NHTSA campaign 26V685 covers 8 vehicles where the left-front lower control arm castle nut may be improperly fastened, and owners are advised not to drive.
NHTSA has published a Subaru recall covering 8 vehicles from the 2026 Crosstrek and Forester range in the United States. A nut on the left-front suspension joint may have been fastened incorrectly. Owners are told not to drive until the repair is done, which dealers will carry out free of charge.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged the recall as campaign 26V685, with a potential 8 units affected.
NHTSA said the castle nut on the left-front ball joint of the lower control arm may be improperly fastened. In that case the joint could come apart from the arm. The regulator said this can cause a loss of vehicle control and raise the risk of a crash.
The advice to owners
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. NHTSA's record lists a do-not-drive advisory. It shows no park-outside advisory and no over-the-air remedy.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the left-front ball joint assembly and replace it where necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 16, 2026.
Owners may contact Subaru customer service on 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
What we know so far
- Affected vehicles are certain 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Subaru Forester models.
- The potential number of units affected is 8.
- The component involved is the lower ball joint on the front suspension.
- Owners are told not to drive the vehicle until the repair is done.
- The fix is an inspection and, as necessary, replacement of the ball joint assembly at no cost.
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