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So, I Was Browsing the Subaru Recalls, and I Found 20,366 2025 Subaru Foresters Are Recalled For Defective Wheels, Can They Fall Off?

If you own a 2025 Subaru Forester, there is a new potential risk of having defective wheels. What is the potential wheel defect, which trim levels are affected, and can the wheels fall off? Here is what every 2025 Forester owner needs to know. 

Subaru has not issued a stop-drive order for the Subaru Forester. 

As I was looking for 2025 Subaru Forester recalls on the NHTSA website, I ran across a new next-generation Forester recall issued by Subaru of America. Here are the details all Forester owners need to know.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Has Incorrectly Manufactured Wheels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns,


"Improperly manufactured wheels on the 2025 Forester compact SUV can result in a loss of vehicle stability, and the defective wheels can increase the risk of a crash."



Not All Forester Trim Levels Are Recalled

Which Forester trims are recalled? The NHTSA says the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited trim levels with 18-inch alloy wheels are under the recall order. 

Which 2025 Forester trims have 18-inch Wheels?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Limited is the only trim with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Base and Premium trims have 17-inch wheels, and the Sport and Touring trims have 19-inch wheels. 

How Many 2025 Forester Limited Trims Are Recalled?

The report says that the potential number of units affected is 20,366. 

Description of the Defect and Safety Risk

Subaru of America (SOA) recalls 2025 Forester Limited trims equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. 


SOA says, "The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability."



The affected Foresters have 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface. The incorrectly specified lug seat surface could affect vehicle stability, increasing the crash risk.

Can the Forester Wheels Fall Off?

The only thing Subaru says is that the 2025 Forester with 18-inch wheels can experience "a loss of vehicle stability."


Subaru of America says, "Out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign. Subaru is unaware of any warranty claims or technical reports related to this condition." 



What is the Remedy?

For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will inspect all four Forester wheels and replace any wheel(s) found to have an incorrectly specified lug seat surface with a correctly manufactured one(s). Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. 

What Should Forester Owners Do Next?

Owner notification letters, which will provide further details about the recall and instructions on what to do next, are expected to be mailed on March 24, 2025. 2025 Forester owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 for any additional information. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go here.

Final Thoughts and Questions

Subaru has a strong track record for reliability and safety, with the Forester being the most reliable of all the Subaru models. However, the 2025 Forester was redesigned entirely, so it could have more issues, like the defective wheels. 

Subaru has been known to address these issues promptly, ensuring the safety of its customers. 

Do you own a 2025 Subaru Forester? What is your experience with the new compact SUV? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Subaru story titled; I Hacked a New Subaru, Unlocked the Car, and Accessed More Than a Year of Location Data. This Is Concerning

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru dealer

Comments

John Stadel (not verified)    January 31, 2025 - 1:09PM

When the auto vehicle hold (AVH) feature is activated, my 2025 Forester elicits a single noticeable knock sound about 10 seconds after AVH engages upon stop. I had my local dealership investigate and they said it was nothing to worry about.