Subaru Australia has issued a nationwide product safety recall for 42 examples of the Subaru Forester Hybrid produced in 2026, to rectify an issue that may allow the vehicle to roll away even when the transmission is in Park.
“Due to a manufacturing defect in the intermediate case of the transaxle, cracks may develop in the support section of the parking pawl. As a result, in some cases the parking lock function may be lost when the transmission is shifted into the Park ‘P’ position,” says the recall notice.
“If the parking lock function becomes inoperative, the vehicle may move unexpectedly while parked, increasing the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, or other road users.”

- A total of 42 vehicles are affected, produced in 2026
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
- The original recall notice is attached here
Subaru Australia will contact affected owners in writing to arrange an appointment to have the issue rectified free of charge.
Concerned owners can contact Subaru Australia on 1800 226 643 or via feedback@subaru.com.au.
The Forester was last recalled in November 2023, alongside some Outback and Crosstrek vehicles, due to a potential driveshaft issue.
The current sixth-generation Forester was introduced in Australia in 2025 and is Subaru’s best-selling model so far this year, ahead of the Outback.
