Subaru SUVs Recall: An Incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating Label On The Ascent, Forester And Crosstrek Hybrid Could Lead Drivers To Unknowingly Overload Their Vehicles
According to Fox Business, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a safety recall on July 13 covering 541,237 Subaru SUVs after regulators identified an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) printed on the rear axle certification sticker; a label that drivers rely on to determine how much cargo and passenger weight their vehicle can safely carry.
The affected vehicles include certain 2019–2026 Ascent models, 2025–2026 Foresters, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrids, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids. NHTSA warned that drivers using the incorrect figure could overload their vehicle’s rear axle without realising it, placing dangerous strain on the tires and suspension and increasing crash risk.
NHTSA first notified Subaru of the labelling discrepancy in May. Subaru completed an internal review of its calculations and initiated a voluntary recall in late June. No crashes or injuries have been linked to the error.
Owners will receive notification letters beginning August 25, along with a corrected sticker to paste over the existing label. Those who prefer a dealer installation can have it done free of charge. Owners can verify whether their vehicle is affected using recall code WRH-26 or by calling 1-844-373-6614.
A mislabelled sticker sounds like a minor paperwork issue. It isn’t. Drivers who trust that sticker and load their Subaru to the limit it shows could be unknowingly operating an overloaded vehicle every single day. Subaru and NHTSA handled this responsibly but the fix still involves sending half a million owners a piece of tape and hoping they read the instructions.
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