2026 Subaru Forester recalls and problems
The 2026 Subaru Forester has 4 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2026 Subaru Forester recalls
Recall 26V-685: Suspension
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Risk: A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
Recall 26V-436: Equipment
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Recall 26V-346: Visibility
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Recall 25V-889: Structure
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
Risk: A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
2026 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 6
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
- Structure › Body — 4
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Fueling/Charging Door/Hatch/Port — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2026 Subaru Forester complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Forester years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester: 26V-685 (suspension), 26V-436 (equipment), 26V-346 (visibility), 25V-889 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.