NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 82 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness distinguishes itself with perfect scores in both NHTSA frontal and side impact crash tests. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, an "Exceptional" rating, reflects these strong crash protection scores alongside its advanced avoidance technology. This model year reports zero recalls, further reinforcing its safety profile based on the data published.
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness received a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and NHTSA 5-star frontal and side crash-test ratings, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness ranks 18 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 | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 82 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness posted a Safety Index of 96/100, a four-point gain over the 2023 model year's score of 92/100, while both years sit in the Exceptional band. That upward movement is meaningful: it reflects a perfect defect record score of 16/20 combined with maximum marks in crash protection (70/70) and avoidance technology (10/10). The zero-recall record is the clearest differentiator for this specific model year, as no remedy campaigns have been initiated against any component. The NHTSA frontal and side 5-star results anchor the crash protection score at its ceiling. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard, which is what drives the full 10-point avoidance technology score. The 82 reported complaints introduce a note of caution: Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure together account for 19 allegations, suggesting some owners have experienced issues with the very systems that helped earn the top avoidance score. Those reports remain unverified and do not affect the current Index, but they are worth monitoring as the complaint record continues to develop.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness achieved the highest possible marks in federal crash testing, earning 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection. No overall or rollover ratings were assigned for this model year; these categories remain untested by NHTSA. This absence of an assigned rating should not be interpreted as a negative assessment or an indication of a safety deficiency.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19382
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness have any recalls?
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness 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. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
NHTSA has received 82 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other issues (25 reports), Visibility and Wiper systems (16), Electrical System (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (13), Power Train (6), and Lane Departure systems (6). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
82 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness currently shows no open recalls on file with NHTSA. Despite this, consumers should always verify a specific vehicle's recall status using its VIN prior to purchase, as new campaigns can emerge or prior ones remain unaddressed.
- The 2024 model year improved four points over the 2023 Outback Wilderness Safety Index, moving from 92/100 to 96/100, both within the Exceptional band.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for this specific model year, a clean defect record that directly supports its 16/20 defect record sub-score.
- NHTSA awarded 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, but overall and rollover ratings were not assigned, so those categories remain unrated rather than scored.
- Nineteen of the 82 unverified owner complaints target Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems, the same standard technologies that earned the model a perfect avoidance technology sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness places
The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 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 Outback Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness 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 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 82 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. 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 Outback Wilderness years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19382), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback Wilderness 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 18 of 91 in the Sedan 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.