Subaru of America has announced a Subaru safety label recall for 541,237 vehicles in the United States after certification labels were printed with an incorrect gross axle weight rating. The company plans to start mailing notices on August 25, 2026, and owners will receive replacement labels or can choose a dealer repair at no cost.
Subaru of America and GAWR
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the labels list the wrong gross axle weight rating, or GAWR, on affected vehicles. That rating is the load-carrying capacity of an axle system, and the incorrect figure could lead to an overweighted vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
The recall covers certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles, 2025 to 2026 Forester Hybrid and Forester vehicles, and 2019 to 2026 Ascent vehicles. All 541,237 vehicles in the recall contain the defect.
Owners of WRH-26 vehicles
Subaru said it plans to mail a new certification label with instructions for placing it over the existing one. Owners can also have a dealer replace the label for free. Subaru's recall number is WRH-26.
The company was notified of the issue by NHTSA in May. Subaru said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the labeling error.
For owners, the practical step is straightforward: watch for the letter set to go out on August 25, 2026, then use the mailed label or arrange dealer installation if that is easier than applying it themselves. The recall is a paperwork fix, but it is tied to a safety rating that regulators say can affect vehicle loading limits, so the notice should not be set aside.
