Subaru is pulling back 541,237 Ascent, Forester and Crosstrek SUVs nationwide after regulators spotted an incorrect gross axle weight rating on the federally required certification label. That misprinted GAWR on the rear axle could tempt owners to overload the back of the vehicle, raising the risk of a crash. Subaru says the fix is strictly paperwork, not parts: the company will send out corrected certification overlay stickers that owners can apply themselves or have dealers install at no charge.
Which models are included
According to a recall filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the campaign (NHTSA recall 26V436) covers 541,237 vehicles: 2019–2026 Ascent (about 384,407 units), 2025–2026 Forester (49,946), 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid (77,504) and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid (29,380). The filing notes that the affected vehicles do not comply with Part 567 because the rear-axle GAWR printed on the certification label is incorrect and "may lead to vehicle overloading."
How Subaru will fix it
Subaru told regulators it will mail a corrective certification overlay label to owners and include instructions on how to apply it. For anyone not interested in a DIY sticker job, Subaru dealers will affix the overlay at no cost. Road & Track reports that dealers were notified this month and that replacement labels are expected to become widely available in January 2027. For now, Subaru is directing owners to its recall lookup and VIN tools for vehicle-specific status on Subaru.
What owners should do now
If you drive one of the affected models, plug your 17‑digit VIN into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall lookup or Subaru's recall tool to see whether your vehicle is included. Owners are advised to watch for an interim notice expected around Aug. 25 and a follow-up remedy notice once the new labels are ready.
As reported by the Associated Press, Subaru says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the misprint and that the production mistake was corrected in early June. Owners with immediate questions can call Subaru at 1‑844‑373‑6614, the customer line listed in public notices. Local outlets, including FOX 10 Phoenix, have also republished key details of the recall.
