Subaru has issued safety recall notices affecting select 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester models to address potential concerns with the rear liftgate support bracket, power moonroof glass adhesive bonding, and vehicle certification labels. All safety recall inspections and necessary corrective repairs are performed by factory-trained technicians provided at no charge to vehicle owners.

Maintaining open recall updates is an essential part of long-term vehicle ownership and family safety. For drivers commuting past the historic two-flat residences along Irving Park Road, ensuring every safety system functions as engineered provides true peace of mind through every season.

If you suspect your vehicle may be involved in a campaign, our certified service team is available to help. You can easily reach our service department by phone at (708) 943-9726 or drop by our Irving Park Road service center to speak directly with an expert advisor.

Table of Contents

• What Safety Recalls Affect the 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester Liftgate Hinge and Moonroof?
• What Are the Recall Numbers and How Do I Check My Specific Forester VIN?
• How Is the Forester Recall Repaired and Can Owners Perform the Fix Themselves?
• Will Subaru Charge for Recall Repairs and How Long Does the Appointment Take?
• What Are the Key Safety Features and Dimensions of the 2025-2026 Subaru Forester?
• Quick Answers About Forester Recall Services
• Schedule Your Forester Recall Service at Berman Subaru of Chicago

What Safety Recalls Affect the 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester Liftgate Hinge and Moonroof?

Subaru issued distinct safety recall notices for specific 2025 and 2026 Forester SUVs covering the rear hatch stay bracket, power moonroof glass bonding, and gross axle weight rating labels.

The primary safety notices involving the body structure and glass assemblies include:

• Rear Liftgate Stay Bracket Recall: Affecting 5,603 model-year 2026 Forester SUVs in the U.S., this campaign addresses a situation where the rear hatch support bracket may have been installed in an improper orientation during manufacturing. If installed incorrectly, the rear stay bracket can loosen or fail, potentially allowing the open liftgate to fall unexpectedly and increasing the risk of injury.
• Power Moonroof Glass Panel Recall: Affecting 69,663 model-year 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles, this issue involves a manufacturing process variation where insufficient primer was applied before bonding the glass panel to the sliding frame. Over time, inadequate adhesion could allow the glass panel to loosen or detach while driving. This campaign encompasses 65,656 standard Forester models built between June 19, 2025 and March 13, 2026, alongside 4,007 Forester Hybrid units built between February 20 and March 17, 2026. Subaru corrected this assembly process in production on March 10, 2026.
• Certification Label Weight Rating Recall: In a broader campaign covering 541,237 vehicles across multiple model lines (including 49,946 gas Forester models and 77,504 Forester Hybrid models from 2025 and 2026), an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) was printed on the door jamb certification label. While not a mechanical failure, an incorrect label rating could lead owners to inadvertently overload an axle, affecting vehicle handling and tyre wear.

Each campaign addresses a specific manufacturing detail to preserve vehicle integrity and occupant protection.

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What Are the Recall Numbers and How Do I Check My Specific Forester VIN?

You can verify whether your vehicle has an open recall by locating its 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and searching official manufacturer records or national safety databases.

The internal manufacturer campaign identifiers and federal tracking numbers associated with these notices include:

• Liftgate Stay Bracket Campaign: Identified by Subaru recall campaign WRG-25.
• Certification Label Campaign: Identified by Subaru recall campaign WRH-26 and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 26V436.
• Moonroof Panel Bond Campaign: Issued under dedicated manufacturer service recall bulletins for affected build dates.

To locate your vehicle's VIN, look through the lower driver's side corner of the front windshield from the outside, or inspect the safety certification label on the driver's side center door pillar. The 17-character sequence is also printed on your vehicle registration card and auto insurance documentation.

Entering your VIN on the official Subaru recall lookup website or the NHTSA recall tool will instantly display any unrepaired campaigns specific to your vehicle. If your search returns zero open recalls, your specific Forester was produced outside the affected manufacturing date windows or has already received the required service.

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How Is the Forester Recall Repaired and Can Owners Perform the Fix Themselves?

Recall repairs for the rear liftgate stay bracket and power moonroof panel require factory-authorized inspection procedures and must be completed by certified technicians, though certification label updates can either be dealer-installed or owner-applied.

When an affected vehicle enters the service bay, factory-trained technicians carry out specialized remedy protocols:

• Liftgate Bracket Service: Technicians inspect the mounting orientation and fastener torque of the rear hatch support stay. If the bracket is improperly aligned or shows signs of stress, technicians replace the support stay and bracket assembly using corrected mounting hardware.
• Moonroof Assembly Service: Technicians conduct an adhesion inspection on the perimeter of the moonroof glass panel. If bonding primer coverage is insufficient or panel movement is detected, the technician replaces the complete moonroof glass and sliding frame assembly.
• Weight Label Remedy: Subaru provides an updated certification overlay label that places the corrected axle weight ratings directly over the original label. Owners may choose to receive this overlay by mail to apply themselves or bring the vehicle into the shop for complimentary technician installation.

Complex mechanical and structural inspections should never be attempted as DIY projects. Certified technicians utilize specialized diagnostic tools, exact torque specifications, and genuine OEM Subaru parts to ensure every repair meets strict engineering safety standards.

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Will Subaru Charge for Recall Repairs and How Long Does the Appointment Take?

Subaru covers all parts, labor, and dealer service costs associated with safety recall inspections and repairs, meaning the recall repairs are performed at no charge.

When vehicle owners visit our service drive, they frequently ask whether a recall fix requires leaving their SUV for several days or if it can be completed while they wait. Labor times vary depending on the specific campaign:

• Certification Label Overlay: Takes less than 15 minutes to inspect and apply.
• Liftgate Support Bracket Inspection: Typically completed within 30 to 60 minutes. If hardware replacement is required, service may take slightly longer.
• Moonroof Adhesion Inspection and Replacement: Adhesion verification takes approximately 30 minutes. If a full moonroof assembly replacement is necessary, procedure completion generally ranges from 1 to 2 hours.

To minimize disruption to your daily schedule, recall appointments can be coordinated alongside routine maintenance visits, such as engine oil changes or tire rotations.

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What Are the Key Safety Features and Dimensions of the 2025-2026 Subaru Forester?

The 2025 and 2026 Subaru Forester compact crossover combines standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, nearly 9 inches of ground clearance, and an interior offering up to 74 cubic feet of total cargo volume.

Engineered with a strong ring-shaped reinforcement frame, the Forester lineup delivers structural strength and active driver protection:

• Active Driver Assistance: Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology uses enhanced stereo cameras to monitor traffic flow, offering Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and available Automatic Emergency Steering. Upper trims add Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.
• All-Weather Performance: Powered by a 2.5L Subaru BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic CVT, the standard gas model delivers responsive acceleration while achieving up to 26 city / 33 hwy MPG. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continuously distributes power to maintain traction on wet asphalt or icy surface streets along the Chicago lakefront.
• Interior Room and Dimensions: The cabin provides up to 111 cubic feet of passenger volume for up to five occupants. Rear cargo capacity measures about 30 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to roughly 74 cubic feet when the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks are lowered.
• Utility & Ground Clearance: Featuring nearly 9 inches of standard ground clearance—and up to 9.3 inches on the Forester Wilderness trim—the Forester easily clears unplowed snow, deep potholes, and high curbs.

These core safety technologies and flexible dimensions make the Forester a durable, highly protective choice for daily urban commuting and weekend family travel.

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Quick Answers About Forester Recall Services

Q: How do I know if my 2026 Forester moonroof needs to be inspected?

A: You can verify eligibility by entering your 17-character VIN into Subaru's online recall search tool or by contacting our service advisors. The moonroof campaign specifically applies to 2026 Forester models built between June 19, 2025 and March 13, 2026, as well as Forester Hybrid models produced between February 20 and March 17, 2026. If your vehicle falls within these dates, an inspection is recommended.

Q: Will a safety recall repair affect my Subaru factory warranty?

A: No, official recall repairs do not void or negatively impact your factory warranty coverage. In fact, having recall remedies performed by certified technicians ensures your vehicle remains fully compliant with manufacturer safety standards and helps preserve original bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty protections.

Q: What should I do if my Forester rear liftgate feels loose or heavy?

A: If you notice unusual resistance, noise, or difficulty keeping the rear hatch open, avoid using the liftgate and contact our service center immediately. Our technicians will inspect the rear gate stay brackets to verify they are installed in the proper orientation and replace any compromised mounting hardware.

Q: Is there any cost for receiving a replacement weight certification label?

A: No, there is no cost for the corrected certification label overlay. Subaru mails the corrected label directly to affected owners free of charge with simple application instructions, or our dealership service team will happily install the overlay for you at no expense during your next visit.

Q: How quickly can I get a recall appointment scheduled?

A: Recall service appointments can generally be scheduled within a few business days depending on parts availability. Our team maintains inventory for active campaigns to complete inspections and repairs efficiently, getting you back on the road with minimal downtime.

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Schedule Your Forester Recall Service at Berman Subaru of Chicago

If your 2025 or 2026 Forester is due for a recall inspection, our factory-certified service department is fully equipped to handle all necessary repairs quickly and correctly. Using specialized manufacturer tools and genuine Subaru components, our technicians ensure your crossover maintains the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

Our state-of-the-art facility features comfortable waiting accommodations, transparent customer service, and flexible scheduling options tailored to your busy calendar. Protect your family and maintain your vehicle's long-term reliability by addressing open safety campaigns as soon as possible.

To check your VIN or reserve your service time, give our team a call at (708) 943-9726, visit our convenient Irving Park Road facility, or conveniently book a recall inspection online today.

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