Recall AlertIf you drive a 2022 to 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or Forester hybrid, stop what you're doing and read this.
Subaru just issued a recall covering roughly 69,153 vehicles over a fuel filler cap gasket that can degrade and leak fuel vapor. In the worst case, that means fire risk, especially when your tank is near full.
The recall number is NHTSA 26V106000.
What's actually wrong
The fuel filler cap gasket on affected Crosstrek and Forester hybrid models can deteriorate over time. When the gas tank is close to capacity, fuel vapor can escape through the faulty seal. Combine that with heat from the hybrid powertrain and you have a genuine ignition risk.
This isn't a "we'll fix it eventually" situation. Subaru is telling owners to take action now.
What Subaru wants you to do immediately
Two things, and they're both unusual for a recall:
- Park outside. Not in your garage, not in a covered structure. Outside. Until the fix is done.
- Keep your fuel tank below 50%. Don't fill up past the halfway mark until you've had the repair completed.
That second one is the kind of instruction that gets your attention. When a manufacturer tells you not to fill your own gas tank all the way, they're not messing around.
Which vehicles are affected
- 2022 to 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
- 2022 to 2024 Subaru Forester Hybrid
If you're not sure whether your specific vehicle is included, plug your VIN into NHTSA's recall lookup tool or call your local Subaru dealer.
What happens next
Subaru dealers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket at no cost. Contact your dealer to schedule the repair as soon as possible. Don't wait on a mailed notice if you already know your vehicle is affected.
The bottom line
Recalls happen. Most of them are minor inconveniences. This one isn't. A fuel leak near a hybrid powertrain is serious, and the interim instructions (park outside, half-tank max) tell you everything you need to know about how seriously Subaru is taking it.
If you own one of these vehicles, call your dealer today. And maybe text this to anyone you know who drives a Crosstrek or Forester hybrid. They'll thank you for it.