Minnesota Subaru Owners May Want To Check This 2026 Recall

Subaru of America has announced a recall affecting more than 541,000 vehicles because of incorrect information printed on a federally required certification label.

While it isn't a problem involving the engine, brakes, or steering, it's still important enough that owners should take a few minutes to see if their vehicle is included.

WE LOVE US A SUBARU IN MINNESOTA

If you've spent any time driving around central Minnesota lately, you've probably noticed there are a lot of Subarus on the road. From families loading up for a weekend at the cabin to people heading out with kayaks, bikes, or camping gear, they have become a pretty common sight. In fact, my dad has even mentioned more than once that a Subaru is one of the vehicles he'd like to own someday because of their reputation for reliability and handling our Minnesota weather, which surprised me, as I believe he's usually a Chevy man.

That's why this latest recall caught my attention.

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GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING ISSUE

According to the NHTSA, the issue involves the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This number tells owners how much weight each axle of the vehicle is designed to carry safely.

The problem is that some vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect axle weight rating listed on the certification label. If an owner relies on that incorrect information, they could unintentionally overload the vehicle.

ARE OVERLOADED VEHICLES DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD?

The answer is YES. An overloaded vehicle can affect the way your vehicle handles on the road, as well as braking and overall safety, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes these Subaru models:

2019 through 2026 Subaru Ascent
2025 through 2026 Subaru Forester
2025 through 2026 Subaru Forester Hybri
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR SUBARU OWNERS!

If your Subaru is affected by the recall, there is good news for you. Subaru already has a pretty simple solution.

Owners will receive a corrected overlay label along with instructions explaining how to place it over the existing certification label. If you'd rather have someone else take care of it, you can bring your vehicle to a Subaru dealership, and they'll install the corrected label for you at no cost.

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS COMING IN AUGUST

Subaru says owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning August 25th

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL

If you're wondering whether your vehicle is affected, it's easy to check. All you need is your Vehicle Identification Number, better known as your VIN. You can enter that number into the NHTSA recall database or Subaru's online recall lookup tool to find out if your vehicle is included.

If you have additional questions, Subaru customer service can also help at 1-844-373-6614.

THIS IS AN EASY QUICK FIX

One thing I appreciate about recalls is that they aren't always a sign that something has gone terribly wrong. Sometimes they're simply a company recognizing an issue and fixing it before it becomes a bigger problem.

In this case, the repair doesn't involve replacing expensive parts or leaving your vehicle in the shop for days. It's literally correcting information that's important for safe operation.

TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO CHECK YOUR SUBARU FOR THIS RECALL

Still, it's a reminder that if you own one of these vehicles, it's worth taking a couple of minutes to check your VIN. It could save you some headaches down the road, especially if you're the type who loads up the SUV for a family vacation, a trip to the lake, or a weekend of camping here in Minnesota.

Humourous St. Cloud Sign

For over two years, the sign outside the St. Cloud Vacuum and Sewing Center has been bringing smiles to drivers on Division Street. Check out some of the creative and funny signs that have been brightening the mood of St. Cloud.