Subaru is recalling over 540,000 vehicles due to an issue with the weight the rear axle can support, which was calculated incorrectly. The recall affects 2019-2026 Subaru Ascent SUVs, 2025-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and regular SUVs, and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrids.
The problem concerns the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) label, which is printed and attached to the vehicle. This label refers to the weight that the back axle can support, and it should not be confused with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, which refers to the total weight that the vehicle can hold.
Vehicles Affected by the Recall
The recall includes 384,407 Subaru Ascents from model years 2019-2026, 77,504 Subaru Forester Hybrids from model years 2025-2026, 49,946 Subaru Foresters from model years 2025-2026, and 29,380 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrids from model year 2026.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a vehicle with an incorrect label can be overloaded, which can increase the chances of a crash. Overloaded vehicles can also have problems with steering and uneven wear on tires.
How Subaru Will Fix the Problem
Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the incorrect labels. The company will reprint new labels with the proper weight ratings and mail them to the vehicle’s owners. Owners can affix the new labels over the incorrect ones, or have dealers do it free of charge if they prefer.
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Subaru will start notifying owners of the issue by mail on August 25, 2026, and will notify owners about the remedy starting January 7, 2027. The NHTSA number for the recall is 26V436, and the Subaru number for the recall is WRH-26.
The recall is a result of Subaru’s recalculation of the rear axle’s weight capacity after being notified of the problem by the NHTSA. This incident highlights the importance of accurate labeling and weight capacity calculations in the automotive industry, as incorrect information can lead to safety issues.
For now, Subaru owners can wait for further instructions from the company. The recall is expected to be completed in the coming months, and owners can contact Subaru or the NHTSA for more information.
Next Steps for Subaru Owners
Subaru owners who are concerned about the recall can contact their local dealer or the company’s customer service department for more information. They can also visit the NHTSA website to check the status of the recall and find more information about the affected vehicles.