NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Solterra Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Solterra scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Four recalls, including two park-outside campaigns, present a meaningful caveat to the 2023 Subaru Solterra's otherwise strong safety profile. The model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the "Strong" band. This standing is reinforced by its NHTSA five-star overall crash rating and a full score for avoidance technology. Consumers must address the implications of its recall record.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Solterra ranks 87 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 | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.6% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
The 2023 Subaru Solterra enters its first model year with a Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the "Strong" safety category. This score reflects strong performance in crash protection and avoidance technology. The Solterra achieved a nearly perfect 66 out of 70 for crash protection, correlating directly with its overall crash rating from NHTSA. For avoidance technology, the vehicle earned a perfect 10 out of 10, a reflection of standard features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record subscore, however, stands at 8 out of 20, preventing a higher overall Safety Index. This lower mark stems from four recall campaigns. Two of these campaigns are particularly notable: one initiated by Toyota in mid-2022 and another by Subaru in early 2023. Both address hub bolts that can loosen and potentially cause a wheel to detach during operation. The presence of two concurrent "park outside" directives for a new model year vehicle indicates a significant defect profile, directly impacting the Solterra's overall Safety Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Solterra perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2023 Solterra five stars overall, with five stars in both the frontal and side categories. Rollover is the relative weak point at four out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 12 percent and a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip. No category is unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18623
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Solterra have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Two are park-outside orders tied to hub bolt concerns: one issued by Subaru in February 2023 and an earlier Toyota-issued campaign from June 2022, both flagging improperly tightened hub bolts that could cause wheel separation. A third campaign addresses a backup-camera display function, and a fourth targets the defroster and HVAC system. The hub-bolt campaigns are the most operationally urgent.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM25V577000
Risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB04 and 25LA04. Sub
Reported 2025-09-04
WHEELS:HUB23V064000
Risk: Wheel detachment while driving can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-23.
Reported 2023-02-09
WHEELS:HUB22V444000
Risk: A wheel detaching from a moving vehicle can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will replace the hub bolts and wheels, free of charge. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 27, 2022. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Reported 2022-06-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
Twenty-five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with nine reports, followed by the Electrical System and an Unknown or Other category each with eight, and Vehicle Speed Control with six. Four alleged crashes appear in the dataset; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
Two safety recalls for the 2023 Solterra demand close attention from prospective owners. Both address a risk of wheel detachment stemming from loose hub bolts and instruct owners to park the vehicle outside. For this reason, confirming the completion of these specific recall remedies via a VIN check on NHTSA's database is a critical step prior to any purchase.
- Two separate park-outside hub-bolt recall campaigns, one Toyota-issued in June 2022 and one Subaru-issued in February 2023, specifically cover 2023 Solterra vehicles and warn that improperly tightened hub bolts may cause wheel separation.
- The defect-record subscore of 8 out of 20 is the sole reason the 2023 Solterra does not reach a higher Safety Index band, directly reflecting the weight of four active recall campaigns on this model year.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-alleged problem component in owner reports to NHTSA, with nine unverified complaints, notable given that the avoidance-tech subscore earned a perfect 10 out of 10 based on standard fitment.
- The rollover category is the only crash-test dimension below five stars, rated four out of five with a 12 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Solterra places
The 2023 Subaru Solterra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Solterra safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Solterra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Solterra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2023 Subaru Solterra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Solterra 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 11.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Solterra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Solterra, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Solterra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Solterra years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18623), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Solterra 2023.
- 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 87 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.