A Subaru recall affects an estimated 541,237 SUVs after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) printed on the rear safety certification sticker. The recall covers specific 2019–2026 Ascent models, 2025–2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models, and the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. NHTSA says the mislabeled rear-axle GAWR could lead owners to unintentionally overload their vehicles, increasing wear on tires, brakes and suspension and raising a potential safety risk.
Top line: what the Subaru recall covers
NHTSA estimates about 541,237 Subaru vehicles are included in this safety recall. The affected vehicles listed by the agency are specific model-year ranges: 2019–2026 Ascent SUVs; 2025–2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid SUVs; and the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. The core issue is an incorrect gross axle weight rating for the rear axle printed on the vehicle’s safety certification sticker.
This sticker is used by owners and service personnel to confirm vehicle loading limits. If the rear GAWR number is too low or otherwise incorrect, drivers who rely on that figure when loading cargo or passengers could exceed the safe limits for the axle, which may affect handling and braking performance.
Subaru recall: what the label error is
The safety certification sticker on the affected vehicles lists an incorrect gross axle weight rating for the rear axle. NHTSA warned that “an incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.” The agency’s notice frames the risk as potential rather than confirmed: to date, officials say there have been no reported crashes or injuries tied to this labeling issue.
In practical terms, an incorrect rear GAWR can mean owners load more weight on the rear axle than the vehicle’s design safely allows. That excess can accelerate tire wear, reduce braking efficiency and change vehicle handling—factors that, in extreme situations, may increase the likelihood of a loss of control.
What affected owners should do now
Subaru will begin mailing a notice to owners starting Aug. 25. The company plans to send a corrected GAWR sticker in a follow-up mailing; owners can paste the corrected sticker over the incorrect label at no cost. If you prefer professional help, an authorized Subaru dealer will apply the sticker for free.
Follow these steps if you think your vehicle is covered:
- Watch for mailed notices beginning Aug. 25 that include the corrected GAWR sticker and instructions.
- Call Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall code WRH-26 for details or scheduling dealer assistance.
- To check whether your vehicle’s VIN is included, use the NHTSA recall lookup page at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
- For further questions, you may also call the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
How Subaru and regulators reached this recall
According to the NHTSA notice, the agency first alerted Subaru in May after identifying the incorrect weight figure on the rear-axle label. Subaru conducted an internal review of its calculations and, in late June, decided to initiate a safety recall to correct the label. The recall addresses a labeling error rather than a mechanical defect in the axle or suspension components.
The recall announcement and follow-up reporting cite NHTSA’s review as the driver of the action. Fox Business reported on the recall and noted Subaru of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment at the time of reporting; NHTSA’s public recall document provides the agency’s description and timeline.
What to expect next
Owners should receive an initial notification and then a second mailing that includes the corrected GAWR sticker and instructions for applying it. The repair is limited to a sticker replacement: owners can apply the new sticker themselves following the printed instructions, or request that an authorized Subaru dealer apply it at no charge. The fix is quick and does not involve replacing vehicle parts.
If you receive a notice and prefer dealer assistance, contact Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 (recall code WRH-26) to arrange an appointment. For independent confirmation or further details, use the NHTSA VIN lookup at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or call 1-888-327-4236.
Why it matters
Labels and certification stickers provide quick reference points for owners and technicians; they inform loading decisions and service checks. Even though no crashes or injuries have been confirmed in connection with this specific labeling error, correcting inaccurate safety information is important because owners make real-time load decisions based on the numbers printed on the vehicle.
Short safety note
NHTSA frames the risk as potential: an incorrect GAWR could allow an owner to exceed safe load limits, which may increase the chance of a crash under certain circumstances. Regulators and Subaru say there are no confirmed crash reports tied to the label error so far, but the recall ensures owners have the correct information to safely use their vehicles.
Quick recap for owners
- Recall covers an estimated 541,237 Subaru SUVs (specific Ascent, Forester, Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid model years).
- Mailings begin Aug. 25; a corrected GAWR sticker will be mailed free of charge.
- Sticker can be self-applied or installed by an authorized Subaru dealer at no cost.
- Subaru Customer Service: 1-844-373-6614 (recall code WRH-26). NHTSA hotline: 1-888-327-4236. Check your VIN at the NHTSA recalls page: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: Fox Business — foxbusiness.com. See the NHTSA recall notice for details at nhtsa.gov.
By The Nonstop News staff. Reporting based on NHTSA and Fox Business public notices.
