Subaru has recalled 69,663 model-year 2026 Foresters because the moonroof glass can detach from the vehicle while driving. The defect is manufacturing-related: some panels weren't properly primed before bonding, and without adequate adhesion, the bond degrades. The glass separates.
NHTSA recall number 26V346 covers both the standard Forester and the Forester Hybrid. If you own one or are shopping for one, here's the full picture.
Which Vehicles Are Affected
The recall covers two variants built within specific production windows:
| Vehicle | Production Window | Units Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Forester | June 19, 2025 – March 13, 2026 | 65,656 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | Feb. 20 – March 17, 2026 | 4,007 |
| Total | 69,663 |
Foresters built after March 13, 2026 are not part of this recall. Subaru corrected the production defect on March 10, meaning current dealer inventory from late-production runs should be unaffected. The safest way to confirm is a VIN check, not a delivery date estimate.
What Actually Went Wrong
During assembly, the moonroof glass panel is bonded to a sliding metal frame using adhesive. Proper bonding requires a primer layer applied first, so the adhesive grips the glass surface. On affected vehicles, some assemblies didn't receive sufficient primer.
The result: the bond holds initially but degrades under heat cycling, vibration, and UV exposure. Over time, the adhesive loses grip. The glass panel can then slide out of the frame. At highway speed, that's a projectile.
Subaru first learned about the issue on February 26, 2026, when one moonroof glass panel detached from a vehicle. Three technical reports followed between February 26 and March 25. As of the recall filing, Subaru reports no crashes and no injuries connected to the defect.
What the Recall Completion Rate Actually Means for You
Per NHTSA's 2025 annual recall report, the average recall completion rate across all manufacturers was 45 percent. That means, statistically, roughly half of the 69,663 affected Foresters will never have this inspected.
Subaru notified dealers on May 28, 2026. Owner notification letters are expected to go out by late July 2026. If you own one of these vehicles, you may receive your letter weeks from now. If you're shopping for a 2026 Forester at a dealer or private seller right now, the letter hasn't reached the previous owner yet.
An unrepaired recall on a used vehicle is your problem once you sign. The fix is free. The glass panel replacement is free. But that only happens if the new owner knows to ask.
The Fix
Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion. If the bonding is insufficient, the glass panel assembly is replaced entirely, at no charge. There's no partial repair. It's inspect and confirm or inspect and replace.
Subaru has not issued a "Do Not Drive" advisory for this recall. The degradation is gradual. But if your vehicle falls in the affected production window and you use the moonroof regularly, that's a risk worth eliminating before late July when letters go out and appointment backlogs form.
What to Do Right Now
If you own a 2026 Forester or Forester Hybrid: Check whether your VIN falls within the affected production range. You can do this at NHTSA.gov using recall 26V346, or by calling any Subaru dealer. If it's affected, schedule the inspection. It's one trip, no cost.
If you're shopping for a 2026 Forester: Run the VIN before you buy. Dealer inventory is more likely to have been inspected since dealer notifications went out May 28, but not guaranteed. Private party sales are a different situation entirely. A 2026 Forester priced attractively in June 2026 may still be carrying an open recall the seller doesn't know about. Check first.
The 2026 Forester starts at $31,445 MSRP. The average transaction price sits around $33,395 per recent buyer data. At that price point, an unresolved safety recall is a legitimate negotiating point, not just a technicality.
Affected Trim Levels
Subaru hasn't specified which trim levels are affected by production defect. Power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trims. Base model Foresters do not come with a power moonroof. If you're looking at a base-trim 2026 Forester, this recall doesn't apply.
How do I know if my 2026 Forester is covered by this recall? NHTSA recall 26V346 covers 2026 Foresters built between June 19, 2025, and March 13, 2026, and 2026 Forester Hybrids built between Feb. 20 and March 17, 2026. The most reliable check is your VIN — enter it at NHTSA.gov or use CarScout's recall lookup, which shows all open recalls across your vehicle's history in one place.
Is it safe to drive a recalled 2026 Forester? Subaru hasn't issued a "Do Not Drive" warning. The adhesive bond failure is gradual, not a sudden failure mode. That said, Subaru recommends getting the inspection done promptly. Given that owner notification letters won't arrive until late July, scheduling proactively puts you ahead of the appointment rush.
What if I just bought a 2026 Forester and the recall wasn't disclosed? If the recall was open at the time of sale and wasn't disclosed, the fix is still free through any Subaru dealer. For private party purchases, disclosure obligations vary by state. In either case, contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 and reference recall WRF-26.
If you're buying a used or nearly new 2026 Forester in the next few weeks, CarScout's recall lookup will flag open NHTSA recalls by VIN before you sign anything.