2026 Subaru Crosstrek, 2026 Subaru Forester recall: Do Not Drive: Loss of Vehicle Control
Report received by NHTSA: Oct. 19, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
Do not drive NHTSA's record carries its “Do not drive” warning for this recall. NHTSA's recall page and the remedy below give the instructions.
- What's recalled
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.
- The risk
A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Who's affected
8 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, 2026 Subaru Forester.
- Compared with
Subaru of America, Inc. has 4 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 3 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
73 earlier NHTSA recalls by Subaru of America, Inc. since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- July 7, 2026 2019-2026 Subaru Ascent, 2025-2026 Subaru Forester, 2025-2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 1 more model recall: Incorrect Weight Rating on Label/FMVSS 110
- May 28, 2026 2026 Subaru Forester, 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid recall: Moonroof Glass May Detach
- Feb. 23, 2026 Subaru of America, Inc. recall: Park Outside - Fuel Cap May Leak Fuel (agency record)
- Dec. 18, 2025 Subaru of America, Inc. recall: Rear Hatch Support Bracket May Fail (agency record)
- June 19, 2025 Subaru of America, Inc. recall: Child Seat Anchor Bolt Not Tightened Properly (agency record)
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Subaru Crosstrek 2026
- Subaru Forester 2026
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V685000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | SUSPENSION |
| Report received by NHTSA | Oct. 19, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 8 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | WRI26 |
| “Do not drive” warning | Yes |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record