The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
The risk
A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 25V-889 (25V889000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WRG-25 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments |
| Report date | December 18, 2025 |
| Owners notified | January 29, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 5,603 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 25V-889 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 5,603 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.