NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Outback scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Subaru Outback achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, positioning it in the Strong safety band. This score reflects the model's five-star overall NHTSA crash protection. Notably, the 2025 Outback launches with zero active recall campaigns, a positive indicator for owner safety from the outset. This year's index represents a decline from the prior year's Exceptional rating, a shift that warrants consideration despite its generally solid safety profile.
The 2025 Subaru Outback received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, based on 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 ranks 60 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Subaru Outback?
A three-point decline in MotorCaliber's Safety Index places the 2025 Subaru Outback at a "Strong" 88/100, down from the 2024 model's "Exceptional" 91/100. This shift occurs despite outstanding crash-test performance: the vehicle achieved a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests. Its rollover assessment yielded a 4-star rating, noting a 19 percent risk figure and a "No Tip" outcome. The primary factors influencing this reduced Safety Index score are a low avoidance-tech subscore of 5 out of 10 points and 63 unverified owner complaints submitted to NHTSA. These complaints frequently cite issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems, which directly inform the avoidance-tech component of the index. Conversely, the vehicle's defect record subscore stands at 17 out of 20, reflecting the absence of any recall campaigns for this one-year-old model. The 2025 Outback thus presents excellent passive crash protection, but buyers should consider the pattern of alleged active-safety system concerns indicated by owner feedback.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Subaru Outback attains NHTSA's highest safety distinction, securing a 5-star overall rating. This strong performance includes 5 stars in both frontal and side crash protection. Rollover resistance presents as a relative area for improvement within the Outback's otherwise robust profile, earning 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 19 percent, with the dynamic tip test registering "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20026
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
The 2025 Subaru Outback 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, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Subaru Outback?
Owners have filed 63 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance and Unknown Or Other issues, each cited 17 times, followed by Lane Departure at 12 alleged reports. 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?
No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2025 Outback, meaning there is no outstanding remedy to verify. However, prospective owners should check the VIN on NHTSA's recall database before purchase, as new campaigns can be filed at any time.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index dropped three points to 88/100 Strong from the 2024 model's 91/100 Exceptional, a decline tied to the avoidance-tech subscore of 5/10 rather than to crash-test results.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for the 2025 Subaru Outback, making this one of the cleaner defect records among vehicles of this age in the MotorCaliber database.
- Sixty-three unverified NHTSA complaints are on file, with Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems together accounting for 29 of those alleged reports, a concentration worth monitoring as the vehicle ages.
- The rollover subscore of 4 out of 5 stars, combined with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only crash-test category that falls short of the top mark for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Subaru Outback places
The 2025 Subaru Outback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Subaru Outback safety questions
Was the 2025 Subaru Outback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Subaru Outback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 Outback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Subaru Outback 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 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Outback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Subaru Outback 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Subaru Outback. 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 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 20026), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback 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 60 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.