How One Tiny Misprint Led To Subaru's Half-Million Car Recall
Subaru's latest and largest recall is one of just three in 2026. Unfortunately, a simple misprint led to a massive recall of 541,237 Subaru Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, and Forester Hybrid SUVs due to an incorrect gross vehicle weight sticker.
It's a simple recall, but the minor issue places Subaru in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. According to FMVSS 110, "tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less" must be printed on the vehicle.
Subaru's 2019-2026 Ascent makes up the bulk of the recalled SUVs, with 384,407 units made between March 2018 and June 2026 part of the recall.
These were, like all the others subject to the recall, printed without the correct Gross Axle Weight Rating. The GAWR is the maximum amount of weight the vehicle's front and rear axles can hold, accounting for passengers, cargo, and anything towed. Should an owner overload the axles, possible damage could occur.
A total of 77,504 2025 and 2026 Forester Hybrids made between November 2024 and June 2026 are also subject to recall. Another 49,946 non-hybrid 2025 and 2026 Forester SUVs made between January 2024 and June 2026 are also under recall.
Finally, 29,380 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids have been recalled, produced between June 2025 and June 2026. Subaru says in its filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the fix is as simple as the mistake that caused it - so much so that owners will be able to handle this one themselves. A corrected certification label will be mailed to owners with instructions. If for some reason an owner is unable to perform the fix themselves, a dealer can handle it free of charge.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 3:53 PM.