Subaru is recalling more than half a million SUVs because an incorrect weight limit label could lead drivers to unintentionally overload their vehicles, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on July 13, affecting an estimated 541,237 vehicles that do not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
The recall encompasses certain 2019–2026 Subaru Ascent models, 2025–2026 Forester models, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid models, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid models. According to the NHTSA, the safety certification sticker on these vehicles 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 stated. If drivers rely on the erroneous figures, they could unknowingly exceed the vehicle's capacity with excessive cargo or passengers, placing dangerous strain on the tires and suspension.
Federal regulators first alerted Subaru to the issue in May. Following an internal review of its calculations, Subaru decided to initiate a safety recall in late June.
No crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with this labeling error. Subaru is expected to begin mailing notification letters to affected owners on August 25. Owners will receive a second letter containing a corrected weight sticker that they can apply themselves, or they can have a technician at an authorized Subaru dealer install it free of charge.
Owners seeking more information can contact Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall code WRH-26. They can also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or check their vehicle identification number (VIN) online.