Subaru recalls 541,000 vehicles over federal safety sticker mistake: NHTSA

Subaru is recalling more than half a million SUVs due to an incorrect weight limit label that could lead drivers to unintentionally overload their vehicles and increase the risk of a crash, federal safety regulators announced.

The recall impacts an estimated 541,237 vehicles that fail to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, according to a July 13 notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The affected vehicles include certain 2019–2026 Ascent models, 2025–2026 Foresters, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrids and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids.

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Subaru is recalling more than a half million SUVs, including the 2026 Forester. (UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

According to regulators, the safety certification sticker displays an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for the rear axle.

“An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA warning stated. 

If drivers rely on the incorrect figures, they could unintentionally overload their vehicles with too much cargo or passengers, putting dangerous strain on the tires and suspension, officials said. 

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Subaru was notified in May regarding the stated weight numbers on the rear axle label. (iStock / iStock)

The agency first alerted Subaru in May regarding the stated weight numbers on the rear axle label. After an internal review of its calculations, Subaru decided to conduct a safety recall in late June, officials said.

No crashes or injuries have been reported with respect to the labeling error. 

Subaru is expected to mail notification letters to affected owners beginning Aug. 25.

Subaru Corp. Crosstrek vehicles bound for shipment at a port in Kawasaki, Japan.  (Toru Hanai/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File)

Owners will receive a second letter containing a corrected weight sticker free of charge, along with instructions on how to easily paste it over the incorrect label.

Owners who prefer not to apply the sticker themselves can take their vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealer, where a technician will install it free of charge.

Customers seeking additional information can call Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 and refer to recall code WRH-26. 

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People can also call the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or check their VIN online at nhtsa.gov.

Subaru of America did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.