NHTSA safety recall
Recall 26V685000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Subaru of America, Inc. · Reported to NHTSA Oct 19, 2026
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory for this campaign.
Owners of covered vehicles are advised not to drive them until the recall repair has been completed. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govRecalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govWhat this recall covers
NHTSA's campaign record, quoted as published
The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
The risk
A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Campaign details
Identifiers and dates as filed with NHTSA
- Manufacturer
- Subaru of America, Inc.
- Manufacturer's campaign number
- WRI26
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V685000
- Units potentially affected
- 8
- Report received
- Oct 19, 2026
- Production range
- Aug 4, 2026 – Aug 13, 2026
- Campaign type
- Vehicle
- Federal safety standard (FMVSS)
- Not recorded
Vehicles covered
2 model years across 2 models
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.