Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint (Subaru)
Vehicle recall 26V-685. NHTSA received Subaru of America, Inc.’s report on Oct 19, 2026.
- NHTSA: do not drive
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The short answer
NHTSA received Subaru of America, Inc.’s report on Oct 19, 2026. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 26, 2026.
- Do not drive NHTSA’s advice to owners (needs attention)
- 8 vehicles potentially involved, by NHTSA’s count
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 26, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint.
What should you do?
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.
NHTSA’s advice: Do not drive
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 26, 2026. Updated daily.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 8 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
Each model year opens its own page: every recall naming it, its owner complaints and its crash ratings.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 26, 2026. Updated daily.
Who is recalling it?
- Made by Subaru of America, Inc..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 26, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt. Owners’ complaints are counted on each vehicle’s page.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010).
Released Oct 26, 2026 and checked Oct 26, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 26, 2026.