NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru WRX scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A single, resolved recall underpins the 2023 Subaru WRX's NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, alongside its perfect sweep of NHTSA crash-test category scores. For used-market shoppers prioritizing federal safety data, the 2023 WRX exhibits a robust profile.
The 2023 Subaru WRX received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru WRX ranks 29 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 | 9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 29 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru WRX?
The 2023 Subaru WRX achieves a Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This score marks a one-point improvement over the 2022 model's 93/100, indicating a consistent, high level of safety performance rather than a significant overhaul. The vehicle’s crash protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 70 out of 70 points. This is supported by its five-star rating in every NHTSA crash-test category and a low 9% rollover risk, with no tip during dynamic testing. The primary factor preventing a higher overall Safety Index score for the 2023 WRX is its avoidance technology. With a score of 6 out of 10, the vehicle's forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are offered as optional, not standard, equipment. Electronic stability control is standard across all trims. The defect record contributes 18 out of 20 points, reflecting a single recall campaign for the driveshaft, which extends across multiple Subaru models. This recall does not carry park-outside instructions. Seven owner complaints have been registered, none alleging fatalities or fires, which is a limited defect profile for a performance sedan.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru WRX perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru WRX achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating consistent performance across all evaluated categories. It earned 5 stars for frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and rollover resistance. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 9%, with a dynamic No Tip result further reinforcing its stability. No individual star category presented a weakness or remained unrated in this test cycle.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18432
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2023 WRX, covering the front driveshaft. Subaru issued this campaign alongside certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, and 2023-2024 Forester vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign. Used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V754000
Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru WRX?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 WRX, all unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes, Suspension, and Engine, each appearing twice, with one additional allegation involving Air Bags. Two complaints allege crash involvement; none allege fire, injury, or fatality.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru WRX?
The 2023 Subaru WRX enters the market with a critical safety advisory: a recall has been issued for the front driveshaft. Prospective owners of a used model should verify, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, that the required remedy for this component has been performed. This repair must be completed by a Subaru dealer at no cost to the owner, irrespective of the vehicle's age. Failure to address this recall presents a significant safety concern that buyers should not overlook.
- The 2023 WRX achieved a perfect crash-protection score of 70/70 in the MotorCaliber index, reflecting a five-star result in every NHTSA test category including a 9% rollover risk and a dynamic No Tip outcome.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting the front driveshaft across a group of 2023-2024 Subaru vehicles. Used buyers must verify VIN-specific remedy status before taking ownership.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6/10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on the 2023 WRX rather than standard, a meaningful distinction compared to competitors where these features come fitted as standard.
- Seven unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Service Brakes, Suspension, and Engine each appearing twice. The complaint volume is low for a three-year-old vehicle, but all allegations remain unverified consumer reports, not established findings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru WRX places
The 2023 Subaru WRX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru WRX safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru WRX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Subaru WRX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Subaru WRX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru WRX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18432), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru WRX 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 29 of 92 in the Sedan 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.