Recall 26V436 affects 541,237 2019-2026 Subaru Ascent, Forester, Forester Hybrid, and Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles with incorrect GAWR labels. Repair will be free once available.
Subaru is recalling 541,237 2019-2026 Ascent, Forester, Forester Hybrid, and Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles under recall 26V436 because the certification label lists the wrong Gross Axle Weight Rating. The incorrect GAWR label can lead to an overloaded vehicle and increase crash risk; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The certification label on affected 2019-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, and Ascent vehicles is the factory label that states key weight limits. One of those limits is the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR, which tells you the maximum weight the axle is rated to carry.
In NHTSA campaign 26V436, the problem is the number printed on the Part 567 certification label. Subaru says the affected vehicles were built with an incorrectly stated GAWR, including the rear axle rating identified during the review. The label error means the vehicles do not comply with FMVSS 110, the federal rule covering tire selection and rim information.
There is no warning sign before failure. This recall is about incorrect printed information on the certification label, not a mechanical part that starts making noise, leaking fluid, or changing how the vehicle drives.
Who's affected?
Covers Forester Hybrid, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, and Ascent across the 2019-2026 model years, all tied to the same certification label.
| 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2023 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2024 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 541,237 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The wrong GAWR label can make it easier to load the vehicle beyond its rated capacity. An overloaded vehicle is harder to control and increases crash risk. Confirm with your VIN, watch the loaded weight, and schedule the label remedy when Subaru says it is ready. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, or Ascent is included in this recall.
- Watch for Subaru's owner letter about the safety risk and the corrected GAWR certification label.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer once the remedy opens if you want the dealer to install the new label free of charge.
- Bring the letter to the dealer, or reference recall number 26V436 when you call.
- Keep loads within the limits shown in your owner's materials until the corrected label is installed.
What happens at the repair
Subaru has not opened the final remedy yet. Once it opens, Subaru will mail a corrected certification label to owners at no charge. If you want the dealer to handle it, a Subaru technician installs the new label for free. The fix addresses the incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating printed on the certification label. If you've already paid for a related label correction, Subaru uses its standard reimbursement plan. Keep repair documents and contact Subaru customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 7, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 13, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| July 13, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 25, 2026 | Interim owner notification (planned) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V436?
Recall 26V436 covers 541,237 2019-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, and Ascent vehicles with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on the certification label. Subaru will mail owners a corrected certification label free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, or Ascent is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 26V436. If it is, wait for Subaru's repair instructions or contact a franchised Subaru dealer. Subaru will provide a corrected certification label for free, and a dealer can install it for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Subaru will mail the corrected certification label free of charge, and owners who want dealer help can have a franchised Subaru dealer install the label for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an overloaded vehicle. The wrong Gross Axle Weight Rating on the certification label can lead an owner to load the vehicle beyond the proper axle rating, increasing crash risk. The fix is a corrected label from Subaru.
When will Subaru notify owners?
Subaru expects to mail letters about the safety risk on August 25, 2026. Additional letters will follow when the remedy is available. If your VIN is included, Subaru will mail the corrected certification label, and you can ask a Subaru dealer to install it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V436000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V436 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V436000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on July 26, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →