Subaru is recalling more than half a million SUVs because an incorrect weight-limit label could cause drivers to unintentionally overload their vehicles, raising the risk of a crash, federal safety regulators announced.
The recall covers an estimated 541,237 vehicles that fail to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, according to a July 13 notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Affected models include certain 2019–2026 Ascent, 2025–2026 Forester, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles.
Subaru is recalling more than a half million SUVs, including the 2026 Forester. (UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Regulators say the safety certification sticker displays an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for the rear axle. “An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA warning stated.
If owners rely on the erroneous figures, they could inadvertently place too much cargo or too many passengers in the vehicle, putting dangerous strain on the tires and suspension, officials said.
Subaru was notified in May regarding the stated weight numbers on the rear axle label. (iStock / iStock)
The agency first alerted Subaru in May about the erroneous rear-axle weight numbers. After an internal review of its calculations, Subaru decided to conduct a safety recall in late June, officials said.
No crashes or injuries have been reported related to the labeling error.
Subaru expects to mail notification letters to affected owners beginning Aug. 25. Owners will receive a second letter containing a corrected weight sticker free of charge, along with instructions for applying it over the incorrect label.
Subaru Corp. Crosstrek vehicles bound for shipment at a port in Kawasaki, Japan. (Toru Hanai/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File)
Owners who prefer not to apply the sticker themselves can visit an authorized Subaru dealer, where a technician will install it at no cost.
Customers seeking additional information can call Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 and refer to recall code WRH-26. They may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or check their VIN at nhtsa.gov.
