- MY25-26 Subaru hybrids are being recalled over potential fuel leaks.
- US owners have been advised to park outside and limit fuel levels.
- Warming ambient temperatures can expand levels past weak cap.
Subaru buyers are known for loving hiking boots, kayaks, and campfires. Now nearly 70,000 of them are being told to embrace the great outdoors even when at home, and park their cars outside, preferably without much gas in the tank in case it becomes that campfire.
A total of 69,153 vehicles are affected, according to a new NHTSA recall announced this month, the problematic models being 17,446 examples of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid and 51,707 of the 2025 Forester Hybrid, both of which are at risk of catching fire.
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The issue centers on the fuel filler cap assembly, specifically an insufficient seal between the cap housing and gasket. If the tank is near full and the vehicle is parked in rising ambient temperatures, the fuel can expand. This increases tank pressure and can push fuel up the filler neck. If the seal isn’t tight enough, gasoline may leak out.
No Fires…Yet
As the recall warning reminds us, a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire, even if the chances are slim, particularly at this time of year when the entire east coast is battling with arctic conditions and not tropical heatwaves. Subaru says it’s aware of 33 technical reports in the US but no fires or injuries so far.
Until dealers can apply a fix, Subaru is advising owners to limit fuel levels to 50 percent and park outside away from structures. Yes, that means no cozy garage naps for your electrically-assisted Subie, which temporarily has the driving range of a decade-old EV.
New Cap Coming
The remedy is a new filler cap with an improved gasket and an added O-ring for better sealing, and Subaru will start reaching out to owners in late March to have them contact a dealer about the update.
And for those of you considering ordering a new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, you shouldn’t incur a wait because production models will incorporate the new part starting in the next couple of weeks.
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