NHTSA Recall 26V106000: Subaru Crosstrek & Forester Hybrid Fire Risk

What the recall covers

Recall 26V106000 (Subaru reference WRD-26) covers 69,153 model year 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid vehicles. When the fuel tank is near full, rising ambient temperature can make the fuel expand and spill from the filler neck because of an insufficient seal on the fuel cap — and a fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of a fire.

The remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to mail around March 25, 2026.

What owners should do now

• Until the repair is done, park outside and away from structures, and limit the fuel level to about 50%, per Subaru's guidance.
• Watch for your Subaru owner-notification letter and schedule the free repair.
• Confirm whether your specific VIN is affected.
• Keep your recall letter and every repair order.
• If fuel odor or spillage continues after the repair, document it and save the paperwork.

How to check your VIN

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is included by entering the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or subaru.com. Inclusion is VIN-specific, not just by model and year.

Subaru customer service: 844-373-6614 (recall reference WRD-26). NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236.

When this recall can become a California lemon law claim

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free fix. Your Subaru may qualify under California's Lemon Law if the recall repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your vehicle has other unrepaired warranty defects. In those cases you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. For the full breakdown, see the guides below.