Nearly 70,000 Subaru hybrid vehicles are being recalled nationwide following a federal safety warning about a potential fuel leak and associated fire risk. According to recall documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue affects 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids and 2025 Forester Hybrids, both of which are commonly driven in Southwest Washington’s commuter corridors. Details of the recall were first reported by KGW.

Federal recall filings cited by multiple automotive outlets indicate that the vehicles’ fuel filler cap assemblies may have an insufficient seal. According to reporting by Car and Driver, a faulty gasket can allow gasoline to escape when the tank is nearly full and ambient temperatures rise. The resulting pressure can push fuel up the filler neck, creating the possibility of a leak. Subaru has acknowledged 33 technical reports in the United States but, as of February 27, 2026, no fires or injuries have been confirmed.

According to reporting by Carscoops, a total of 69,153 vehicles are included in the NHTSA action—17,446 Crosstrek Hybrids and 51,707 Forester Hybrids. Owners are being advised to park outdoors and avoid filling fuel tanks beyond 50% until dealers complete repairs. Subaru’s interim guidance, reported by Autoblog, recommends limiting fuel levels to reduce pressure that could trigger a leak.

Subaru plans to replace the affected fuel filler cap gaskets with redesigned components incorporating an O‑ring for improved sealing. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in late March. New production units of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will include the corrected part before delivery, as reported by ABIT.

For residents of Cowlitz County, where Crosstreks and Foresters are among the more common small SUVs on the road, the recall may affect daily travel routines. Many local households rely on these models for commuting along I‑5 and accessing rural areas where parking outdoors is not always convenient. Subaru owners in the region are encouraged to consult the official recall lookup tool on Subaru’s website or NHTSA’s database to confirm whether their specific vehicle is included in the repair campaign.

At the time of publication, the recall remains limited to the identified hybrid models, and Subaru has emphasized that the defect is mechanical rather than related to the vehicles’ electrical hybrid systems.

Sources:
KGW: Subaru recalls nearly 70,000 vehicles due to fire risk
Car and Driver: Subaru recalls hybrid Crosstreks and Foresters for fire risk
Carscoops: Subaru warns 70,000 hybrid owners to park outdoors
Autoblog: Subaru issues fire‑risk warning for Crosstrek and Forester hybrids
ABIT: NHTSA issues recall for Subaru hybrid models