risk: A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 202
Reported 2025-12-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Eleven owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Forester. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with four reports and Unknown Or Other with three. Visibility/Wiper, Visibility, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Power Train each appear in at least one report. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Forester is subject to two active recall campaigns related to its moonroof and liftgate hinges. Shoppers are advised to verify that these remedies have been completed for any specific vehicle via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The Safety Index jumped six points from 88/100 in 2025 to 94/100 in 2026, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, the largest single-year gain visible in the available comparison data.
- Two active recalls specific to the 2026 model year cover the power moonroof sliding glass panel and the hatchback liftgate hinge and attachments; remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for this model year, while rollover came in at four stars with a 17 percent risk figure and a no-tip dynamic result.
- Eleven unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System accounting for four of them and zero complaints alleging a crash, fire, injury, or death.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru Forester places
The 2026 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2026 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21696), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2026.
- 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 34 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.