A Single Typo Forces Subaru to Recall Nearly 500,000 Vehicles

Subaru is grappling with one of the largest recalls in its recent history, and the root cause is almost laughably small: a printing error on a warning label. S. because a tiny typo on the tire information sticker violates federal safety standards. The misprint, which shows the wrong tire size and pressure information, could lead drivers to underinflate their tires, increasing the risk of a blowout or crash.

The recall covers several popular models, including the 2019-2022 Ascent, 2020-2022 Outback, and 2020-2022 Legacy sedans. Also included are the 2020-2022 Forester and the 2021-2022 Crosstrek. The error appears on the vehicle’s certification label, which is typically located on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Instead of listing the correct specifications for the tires that actually come on the car, the label contains a mismatch that could confuse owners when they go to check their tire pressure.

Subaru says it will replace the faulty labels free of charge at dealerships. Owners won’t need to bring in their tires, just the car itself. The company will also update any digital records tied to the vehicle identification number. While no accidents or injuries have been reported due to the mix-up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration flagged the issue after a routine audit.

Subaru is mailing letters to affected owners starting this month. If you own one of the listed models, check your doorjamb sticker, it might be worth a closer look.