The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·26V685000·Announced 2026-10-19

Subaru Recalls 2026 Forester and Crosstrek for Ball Joint Defect

Subaru is recalling 2026 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles because a loose ball joint may separate, causing loss of control. Owners should not drive until repaired.

NHTSA safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle

NHTSA advises owners to stop driving this vehicle until the recall repair has been completed.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where a ball joint may separate, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. The source includes a do-not-drive instruction and does not report any injuries or deaths.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened. This condition can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.

A separated ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The source does not report any illnesses, injuries, or deaths associated with this defect.

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.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU FORESTER, CROSSTREK
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Suspension
Hazard
Affected units
8

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • FORESTER
  • CROSSTREK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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