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NHTSA recall, , Do not drive

Subaru Crosstrek and Forester Vehicles

The 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles have a ball joint that may separate, causing loss of control and crash risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Subaru of America, Inc. 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. A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue was reported to NHTSA on October 19, 2026, and affects 8 vehicles nationwide.

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.

More do not drive recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  2. You are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Free of charge.
  3. 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. You may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
  4. Watch your mail. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

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.

Is your Subaru affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

Model years
2026

Subaru

  • Crosstrek
  • Forester

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Component
Do not drive
Risk

Do not drive

NHTSA says not to drive it until it is repaired.

NHTSA warning · How risk is rated

Campaign
26V685000
Vehicles affected
8
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters expected
Manufacturer's recall number
WRI26
Manufacturer phone
1-844-373-6614

All recalls from Subaru of America, Inc.

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 23, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)