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It’s the kind of problem nobody notices until a warm day, a full tank, and the faint smell of gasoline all show up at the same time.
Subaru of America has issued a recall covering certain 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid models after identifying a fuel system concern tied to the fuel filler cap seal. According to the recall notice, when the fuel tank is near full, higher ambient temperatures can cause fuel to expand and push past the filler neck—potentially spilling fuel externally.
The root of it comes down to an insufficient seal at the fuel filler cap, which can allow fuel to escape under the right conditions. Aside from the obvious mess, any fuel spill raises safety concerns, especially if the vehicle is parked near structures or in enclosed areas.
What owners should do right now
Subaru’s guidance is straightforward while owners wait for a repair: park the vehicle outside and away from buildings, and try to keep the fuel level at or below 50%. In other words, this is one of those rare recalls where your fill-up habits and parking spot actually matter for the short term.
Dealers will correct the issue by replacing the fuel filler cap gasket, and Subaru says the repair will be performed free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 25, 2026. In the meantime, VINs for affected vehicles have been searchable on NHTSA.gov since February 16, 2026—useful if you bought recently, are shopping used, or simply want confirmation without waiting for mail.
For questions, owners can contact Subaru of America customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall number WRD-26.
Source: thetruthaboutcars
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