Subaru recalls 541,000 US SUVs over incorrect weight label

Subaru is recalling more than 540,000 sport utility vehicles in the United States because an incorrect weight limit label could lead drivers to overload their vehicles and increase the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall, which affects an estimated 541,237 vehicles that fail to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The recall covers certain model year 2019 through 2026 Ascent SUVs, 2025 and 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models, and the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. The issue involves the safety certification label, typically found inside the driver's door jamb, which displays an incorrect gross axle weight rating for the vehicle's rear axle. This figure represents the maximum weight the axle can safely support.

Federal regulators warned that an incorrect label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. If drivers rely on the erroneous information, they could load their SUVs with too much cargo or too many passengers, putting dangerous strain on the tires and suspension and potentially causing a mechanical failure.

The NHTSA first alerted Subaru to the discrepancy in May. After an internal review of...