THE BREAKDOWN:
- Subaru recalls nearly 70,000 vehicles for a potential fuel leak.
- Rising ambient temperatures could cause the fuel tank pressure to increase, pushing fuel up the filler neck and past the cap.
- The fuel filler cap has an insufficient seal.
Subaru is recalling 69,153 vehicles due to a potential fuel leak. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a "significant rise in ambient temperature" can increase fuel tank pressure, potentially causing fuel to leak from the filler cap and start a fire when the tank is nearly full.
The recall affects the 2025 Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. Subaru first learned of a potential issue late last year and initiated an investigation. The automaker was able to reproduce the problem, with fuel being forced up the filler neck, and discovered that an insufficient seal on the cap could allow fuel to leak.
Subaru says it’s not aware of any injuries or fires related to this issue. The automaker will fix the problem by replacing the cap with a new one that incorporates an O-ring and features an improved gasket. Until owners get their cars fixed, Subaru is advising them to limit their cars’ fuel level to 50 percent and to park outside.
According to the recall report, the company will begin notifying owners within the next 60 days.
Motor1’s Take: This is Subaru's first recall this year. While the consequences of a fuel leak could be disastrous, at least this is a simple repair that owners can easily mitigate until they get it fixed.
