MODEL
Subaru Outback Safety
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Outback model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Subaru Outback we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 83. 19 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique corner of the market as a raised wagon - often categorized alongside midsize SUVs despite its sedan-based roots. Aimed at active families, outdoor enthusiasts, and all-weather commuters across its 2019 to 2025 model years, the Outback blends all-wheel-drive capability with a car-like driving character. Its safety reputation is a core part of its identity, making the federal data especially worth examining closely.
For the 2024 model year, the Subaru Outback earned an Exceptional 91 out of 100 on our Safety Index, a meaningful result reflecting consistent performance in federal testing. The Outback received a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact crash tests. Its rollover resistance rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. This rollover score is consistent with vehicles of similar design, where increased ground clearance introduces a modest physics trade-off. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Outback has been subject to 19 recalls, a number that is on the higher side for its segment. Buyers should verify all outstanding recalls with NHTSA. Owner complaints total 2,808. This includes 71 reported crashes and 14 reported fires, the latter being a data point to monitor. No deaths are reported within this dataset. While the Outback's crash performance is strong, the volume of recalls and owner complaints indicates that buyers should research beyond the star ratings.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Outback as one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment, praising its all-weather capability, practical cargo space, and composed road manners. Safety technology content tends to draw positive attention across coverage. Criticism, when it appears, typically centers on the infotainment system and engine refinement rather than anything structural to the vehicle's safety character.
- The 2024 Outback achieves a 91 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Exceptional band - the strongest result across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover, so newer model years carry a meaningful safety-data advantage.
- Nineteen recalls span the covered model years. Before buying any used or new Outback, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm all open recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
- Owner complaints include 14 reported fire-related allegations across the dataset. These are unverified, but the figure is worth tracking. Review current NHTSA complaint filings for the specific model year you are considering.
- The 4 out of 5 rollover star rating is consistent with the Outback's elevated ride height. It is not a red flag, but buyers who prioritize rollover resistance above all else should weigh it against the vehicle's other strong crash scores.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Subaru Outback with 6 recalls.