NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Subaru recall: These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating

Recall published 4 months ago

These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…

The hazard: Steering or suspension defect

A steering component may separate on these vehicles. That is why the notice reads as urgent even though most affected cars will never show a symptom.

What the notice says: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Why it matters: A steering or suspension component may separate, loosen or fail. The result is a partial or total loss of steering control, typically without warning and often at speed.

Recall details

Recall number
26V436000
Published
July 7, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Subaru
Product type
Equipment
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Subaru Ascent · Subaru Forester
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V436000

Products covered by this recall

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 4 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • Crosstrek Hybrid
  • Forester Hybrid
  • Forester
  • and 2019-2026 Ascent

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Steering

Subaru — A steering component may separate on these vehicles. That is why the notice reads as urgent even though most affected cars will never show a symptom.

  1. Have this looked at soon. If the steering has felt loose, vague or noisy, stop driving the vehicle and call the dealer rather than driving it in.
  2. Describe any clunking, wandering, uneven tyre wear or a steering wheel that is no longer centred — these point to a component that has already started to move.
  3. Do not have an independent shop "tighten it up" in the meantime; the recall repair usually involves a redesigned part, not a torque adjustment.
  4. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.

What the recall repair costs you

Nothing, and that is a legal obligation rather than a goodwill gesture. The question worth asking is what else is covered.

  • Recall work is free for as long as you own the vehicle, with no mileage limit, no age limit for the current owner, and no requirement that you bought the car from that dealer.
  • Get the closed campaign noted on your service record. Buyers and insurers both check.
  • Ask about a loaner or rental when you book, not when you arrive. On a parts-delayed campaign it is frequently available and almost never volunteered.
  • Keep receipts for towing, storage or a rental you arranged yourself — reimbursement for these is common where the vehicle was undrivable.

Remedy named in the notice: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

Company contact: Subaru of America, Inc.

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Subaru equipment recalled?

These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle… An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Have this looked at soon. If the steering has felt loose, vague or noisy, stop driving the vehicle and call the dealer rather than driving it in.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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