---
title: "SUBARU CROSSTREK recall: Front ball joint may separate"
description: Subaru CROSSTREK and FORESTER vehicles may have an improperly
  fastened front ball joint connection; the remedy is a free dealer inspection
  and replacement as necessary.
author: RecallWire Safety Desk
published: 2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z
editorial_status: reviewed
canonical_url: https://recallwire.news/articles/safety-recall-26v685000/
sources_checked: 2026-10-22T23:08:35.587Z
article_type: recall
manufacturer: SUBARU
manufacturers:
  - SUBARU
models:
  - CROSSTREK
  - FORESTER
vehicles:
  - manufacturer: SUBARU
    model: CROSSTREK
    years:
      - 2026
  - manufacturer: SUBARU
    model: FORESTER
    years:
      - 2026
campaigns:
  - 26V685000
campaign: 26V685000
affected: 8
source_agency: NHTSA
---

# SUBARU CROSSTREK recall: Front ball joint may separate

## Summary

Subaru CROSSTREK and FORESTER vehicles may have an improperly fastened front ball joint connection; the remedy is a free dealer inspection and replacement as necessary.

## At a glance

- Manufacturer: SUBARU
- Vehicle: CROSSTREK
- NHTSA campaigns: 26V685000
- Potentially affected: 8

> Official recall facts are attributed to NHTSA. The surrounding summary and owner guidance are RecallWire editorial work. A campaign or model match does not confirm an individual vehicle’s recall or repair status; use the [official NHTSA VIN lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).

A front suspension defect could lead to loss of vehicle control in affected Subaru vehicles. The campaign includes an interim safety instruction as well as a dealer remedy.

## What the official recall record says

### SUBARU: CROSSTREK, FORESTER

An improperly fastened castle nut may allow the left-front lower control arm ball joint to separate from the control arm. That separation can cause loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. The specified remedy is a dealer inspection and replacement of the ball joint assembly if necessary, at no charge.

**Owner information from the official record**

- **Repair and availability:** Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
- **Owner notices:** Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026.
- **Manufacturer contact:** Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
- **Manufacturer recall reference:** WRI26

**Official record**

- **NHTSA recall ID:** 26V685000
- **Vehicles listed:** SUBARU CROSSTREK (2026); SUBARU FORESTER (2026)
- **Potentially affected:** 8
- **Components:** SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- **Report received:** October 19, 2026
- **Owner notification:** Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026.
- **Defect:** Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
- **Safety consequence:** A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- **Remedy:** Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026.  Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.  Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.

## What owners should do next

Review the campaign’s safety instructions and contact Subaru or an authorized dealer about the specified remedy.

A headline cannot confirm whether a particular vehicle is affected. Use the [official NHTSA recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) with the vehicle identification number and contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for vehicle-specific guidance.

## Related RecallWire reporting

- [Vehicle Recall Briefing: August 21, 2026](/articles/weekly-recall-briefing-2026-08-21/)
- [Vehicle Recall Briefing: August 14, 2026](/articles/weekly-recall-briefing-2026-08-14/)

## Sources

- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety Recall Report: Campaign 26V685000. Report received 2026-10-19.

---

Source: RecallWire
Canonical URL: https://recallwire.news/articles/safety-recall-26v685000/