Subaru Recalls Hybrid Models Due to Potential Fuel Leak Risk

Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a voluntary safety recall affecting over 71,000 of its hybrid vehicles, specifically the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. According to information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles may pose a fire risk due to a potential fuel leak from the filler cap under specific conditions.

The issue arises when affected vehicles are parked with a nearly full fuel tank and are exposed to a significant increase in ambient temperature. This combination can cause the fuel to expand, raising pressure within the fuel tank. The increased pressure can force the fuel level up the filler neck. Under these circumstances, an insufficient seal on the fuel cap assembly may permit fuel to leak from the filler neck. The safety risk associated with this defect is a potential vehicle fire, should the leaked fuel come into contact with an ignition source.

Subaru’s investigation into this matter began in late December 2025 after the company received a technical report from the U.S. market concerning fuel leaks from fuel filler caps. A subsequent investigation, including attempts to reproduce the condition and analysis of returned parts, confirmed the defect. The company determined that vehicles not included in this recall are equipped with an improved fuel filler cap gasket that incorporates an O-ring to enhance its sealing performance. For the Forester Hybrid, all production units are included in the recall. The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid models will have the condition corrected in production on or around March 23, 2026, and all affected vehicles will be corrected prior to delivery until that date.

As a precautionary measure until remedy parts are available, Subaru is advising customers to limit the fuel level in their affected vehicles to 50%. Owners are also instructed to park their vehicles outside, away from structures, due to the potential for fuel leaks. The remedy for all potentially affected vehicles will involve Subaru dealerships replacing the fuel filler cap gasket with an improved version that includes an O-ring for enhanced sealing.

The recall encompasses approximately 19,500 units of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, produced between June 26, 2025, and March 23, 2026, and an estimated 51,707 units of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, produced between November 28, 2024, and December 5, 2025. Subaru has received 33 technical reports related to this condition in the U.S. market, but as of the recall announcement, the company is not aware of any fires or injuries resulting from this defect.

Owner notification regarding the recall is expected to occur within 60 days. Dealers were notified of the recall on February 16, 2026, and owners will be able to determine if their vehicle is affected by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) online starting February 16, 2026. The remedy owner notification is scheduled to begin around March 25, 2026, with a phased recall approach. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for customers who may incur expenses related to this recall.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Subaru of America, Inc.

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