ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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© 2026 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2026 MY Crosstrek SHEV
2025 MY Forester SHEV

NUMBER: WRD-26

Safety Recall & Stop Sale: Fuel Filler Cap Gasket

NHTSA ID:

DATE: 03/26/26

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a new safety recall for certain 2025 model year Forester
Hybrid Electric vehicles and 2026 model year Crosstrek Hybrid Electric vehicles to improve the fuel
filler cap seal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
If the affected vehicles are left parked when the fuel tank is near full capacity and the vehicle is
exposed to a significant rise in ambient temperature such that the fuel temperature and tank pressure
increase, the affected vehicles may leak fuel from the filler cap.
A potential fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in the increased risk of a fire.
REMEDY
For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket with an
improved gasket incorporating an O-ring to enhance sealing performance at no cost to the customer.
•

It is highly recommended that owners maintain the fuel level at half a tank or less until the
repair has been completed.

•

Until the repair can be completed, the vehicle should be parked outside whenever the fuel level
is more than half full.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
A total of 66,332 U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in
the production range listed below are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using
the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now
available.
Model Year
2026
2025

Model
Crosstrek SHEV
Forester SHEV

Productio Date Range
June 26, 2025 – March 5, 2026
November 28, 2024 – December 5, 2025

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 1 of 11

RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY
Any vehicles listed in any recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin

Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into retailer
inventory, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction is completed before selling
or releasing the vehicle.

OWNER NOTIFICATION
Affected vehicle owners will receive an email notification informing them of this recall and advising
them that until the repair has been completed, it is highly recommended that they maintain the fuel
level below half a tank and park outside whenever the fuel level is more than half full.
Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle
covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized
Subaru Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected
vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil
penalties of up to $27,874 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6
and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
Subaru will also notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be
advised when owner notification is scheduled.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 2 of 11

PART INFORMATION:
SOA3212026X WRD-26 Part Kit Breakdown
Quantity
Part Description
Image

1

GASKET

1

GASKET CAP (O-RING)

IMPORTANT: SOA3212026X Must be ordered via Parts Eye/Prime.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Tool Description

Application

Plastic Trim Remover

For removing the Gasket
from the Fuel Filler Cap

Image

WORK PROCEDURE FLOW CHART:

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Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 3 of 11

COMPONENT CONFIGURATION:

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Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

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SERVICE PROCEDURE:
IMPORTANT: An instructional Tips Video has been developed to be used in conjunction with the
instructions below. View the video by accessing the following link:

WRD-26 Tips

STEP 1: Prepare the new gasket by installing the O-ring inside the groove of the gasket.
Once completed, inspect the installation and confirm the O-ring is installed evenly around the
circumference of the gasket. Refer to the 00:27 minute of the Tips Video.

NOTE: When ambient temperature is low, the rubber becomes stiff. It is best to perform this
procedure indoors.

CAUTION: DO NOT excessively pull the O-ring or deform the gasket.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 5 of 11

STEP 2: Open the fuel door and remove the fuel filler cap. Low temperatures may cause the gasket
to become hardened. This is best to be performed indoors and not in areas with lower ambient
temperatures.
CAUTION: DO NOT disconnect the fuel filler cap tether and clip. The tehter clip is a one-time use
part and cannot be reused.

Using a plastic trim tool, remove the fuel filler cap gasket. Discard the original gasket. Refer to the
01:15 minute of the Tips Video.
CAUTION: DO NOT use any metal tools under any circumstances. DO NOT allow any foreign
material to enter the fuel filler pipe.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 6 of 11

STEP 3: Confirm the installation direction of the preprepared replacement gasket. Refer to the 01:02
minute of the Tips Video.

A: Start to install the gasket onto the fuel filler cap with the fuel filler Pipe Side facing you. Set
the gasket at the starting point of the threads.
B: Using your fingers, press the gasket along the thread while turning the gasket in a clockwise
direction. Continue until the gasket is fully seated in the fuel filler cap. Refer to the 01:28 minute
of the Tips Video.
CAUTION: Installing the gasket along the thread will help prevent the previously installed O-ring
from separating. Be CAREFULL not to damage the fuel cap tether by twisting or pulling during the
gasket replacement.

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Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 7 of 11

STEP 4: Confirm the gasket is securely and fully seated to the proper depth beyond the stopper
portion of the cap. Ensure the gasket is not deformed and the O-ring is properly aligned.

CAUTION: If the gasket is not installed correctly, there is a risk of gasket deformation, or the O-ring
can become damaged. If this occurs, the parts MUST NOT be reused. Any deformation and/or
damage to the gasket or O-ring will require new parts to be installed correctly.

Confirm the gasket is installed in the correct orientation and is not reversed.

CAUTION: If the gasket is installed in the wrong position, it is possible for the gasket and O-ring to
be damaged. If installed incorrectly, new parts will be required with correct installation.

STEP 5: Install the fuel filler cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks and close the fuel lid.
NOTE: The installed cap position may be slightly different then previous due to the change in gasket
size.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 8 of 11

CALIFORNIA “VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION”
CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/Recall Program
requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program repairs be completed before a
vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of vehicles registered in the state of California
a completed “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction” certificate. Vehicle owners should be
advised to retain this certificate because the California Department of Motor Vehicles may require they
provide proof this service program repair has been completed. Additional certificates are available
through normal parts ordering channels using part number MSA6P1301. Quantity 1 = 1 booklet of 50
certificates.

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign Identification Label. The completed label
should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support. Additional labels are available through
normal parts ordering channels. The part number is MSA6P1302, which comes as one sheet of 20
labels.
Part Number
MSA6P1302

Applicability
All Models

Description
Campaign Identification Label(contains
one sheet of 20 labels)

Order Quantity
1

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

Page 9 of 11

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this recall will be based on properly completed repair order information. Retailers
may submit claims through Subarunet.com.
Claim Type

RC

Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

WRD-26; FUEL FILLER CAP GASKET R&R

B100-201

0.2H

WRD-26; Paint Repair

C100202*

2.8H

SUBLET REPAIR, ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES

C101108

0.3

Fail Code

WRD-26

*NOTE: All WRD-26 claims submitted with paint repair will require a body shop estimate and final invoice.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

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APPENDIX A
In some rare cases, paint repair may be required on areas of the paint that may have had
exposure to gasoline.
•

Any presence of gasoline on painted surfaces should be removed immediately by flushing with a
generous amount of water and use of mild soap as needed.

•

In some cases mild staining can be removed by available paint safe cleaners or when necessary
buffing and polishing

•

More severe and aged staining may require sanding and refinishing

•

Specific cautions apply if there is paint damage to the rear bumper surface in areas the Subaru
Service Manual identifies as “Repair Prohibited Areas” (see image below). Damage in these
areas requiring refinishing, will require rear bumper replacement. Cleaning, buffing and
polishing is allowed in these areas (indicated as (a)).
Prohibited Areas

CAUTION: During painting, buffing and polishing, cleaning or any operation where the fuel
door may be kept open for an extended time or the 12V battery is disconnected; fuel pressure may
normally build within the fuel tank. NEVER remove the gas cap under these conditions as gasoline
may be expelled unexpectedly depending upon the fuel level in the tank. Always reconnect the
battery, close the fuel door, and cycle the fuel door release button on the vehicle dashboard, before
attempting to remove the gas cap to ensure fuel tank pressure has been purged. It is strongly
recommended that these cleaning and painting operations be performed with the fuel door kept
closed.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-26; Date: 03/26/26

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