2026 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester and 34 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (8), unknown or other (7), forward collision avoidance (7). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 29–35 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2026 ranks #2 of 15 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Risk: A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Structure · body · hatchback/liftgate · hinge and attachments
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
Risk: A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
At only 800 miles of ownership, the moonroof had a leak that allowed water penetration into the cabin.
The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the headlights activated but failed to illuminate beyond 80 ft. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the headlight aim adjustment was low, and that an auto-headlight leveling beam computer system reinitialization was required. The vehicle was repaired. The cont…
Just bought a 2026 Subaru forester on August 30, 2026. It was a floor model. Never used the moonroof or opened the sliding cover except for day 1 when showing my kids, and second time was today, October 23rd. Noticed a big hairline crack. I can feel like crack from the outside, but not from the inside. The line is fine and thin starting from the front edge to 2/3 of the glass.…
Safety ratings
2026 SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Forester Hybrid AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester, most recently for suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint (10/19/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (8), unknown or other (7), forward collision avoidance (7).
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2026 ranks #2 of 15 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Subaru Forester range from 29 to 35 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 Subaru Forester in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORESTER, Forester.