What Was Recalled?
Subaru is recalling more than half a million vehicles because the certification label shows the wrong Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR.
Subaru of America is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, and is the U.S. sales and marketing arm of Japan-based Subaru Corporation. The company sells vehicles through more than 600 retailers nationwide.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
| Vehicle | Model years |
|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent | 2019-2026 |
| Subaru Forester | 2025-2026 |
| Subaru Forester Hybrid | 2025-2026 |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 2026 |
Subaru says every vehicle in the identified recall population has the incorrect label, but not every vehicle from the listed model years is part of the campaign.
Why Were They Recalled?
GAWR is the maximum weight a vehicle’s front or rear axle is rated to carry safely. Because the recalled label shows the wrong number, an owner could unknowingly overload the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
The recall documents identify the certification label as the problem, not an axle defect. Subaru says it has not received any U.S. technical reports and is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.
The vehicles also fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire selection and rims.”
What Should Owners Do?
- Check your VIN using the Subaru or NHTSA recall lookup below to confirm whether your vehicle is included.
- Watch for Subaru’s owner notification. Once the corrective label is available, owners can apply it themselves or have a Subaru retailer install it free of charge.
The recall does not include a “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” advisory.
Refund, Replacement or Repair Information
Subaru will provide a corrected certification label free of charge. Owners can apply the mailed overlay themselves using the included instructions or have an authorized Subaru retailer install it.
The announced recall remedy is the corrected label, not a cash refund or vehicle replacement.
For recall questions, contact Subaru’s recall hotline at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall WRH-26.
When Will Owners Receive the Corrected Label?
Subaru is handling the recall in stages. Interim owner notices are planned for August 25 through September 1, 2026, while remedy notices are planned for January 7 through January 14, 2027.
That means some owners may learn about the recall months before Subaru mails the notice that the corrective label is available.
How to Check If Your Subaru Is Included
Use Subaru’s vehicle recall lookup and enter the full 17-character VIN for your vehicle:
You can also search through the NHTSA recall database.
What If I Already Loaded the Vehicle Using the Old Label?
Having the wrong label does not mean your vehicle has already been overloaded. If you are concerned that you may have exceeded the correct axle-weight limit, contact Subaru or an authorized retailer for guidance.
How to Report a Problem
If you believe the incorrect label contributed to an overloading problem, crash or other safety issue, you can submit a complaint through NHTSA’s Report a Safety Problem page.
Include your VIN, vehicle model and year, what happened and whether a crash or injury occurred. NHTSA also accepts vehicle safety complaints by phone at 1-888-327-4236.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the certification label on my Subaru?
Subaru’s WRH-26 service instructions locate the certification label at the bottom of the driver’s-side B-pillar.
What if I bought the vehicle used?
A used Subaru can still have WRH-26 open even if the previous owner never completed the recall.
About This Page
RecallRefunds.com is a consumer information site. We are not a recall administrator, a law firm, a government agency or Subaru. This page summarizes a public vehicle recall and is general information, not legal or automotive advice.