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Mislabeled gross axle weight ratings affect the automaker’s recent lineup of Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent SUVs. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling more than 541,000 SUVs that have the incorrect axle weight listed on their certification labels, creating a potential safety risk for drivers who rely on that figure when loading their vehicles.
The voluntary safety recall covers certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid models, 2025-2026 Forester and Forester Hybrids, and 2019-2026 Ascent SUVs, according to the automaker’s filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In total, 541,237 vehicles nationwide are affected.
No injuries or crashes have been linked to the labeling issue, Subaru said.
At the center of the recall is a printing error regarding the gross axle weight rating (GAWR), a federally mandated specification that indicates the maximum weight a vehicle’s front or rear axle can support.
The NHTSA notified Subaru of a potential compliance issue in May. The company’s subsequent investigation led to its formal decision to submit a recall on July 7.
“An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said.
No mechanical repairs are required, Subaru said. Safety notification letters detailing the risk will be mailed to owners on August 25.
The corrected stickers will be mailed free of charge “once the remedy is available,” Subaru said, along with instructions on how to apply the new label over the incorrect certification sticker on the driver-side doorjamb.
Owners can opt instead to get the errant label replaced for free at a local dealership.
Drivers can check whether their vehicle is on the recall list by entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number on the NHTSA’s recall database or on Subaru’s website.
“We strive to build safe, capable vehicles,” the company says on its vehicle recall page, “but in the event of a recall, we’re dedicated to getting you back on the road safely.”
For more information, contact Subaru customer service at 844-373-6614. The automaker’s recall campaign number is WRH-26.
Subaru’s SUV lineup has been subject to several safety recalls in the past few years. In November 2023, nearly 96,000 2021 Crosstreks, 2022 Foresters, and 2021–2023 Legacys and Outbacks were recalled because of a defective weld that could allow water to leak into the transmission inhibitor switch and cause it to fail, disabling reverse lights and rearview cameras.
A number of 2023–2024 Foresters and 2024 Crosstreks were recalled that same month because the front driveshafts could potentially loosen or separate while driving, creating a crash hazard. Some Foresters and Crosstreks were also recalled due to potential short circuits in the ignition coils and possible wire insulation damage caused by a faulty instrument panel harness.
This post originally appeared at inc.com.
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