Recall 25V889 affects 5,603 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles for rear hatch support brackets that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 5,603 2026 Forester vehicles because an incorrect or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket can detach without warning. If the bracket lets go while the hatch is open, the hatch can fall during use and increase injury risk; Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear hatch support bracket on the 2026 Subaru Forester is the mounting point for the rear gate stay hardware. That hardware helps control the liftgate as it opens and closes, and it depends on the bracket being the correct part and facing the correct direction.
On affected Foresters, Subaru says the bracket was either the wrong part or installed in the wrong orientation. Subaru traced the problem to work instructions that did not make the correct bracket and orientation clear enough during assembly. If the bracket detaches, the rear hatch support loses its mounting point and the liftgate hardware no longer stays secured as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Subaru says the bracket can detach without advance notice, so an owner should not expect a sound, light, or gradual symptom before the problem appears.
Who's affected?
| 2026 Subaru Forester | body structure |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5,603 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2026 Subaru Forester is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear hatch support bracket detaches, the hatch can fall unexpectedly while someone is using it. That raises the risk of injury. Keep hands and cargo clear of the hatch path and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Subaru Forester is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free rear-hatch support-bracket inspection.
- Ask the dealer to replace the stay and support bracket if the inspection finds the incorrect or incorrectly oriented bracket that lets the rear hatch fall unexpectedly.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V889 and Subaru recall WRG-25 when you call.
- Keep hands, head, and cargo clear of the rear hatch area until the inspection and repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the rear hatch support brackets for incorrect parts or orientation. If the bracket needs repair, the technician replaces the stay and support bracket. The inspection, parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related rear hatch support repair before the recall notice, Subaru's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices or receipts to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 18, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 20, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 29, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V889?
Recall 25V889 covers 5,603 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles with an incorrect or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket. The bracket can detach without warning, allowing the rear hatch to fall during use and increasing injury risk. Subaru dealers will inspect and repair the brackets for free.
What should I do if my 2026 Subaru Forester is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forester is included in recall 25V889. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the rear hatch support bracket inspection. Reference Subaru recall number WRG-25 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if needed, replace the stay and support bracket free of charge.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the bracket detaches. Subaru says the rear hatch support bracket can detach without prior warning, so do not rely on noise, looseness, or visible movement to decide whether the recall applies. The VIN decides.
When were Subaru Forester owners notified?
Subaru mailed owner notification letters on January 29, 2026. If you bought the Forester used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer for the free inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V889000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V889 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V889000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →