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Subaru Recalls 541,000 SUVs Over Incorrect Weight Labels
Subaru is recalling 541,237 SUVs in the United States after discovering that their certification labels list an incorrect gross axle weight rating. The recall spans several of the company’s most popular models, including vehicles dating back to the 2019 model year.
The problem does not involve a faulty engine, braking system, or other mechanical component. Instead, the federally required label attached to each affected vehicle contains inaccurate information about how much weight the rear axle can safely support.
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Why Subaru Issued the Recall
The gross axle weight rating, commonly called the GAWR, represents the maximum amount of weight that a vehicle’s axle can carry. This includes the vehicle itself, passengers, luggage, accessories, and any additional cargo placed inside or on the SUV.
If the label displays a rating higher than the axle’s actual limit, an owner could unknowingly carry too much weight. Overloading can place added stress on the tires, suspension, and handling systems, which may raise the risk of losing control or crashing.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration first alerted Subaru to a possible problem with the rear axle rating on May 12. Subaru later reviewed weight calculations for vehicles produced as far back as 2003 and decided to conduct a recall on June 30. The vehicles fail to meet federal requirements governing tire, wheel, and load-carrying information.
Subaru has not received any related technical reports in the U.S. and is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the labeling error.
Which Subaru Models Are Affected?
The recall covers certain vehicles from the following model years:
- 2019 through 2026 Subaru Ascent
- 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester
- 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Ascent represents most of the recall population, with more than 383,000 vehicles potentially affected. Subaru also identified around 77,500 Forester Hybrids, nearly 50,000 gas-powered Foresters, and more than 29,000 Crosstrek Hybrids.
The recall applies only to specific vehicles within these model years. Owners should check their vehicle identification number rather than assuming every SUV from the listed years is included.
How Subaru Plans to Fix the Problem
Since the issue involves printed information rather than vehicle hardware, no mechanical repair is required. Subaru will send affected owners a corrected certification overlay label with instructions explaining how to place it over the existing label.
Owners who prefer not to install the label themselves may take their vehicle to a Subaru dealership, where the correction will be completed free of charge. Subaru corrected the labeling issue in vehicle production beginning in June.
Interim notification letters are scheduled to be mailed between August 25 and September 1. Subaru expects to send the corrected labels in a second round of notices between January 7 and January 14, 2027.
Drivers can enter their VIN into Subaru’s recall lookup page or the NHTSA recall database to confirm whether their vehicle is included. Owners may also contact Subaru customer support at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall number WRH-26.
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