- Vehicles
- 8
- Models
- 2026 Crosstrek, 2026 Forester
- NHTSA campaign
- 26V685
- Do not drive
- Yes, tow to a dealer
Which cars are affected
Four 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and four 2026 Subaru Forester SUVs. Subaru filed the recall on October 19, 2026 (NHTSA 26V685, Subaru WRI26) and estimates that all eight have the defect.
What can go wrong
The castle nut on the left front lower control arm ball joint may not have been tightened to the specified torque at the supplier, TOA (USA). The ball joint can then separate from the control arm, which can cause a loss of control. According to the filing, there is no warning before it happens.
Subaru learned of one ball joint separation from a field report on September 15, 2026, started checking every castle nut at assembly the next day, and decided on the recall on October 10.
What owners should do
- Do not drive the car. Park it and have it towed to a Subaru dealer.
- The dealer will inspect the ball joint assembly and replace it if needed, free of charge.
- Subaru dealers were told on October 15; owner letters are planned for December 16, 2026. If you bought a 2026 Crosstrek or Forester recently, check your VIN now at NHTSA.gov/recalls rather than waiting.
