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Model year record

2026 Subaru Forester recalls & problems

The 2026 Subaru Forester has 4 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (10 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints34filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2026 Subaru Forester in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

SuspensionOct 19, 2026

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 26V6850008 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

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.
EquipmentJul 7, 2026

Other › Labels

Recall 26V436000541,237 vehicles

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.
VisibilityMay 28, 2026

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 26V34600069,663 vehicles

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.
StructureDec 18, 2025

Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments

Recall 25V8890005,603 vehicles

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2026 SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2026 SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2026 Subaru Forester NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2026 Subaru Forester NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Forester AWD

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Forester Sport/Touring AWD

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Forester Wilderness AWD

26mpg combined
City / highway24 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings10000—
Electrical systemWiring › Fuses and circuit breakers8000—
Unknown or other7001—
Visibility/wiper6000—
StructureBody4001—
VisibilityWindshield; Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior2000—
Power train2000—
Fuel/propulsion system2000—
Latches/locks/linkagesFueling/charging door/hatch/port1000—
Lane departureBlind spot detection1000—
Vehicle speed control1000—
Engine1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.