Subaru's Best-Selling Model Recalled Thousands of Units Due to Safety Issues
Subaru's Best-Selling Model Recalled Thousands of Units Due to Safety Issues
JAKARTA - One of Subaru's best-selling models in the United States has to undergo a recall. Subaru announced the recall of some units of the 2026 Subaru Forester model due to potential safety problems in the rear trunk door holder.
In its official report, Subaru of America said a number of 2026 Foresters were produced with an improper installation of a trunk door retaining bracket. This condition risks causing components to come loose without warning, thus increasing the potential for injury to users.
Subaru admitted that the root of the problem came from incomplete work instructions in the production line. The instructions failed to ensure that the installation and orientation of the bracket was done correctly.
Launching from Autoevolution, Friday, January 9, the problem was first detected during a routine inspection in October 2025. Subsequent inspections at the assembly facility then found additional units with brackets that were incorrectly positioned or not installed according to specifications.
Although the results of the cycle test do not show the release of components, the Subaru safety team considers the worst-case scenario still cannot be ruled out. As a preventive measure, all units that are indicated to be problematic will be inspected by Subaru's official dealers.
If there is a discrepancy, the trunk door holding bracket will be replaced at no cost to the owner or renter of the vehicle. The 2026 Forester that is included in this program was produced between September 11 and October 30, 2025.
A total of around 5,603 units were affected, for the 2026 model year, the Forester with symmetrical all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine is produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive's Lafayette plant. Previously, the Forester for the US market was assembled at the Gunma complex, Japan.
A notification to the dealer network has been sent electronically on December 19, 2025. Meanwhile, the official letter to consumers is scheduled to be sent no later than February 16, 2026.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) involved has also been published through Subaru's consumer site and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. In the US market, the Subaru Forester starts at $29,995 before shipping costs and taxes.
The conventional-engined variant is available in six trims, ranging from Base as the most affordable option to Touring as the most expensive version, while the Wilderness trim is prepared for adventurous consumers.
Meanwhile, the Forester hybrid is offered in four variants, namely Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Subaru claims the mileage can reach up to 581 miles or about 935 kilometers. In terms of efficiency, the hybrid version records consumption of more than 35 mpg in the combined cycle, more economical than the non-hybrid version which is at 29 mpg.
Both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions carry the Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system. The standard torque distribution is 60 percent to the front wheels and 40 percent to the rear, but it can change to 50:50 instantly as needed to maintain driving stability and efficiency.