NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings
The 2026 Subaru WRX scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Subaru WRX achieves the highest possible NHTSA Safety Index, earning a score of 100 out of 100. This places it firmly within the Exceptional safety band. The vehicle demonstrates a perfect crash-protection score and receives full marks for its integrated avoidance technology. Furthermore, the 2026 WRX has no recalls on file, signaling a robust initial safety profile.
The 2026 Subaru WRX received a NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Subaru WRX ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 100 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 7 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2026 Subaru WRX achieves a sustained 100/100 Safety Index, matching its 2025 performance. This year's score is distinguished by its categorical perfection: 70 of 70 points for crash protection, 10 of 10 for avoidance technology, and 20 of 20 for its defect record. A key factor in the defect record is the absence of active recall campaigns, a rare clean slate for a vehicle so early in its model year. NHTSA crash testing awarded 5 stars in every category, including rollover, where a 9 percent risk and a "No Tip" dynamic result confirm robust structural integrity. Standard features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are responsible for the maximum avoidance technology sub-score. The current lack of owner complaints is expected for a new model, and this record warrants observation as the vehicle accumulates ownership.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Subaru WRX perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Subaru WRX achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top marks in all evaluated categories: 5 stars for frontal crash protection, 5 stars for side impact protection, and 5 stars for rollover resistance. Its rollover risk is assessed at 9 percent, confirmed by a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing. All safety categories were rated, and none showed any weakness in the published data.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21695
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
The 2026 Subaru WRX has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for 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 2026 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Subaru WRX. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. There are no top components to flag. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record remains in its earliest stage.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Subaru WRX?
Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, a used example would have very low mileage and no prior recall history on file. Run a free NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase to confirm no new recall campaigns have been added since the vehicle left the lot.
- The 2026 WRX carries a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score, reflecting zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this specific model year.
- NHTSA awarded every tested crash category a 5-star rating for this model year, including a 5-star rollover result backed by a 9 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic test outcome.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2026 WRX, producing a full 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score.
- The owner complaint count stands at zero for this model year, which reflects its status as a current-model-year vehicle; shoppers should revisit the NHTSA complaint database periodically as the ownership base grows.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Subaru WRX places
The 2026 Subaru WRX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Subaru WRX safety questions
Was the 2026 Subaru WRX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Subaru WRX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 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 2026 Subaru WRX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Subaru WRX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Subaru WRX 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 2026 Subaru WRX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Subaru WRX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other WRX years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21695), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru WRX 2026.
- 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 7 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.