Subaru Recalls 69,000 Vehicles Over Fuel Leaks

Subaru has issued a recall for 69,153 vehicles over fuel leaks. The brand's filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state a "significant rise in ambient temperature" could increase pressure in the fuel tank, leading to a leak. Recalled models include the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

Subaru recalls hybrids for leaky fuel necks

Subaru says the recalled vehicles will all need a fix and were produced from November 28, 2024, to March 6, 2026. The final date is, as of publishing, a few weeks from now. It's likely Subaru will attempt to mend those at the factory or when they arrive at dealers, before they go on sale. Here's the problem in the brand's own words:

"If the affected vehicles are left parked when the fuel tank is near full capacity, a significant increase invambient temperature may cause the fuel to expand, increasing the pressure in the fuel tank and causing the fuel level to rise up the filler neck. Under this condition, an insufficient seal on the fuel cap assembly may allow fuel to leak from the filler neck."

The automaker identified the issue during an internal investigation and was able to successfully reproduce the issue, where fuel is forced up the filler neck until it leaks from the gas cap. The fix, predictably, is a new filler cap. The automaker has said it will begin notifying owners within the next 60 days.

Of course, owners can also take a simple step to mitigate the chance of this occurring until they're able to get their vehicles in for service. Subaru said the issue occurs only when the vehicle's tank is mostly full. Simply keeping the tank from being full should be enough to reduce the risk of this occurring. Owners can cross-check (or rather Cross-trek) their VIN with the NHTSA to see if their vehicle falls under the recall at the agency's website.