Subaru Recall for Incorrect GAWR Labels Affects Over 541000 US Vehicles

Subaru of America has announced a recall affecting 541,237 vehicles across the United States after discovering that certain certification labels display an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The recall, announced on July 13, addresses a compliance issue with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, which specifies requirements related to tire selection and rims. Although the issue is limited to vehicle labeling, correcting the information is important to ensure owners have accurate loading guidance.

Why the Recall Was Issued

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the affected certification labels contain an incorrect GAWR value. If vehicle owners rely on the inaccurate label, the vehicle could potentially be overloaded beyond its intended axle capacity. Excessive loading may negatively affect vehicle handling and stability, increasing the likelihood of a crash. The recall has therefore been initiated to bring the affected vehicles into compliance with FMVSS 110 requirements.

Affected Subaru Models

The recall covers several recent model-year vehicles produced by Subaru. Owners of the following models should verify whether their vehicle is included in the campaign.

Subaru Vehicles Included in the Recall

Remedy for Vehicle Owners

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified beginning by August 25. They will be instructed to visit an authorized Subaru dealership, where technicians will place a corrected certification label over the existing incorrect label at no cost. The repair is straightforward and is intended solely to ensure the certification information accurately reflects the proper Gross Axle Weight Rating specified for the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Subaru recalling more than 541,000 vehicles in the United States?
The recall was issued because certain certification labels display an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), resulting in non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110. Incorrect weight information could lead owners to overload their vehicles, increasing crash risk. Subaru will notify affected owners and replace the incorrect certification labels with accurate ones at authorized dealerships free of charge. This remedy ensures the vehicles meet regulatory labeling requirements and provide correct loading guidance.

Which Subaru models are included in the recall?
The recall applies to the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid, 2025–2026 Forester, and 2019–2026 Ascent models. These vehicles may carry certification labels with incorrect GAWR information. Owners of these models should wait for Subaru's notification or check with their local dealership to determine whether their specific vehicle is affected and arrange for the free label replacement once the recall process begins.