Subaru has announced a major U.S. safety recall covering 541,237 SUVs after federal regulators identified incorrect weight information on vehicle certification labels. The campaign affects several popular models, including gasoline and hybrid vehicles. Although the problem does not involve a failed mechanical part, the inaccurate label could cause an owner to load a vehicle beyond its approved rear-axle capacity, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru Recall 2026 Covers More Than 541,000 SUVs
The Subaru Recall 2026 applies to certain 2019–2026 Ascent SUVs, 2025–2026 Forester models, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid models, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration assigned campaign number 26V436, while Subaru uses the internal recall code WRH-26. The recall currently applies to vehicles in the United States.
What Is Wrong With the Safety Label?
GAWR tells drivers the maximum weight that a single axle can safely support. It is different from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which covers the maximum permitted weight of the entire vehicle.
According to the federal filing, the incorrect information means the vehicles do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which covers tire selection, rims, and load-carrying information. A driver relying on the incorrect number could unintentionally overload the vehicle. Excess weight may place added stress on tires, suspension parts, and other components, potentially increasing the chance of a crash.
No Crashes or Injuries Have Been Reported
Subaru said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the labeling problem. The company also reported that it had not received technical reports from the U.S. market related to the condition by the time the recall filing was submitted.
The review began after NHTSA notified Subaru on May 12, 2026, about a possible problem involving the stated rear-axle rating. Subaru later met with regulators and reviewed calculated axle ratings for vehicles dating back to 2003. The automaker decided on June 30 to conduct a noncompliance recall.
Owners Will Receive a Corrected Certification Label
This recall does not require a mechanical repair or a replacement vehicle part. Subaru plans to mail affected owners a corrected certification overlay label with instructions for placing it over the existing label. Owners who prefer not to install it themselves can ask an authorized Subaru dealer to complete the work at no cost.
Interim owner notices are scheduled to be mailed between August 25 and September 1, 2026. Final remedy notices and replacement labels are expected to be sent in phases between January 7 and January 14, 2027. The official filing does not include a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
What Subaru Owners Should Do Next
Drivers should check their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number through Subaru’s recall lookup service or NHTSA’s official recall database. The VIN can usually be found near the lower driver-side corner of the windshield, inside the driver-side doorjamb, or on registration and insurance documents.
Owners may also contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and mention recall WRH-26. Those included in the campaign can either install the corrected label after it arrives or visit a Subaru dealership for free assistance.
