NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness scores 97 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100, ranking it in the Exceptional band. The model's crash protection and avoidance technology both earned perfect scores. Frontal and side impact protection received strong ratings. This model year demonstrates a solid safety record with zero recalls on file.
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness received 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA frontal and side crash tests and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness ranks 20 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 | 97 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2024 model year's 96, with both years sitting in the Exceptional band. That incremental improvement is supported by a perfect crash protection score of 70 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance technology score of 10 out of 10. The only category with room to grow is the defect record component, which stands at 17 out of 20, a figure that reflects the 63 owner complaints on file rather than any confirmed recall activity. Zero recalls for this model year is a meaningful data point: no component has triggered a federal remedy campaign. The complaint picture warrants attention, however. Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure together account for 29 of the 63 reported allegations, which is notable given that both systems score at the top of the avoidance technology category. These are unverified allegations, but their concentration in the active safety systems is a pattern worth monitoring as additional reports accumulate.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness secured the highest possible ratings in federal crash tests, achieving 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection. No overall safety rating has been published for this model, nor has a rollover resistance score been issued by NHTSA. The absence of these particular ratings means the agency has not released data for these categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20027
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness have any recalls?
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive directive has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still verify their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
Owners have filed 63 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance and Unknown Or Other components, each cited 17 times, followed by Lane Departure at 12 reports, Electrical System at 8, and Service Brakes and Air Bags at 5 each. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness currently shows no open recalls. Potential owners should verify the vehicle's specific VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool, as new campaigns may be initiated. It is also advisable to confirm with the seller or a dealership that no remedy is pending and that the vehicle has not been subject to any subsequent safety actions.
- The 2025 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that sets it apart from many vehicles of similar age already accumulating defect actions.
- NHTSA awarded 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests for this model year, while overall and rollover ratings remain not rated, meaning those specific assessments have not been published.
- 63 unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems together representing the largest share of alleged issues, a concentration worth tracking.
- The Safety Index rose one point from 96 in 2024 to 97 in 2025, driven by a perfect 70 out of 70 crash protection score and a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance technology score, with the defect record component at 17 out of 20 being the sole area below maximum.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness places
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 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 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20027), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback Wilderness 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 20 of 90 in the Sedan 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.