Subaru Recall Could Impact Child Seat Safety for Nearly 3,000 Forester Owners

Thousands of 2025 Subaru Forester owners across the U.S. will need to have their vehicles inspected after Subaru of America announced a recall due to a defect that may compromise the safety of child seats. The company revealed that 2,938 hybrid-electric Foresters may have been built with child seat anchor bolts that were not tightened sufficiently during assembly, increasing the risk of detachment in a crash.

The recall, identified under NHTSA No. 25V419, affects vehicles produced between November 28, 2024, and March 5, 2025. Subaru traced the issue to assembly instructions that failed to account for changes in panel rigidity and gaps introduced in February. If a bolt detaches, child seats using ISO FIX anchors may not stay secured in a collision, creating a serious risk of injury.

Although no injuries or accidents have been reported, Subaru has opted to conduct the recall as a precaution. Affected vehicles will be inspected by dealers, and bolts will be tightened to the correct torque at no cost to customers. Production procedures were updated on March 5 to correct the issue in all future vehicles.

Vehicle owners can begin checking their VINs on June 20, 2025, to confirm whether their Forester is part of the recall. Dealerships were notified on the same date, and Subaru will begin sending recall letters to owners on August 15. Those who receive a notice should schedule an inspection promptly to ensure continued child seat safety.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from Subaru of America, Inc. and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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