Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
2026 Subaru Forester Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2026 Subaru Forester?
The NHTSA records include 22 separate recall entries affecting systems such as air bag inflators, occupant detection wiring, brake light switches, engine and steering components reported across various model years related to the Forester platform. These entries cover air bag defects (including inflator risks and ODS wiring for heated seats), brake-light switch failures that can prevent lights or shifting, turbo intake and PCV issues that can cause stalls or power loss, steering connector shorts, brake-line corrosion, floor-mat interference, and rear stabilizer hardware. All recall details are sourced from NHTSA records; if you own a 2026 Subaru Forester, Mike Shaw Subaru can verify your VIN and confirm any open campaigns.
How do I check if my 2026 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
Check your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup or bring the VIN to Mike Shaw Subaru for a free check. You can use the NHTSA.gov VIN tool or contact our service team and we will confirm any open recalls at no charge and explain next steps; to schedule service click the link to set an appointment with factory-trained technicians. We also recommend signing up for recall notifications through Subaru or the NHTSA to receive official owner letters and remedy timelines.
How much does a 2026 Subaru Forester recall repair cost?
Recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer and franchised dealers like Mike Shaw Subaru. If NHTSA has declared a remedy, Subaru will cover parts and labor for recall repairs; our dealership uses OEM parts and factory diagnostic tools to ensure the correct fix at no cost to you. If you need help with payment options for unrelated maintenance, we offer service financing and can discuss options when you schedule appointment.
Can I get my 2026 Subaru Forester recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Manufacturer recall work must be performed at an authorized franchise dealer to guarantee OEM parts and warranty-backed repair records. Mike Shaw Subaru is a certified Subaru dealer in Thornton, CO with factory-trained technicians, OEM parts, and direct Subaru recall parts ordering—this ensures proper remedy, official documentation, and zero cost under the recall program. If you bring the vehicle to an independent shop it may not be able to perform a manufacturer recall remedy or generate the official repair record required for some safety or legal checks.
How long does a 2026 Subaru Forester recall repair take?
Most recall repairs are completed within a few hours, but some fixes requiring special parts or engine replacement can take longer. Timing depends on the specific recall: many air bag inflator or sensor harness replacements are same-day when parts are available, while remedies that require scarce parts may be scheduled and completed as soon as parts arrive; contact us to schedule service and we will provide an accurate ETA. Mike Shaw Subaru also posts current offers under our service specials and can provide courtesy status updates for your appointment.
Does an open recall affect my 2026 Subaru Forester's trade-in or resale value?
An unresolved recall can negatively affect resale or trade-in value because buyers and dealers may require official recall completion for safety and title checks. Having recall work completed at Mike Shaw Subaru documents that the vehicle was remedied with OEM parts by factory-trained techs, helping preserve value and smoothing trade-ins; to begin a sale or trade, visit our trade-in page. We can check open recalls for free and complete required work to maintain your vehicle's marketability and compliance for inspections or sale.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2026 Subaru Forester recall?
Some recalls affect components tied to emissions, lights, or safety systems and can cause inspection failures if the defect impairs required systems. Examples from NHTSA records include brake light switch failures that prevent brake lights from illuminating and certain engine or emissions-related defects that can cause stalls; resolving those recalls at an authorized dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru helps ensure your Forester meets inspection standards. If you are facing inspection issues, contact our service department to schedule appointment and we will verify recalls and apply manufacturer remedies free of charge.
2026 Subaru Forester Recall Summary
These entries are summarized from NHTSA records and manufacturer campaigns; Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO encourages owners to schedule service for free manufacturer recall repairs performed by certified, factory-trained technicians using OEM parts.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
Addressing recalls quickly protects you and your passengers from documented hazards related to components on Subaru vehicles. For the 2026 Subaru Forester, NHTSA records show multiple campaigns touching the air bag system (including passenger air bag inflator replacements and occupant detection wiring that can deactivate the air bag when the seat is occupied), brake-light switch failures that can prevent lights or shifting, turbo intake or PCV issues that can cause engine stall or loss of power, and steering connector concerns that may reduce power steering assist. These conditions increase the risk of injury or crash if not addressed. At Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO we prioritize safety: our factory-trained technicians use OEM diagnostic tools and genuine Subaru parts to apply manufacturer-approved remedies, and recall repairs are completed free under Subaru’s recall program. Ignoring a verified recall can also affect insurance claims and liability in the event of an accident, so we urge owners to take immediate action by choosing a certified dealer for recall service and to schedule service as soon as possible; you may also review our available service specials for concurrent maintenance needs.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Mike Shaw Subaru is your authorized Subaru franchise in Thornton, CO, and our service center is staffed by factory-trained technicians who perform recall repairs exactly as the manufacturer specifies. When you bring a 2026 Subaru Forester to our dealership, we use OEM parts, Subaru-approved procedures, and factory diagnostic equipment to ensure recalls are remedied correctly and permanently. This is important because many NHTSA recalls—like air bag inflator replacements, ODS sensor harness swaps, and brake light switch replacements—require exact parts and calibration that only a franchise service center can guarantee. Our team documents every recall completion with the manufacturer so your vehicle’s service history stays intact, preserving warranty and resale value. We serve drivers across Thornton, North Denver, Westminster, and surrounding communities and offer convenient online scheduling, transparent communication, and options like service financing so you can get necessary maintenance now and pay later. To book work, schedule appointment with us and ask about current service specials or parts deals at our parts department.
Check Your VIN Today
If you’re unsure whether a recall applies to your 2026 Subaru Forester, the fastest route is a VIN lookup—either on NHTSA.gov or through Mike Shaw Subaru at no charge. We will check official NHTSA and manufacturer records, explain any open campaigns that affect systems such as airbags, brake-light switches, engine PCV or turbo ducts, steering connectors, or rear suspension hardware, and give a clear estimate of timeline and availability. Typical recall remedies range from an inspection and part replacement completed in a few hours to more complex fixes that require ordered parts; when parts are unavailable dealers may provide interim notifications and schedule the repair as soon as components arrive. Our service advisors provide straightforward timelines, courtesy communication, and the option to schedule service online. If you plan to finance unrelated repairs, we offer service financing and can bundle necessary maintenance during your recall visit to save time and reduce repeat trips.
Protect Your Vehicle Value
Open recalls can reduce trade-in and resale value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA records and require official remedy documentation before purchase. For the 2026 Subaru Forester, resolving recalls—such as air bag inflator replacements, brake-line rustproofing, or ignition switch inspections—at an authorized dealership ensures the work is recorded with Subaru and visible on vehicle history checks. Mike Shaw Subaru documents recall completion with OEM parts and factory-trained technicians, protecting your vehicle’s marketability and easing trade-in or sale transactions. Completing recalls also avoids potential inspection or insurance complications and demonstrates responsible vehicle ownership. If you’re preparing to sell or trade, visit our trade-in page to start a valuation after we confirm and complete any open recalls. To take action now, schedule appointment and ask our service team about current service specials and parts promotions.
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Recall Summary
23 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Air Bag
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Air Bag10
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Brake Light3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 29, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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Turbocharger Air Intake Duct1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
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Ignition1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t
Consequence
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may
Consequence
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
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Equipment1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Consequence
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
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Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
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Engine2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
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Power Steering1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
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