Recalls are an inevitable part of the modern automotive industry. Even brands with the best reputations for reliability must act quickly when any potential safety-related flaw appears. This time it was Subaru's turn, and they decided to take action before the problem escalated.

The Japanese company confirmed the voluntary recall of more than 71,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States after detecting a defect that, under certain conditions, could lead to a fire. The measure specifically affects two of its most popular models in the North American market: the Forester and the Crosstrek.

Although the situation may sound alarming, the brand itself clarified that there are no reports of fires or injuries so far. The recall is a preventative measure following several technical reports that triggered internal alerts. The affected models involve exactly 71,207 units of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid sold in the United States. According to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue relates to the fuel tank sealing system. Under certain circumstances—especially when the tank is full and outside temperatures are high—a small gasoline leak could occur. The risk arises because the fuel could leak into the filler neck. If this gasoline comes into contact with a heat source, the possibility of fire increases. Internal investigations indicate that the tank seal design does not guarantee a perfect seal between the tank housing and the cap gasket. The pressure generated inside the tank when it is full can allow small amounts of fuel to escape. Subaru began analyzing the situation in December 2025, after receiving the first technical report related to this behavior. Subsequently, in January 2026, the brand conducted additional tests that confirmed the need to take action. To avoid confusion, the manufacturer included all production linked to that period in the recall, identifying the vehicles through manufacturing records. The solution and recommendations for owners:The repair will be relatively simple. Official dealerships will replace the filler system gasket with an improved version that incorporates an O-ring seal, designed to prevent any future leaks. Until the parts are available at all authorized workshops, Subaru recommends owners keep the fuel level below 50% of the tank's capacity as a preventative measure. Dealerships were officially informed on February 16, 2026, while owners will begin receiving direct notifications within a maximum of 60 days. What will happen to new models? Subaru also confirmed production adjustments to prevent the problem from continuing. The 2025 Forester has already completed its production run, while the 2026 Crosstrek will incorporate the correction directly at the factory starting March 23, 2026. This means that all affected new units will be repaired before reaching customers. If you own one of these models, it is highly recommended that you check your VIN on the official Subaru website or in the NHTSA database. If your vehicle is included in the recall, the repair will be performed free of charge.

Until the parts are available at all authorized service centers, Subaru recommends that owners keep their fuel level below 50% of the tank's capacity as a preventative measure.

Dealerships were officially notified on February 16, 2026, while owners will begin receiving direct notifications within a maximum of 60 days.

What will happen to new models?

Subaru also confirmed adjustments to production to prevent the problem from continuing.

The 2025 Forester has already completed its production run, while the 2026 Crosstrek will incorporate the correction directly at the factory starting March 23, 2026. This means that all affected new units will be repaired before reaching customers. If you own one of these models, it is highly recommended that you check your VIN on the official Subaru website or in the NHTSA database. If your vehicle is included in the recall, the repair will be performed free of charge.

Until the parts are available at all authorized service centers, Subaru recommends that owners keep their fuel level below 50% of the tank's capacity as a preventative measure.

Dealerships were officially notified on February 16, 2026, while owners will begin receiving direct notifications within a maximum of 60 days.

What will happen to new models?

Subaru also confirmed adjustments to production to prevent the problem from continuing.

The 2025 Forester has already completed its production run, while the 2026 Crosstrek will incorporate the correction directly at the factory starting March 23, 2026. This means that all affected new units will be repaired before reaching customers. If you own one of these models,it is highly recommended that you check your VIN on the official Subaru website or in the NHTSA database. If your vehicle is included in the recall, the repair will be performed free of charge.