Subaru Is Recalling Over 541,000 Vehicles — See If Yours Is Affected
Subaru has issued a recall affecting more than 541,000 vehicles due to an incorrect weight rating label that could lead to vehicle overloading and increase the risk of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted the recall notice, which states that the affected vehicles were "manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on the certification label." When drivers don't know the correct weight limit for their vehicle's axles, they may unknowingly exceed it — putting stress on suspension, braking systems, and tires in ways that increase crash risk.
Which Vehicles Are Included
The recall covers four models across several model years. The 2019 through 2026 Subaru Ascent is the largest group affected at 383,800 units. The 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester accounts for 49,849 vehicles. The 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid adds another 77,504 units. And the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid covers 29,297 vehicles. Total affected: 541,237 units. The recall number is WRH-26.
What Owners Need to Do
The fix is simple and free. Subaru will mail new certification labels to affected owners, or owners can go to a dealership to have the label installed at no charge.
Notification letters about the safety issue will go out in late August, with a follow-up notice about the remedy coming at a later date. If you have questions or want to get ahead of the mailing, Subaru can be reached directly at 844-373-6614.
Why a Label Error Is Actually a Safety Issue
This recall might seem minor compared to fire risks or airbag failures, but incorrect weight rating information is a real safety concern — particularly for larger vehicles like the Ascent, which is a three-row family SUV frequently used for hauling passengers, cargo, and towing.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating tells drivers the maximum weight each axle can safely support. Exceed it — which is easy to do inadvertently if the label shows a higher limit than the vehicle can actually handle — and you're putting mechanical strain on components that weren't designed for it. Overloaded axles affect braking distance, handling stability, and tire wear in ways that aren't always immediately obvious but can contribute to loss of control, especially in emergency stopping situations.
For Ascent owners in particular, who may be loading up the third row plus cargo plus a roof rack, knowing the accurate weight limits matters more than it might for a smaller vehicle.
Check your model year against the list above. If you're affected, the fix costs nothing and involves a label — straightforward as recalls get.
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