NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru WRX scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru WRX achieved a perfect five-star rating in every NHTSA crash-test category. This strong performance in federal evaluations, alongside a single non-critical recall, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100. This places the vehicle firmly in the Exceptional safety band based on the published data.
The 2020 Subaru WRX received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru WRX ranks 20 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru WRX?
The 2020 Subaru WRX achieved the highest possible federal crash-test ratings in every category. This includes a rollover rating supported by a 10 percent risk figure and a no-tip dynamic test result. This strong performance in structural tests underpins a NHTSA Safety Index score of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score is a perfect 70/70. However, its avoidance technology sub-score is 6/10 because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard. Electronic stability control is standard. This configuration prevents a higher overall Index score but does not diminish the robust crash protection. The defect record contributes 18.25/20 to the Index, reflecting a single recall for backup light switch corrosion. While a functional issue, this recall did not involve an escalated safety directive. No prior-year Index is available for comparison. The 2020 WRX's federal safety profile is defined by its exceptional crash-test results, with active safety technology offered as an option.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru WRX perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Subaru WRX five stars across every tested category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk is measured at 10 percent with a dynamic no-tip result. No category was left unrated, and no category fell below the top score, which is the best possible outcome under the NCAP program.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14813
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2020 WRX. It targets the backup light switch, which may corrode and become inoperative, affecting reverse-gear visibility. The campaign spans 2015 through 2021 WRX vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign, but the switch issue does affect a direct safety function.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH22V522000
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Reported 2022-07-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru WRX?
Seventeen unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with five alleged reports, the Engine and Visibility/Wiper systems each with three, and the Power Train and Seat Belts each with two. One alleged crash and one alleged injury appear in the dataset. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru WRX?
A crucial safety note for the 2020 WRX involves an open recall campaign addressing the backup light switch. Prospective owners should verify the repair status of this safety-relevant component via the NHTSA recall database using the vehicle's VIN. Resolution of this recall is paramount, either prior to or immediately following acquisition. No other open recall campaigns are present in the federal data for this model year.
- The 2020 WRX achieved a five-star rating in all four NHTSA NCAP categories, including a rollover risk of 10 percent and a dynamic no-tip result, the strongest possible federal crash-test outcome for this body style.
- One recall specific to this model year involves backup light switch corrosion across 2015 to 2021 WRX vehicles, a functional safety concern that used-market buyers should verify as completed via VIN lookup.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard on this configuration, which accounts for the avoidance-technology sub-score of 6/10 and distinguishes this year's Index ceiling from vehicles where those systems are standard.
- Seventeen unverified NHTSA complaints are on file, with the Electrical System leading at five alleged reports, followed by Engine and Visibility/Wiper systems at three each, including one alleged crash and one alleged injury in the dataset.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru WRX places
The 2020 Subaru WRX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru WRX safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru WRX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru WRX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2020 Subaru WRX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru WRX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Subaru WRX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru WRX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru WRX. 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 WRX years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14813), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru WRX 2020.
- 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 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.