Subaru Recalls 69,000 Foresters Over Moonroof Risk

Wouter Smit · 2026-06-03

Subaru has issued a recall for over 69,000 Forester and Forester Hybrid SUVs in the United States. The problem? The moonroof could detach while you're driving. That's not just an inconvenience - it's a serious safety hazard. If you own a 2024 or 2025 model year Forester or Forester Hybrid, you need to pay attention. The issue affects vehicles where the moonroof glass wasn't bonded properly to its frame. Over time, that bond can fail, and the glass panel could separate from the vehicle entirely. ### What's Actually Going Wrong? Here's the technical breakdown without the jargon. The adhesive that holds the moonroof glass to the metal frame isn't strong enough in some vehicles. When you're cruising down the highway at 70 miles per hour, wind pressure and vibration can cause that weak bond to let go. Imagine a 20-pound piece of glass flying off your roof at highway speed. Not exactly a fun thought. Subaru first caught wind of this issue through warranty claims and customer complaints. After investigating, they found that a supplier had changed the adhesive application process without notifying anyone. That change led to inconsistent bonding on some assembly line runs. ### Which Models Are Affected? - 2024 Subaru Forester (gas engine) - 2024 Subaru Forester Hybrid - 2025 Subaru Forester (gas engine) - 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid If you're unsure whether your specific vehicle is included, you can check using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Subaru will notify owners by mail starting in early February 2025. ### What Subaru Is Doing About It Subaru dealerships will inspect the moonroof assembly free of charge. If they find any issue with the bonding, they'll replace the entire moonroof unit at no cost to you. The repair takes about two hours, and loaner vehicles should be available if needed. > "Safety is our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to making this right for our customers." - Subaru spokesperson ### How to Check If Your Car Is Affected You don't have to wait for the mail. Here's what to do right now: - Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website - Enter your 17-digit VIN - The system will tell you if there are any open recalls on your vehicle - You can also call your local Subaru dealer with your VIN ### Why This Matters for Forester Owners The Forester has been one of Subaru's best-selling models in the US. It's known for reliability and safety. But even the best manufacturers have hiccups. The key is how they handle it. Subaru seems to be taking this seriously, which is good news. If you drive a Forester, don't panic. Just check your VIN and schedule an inspection if needed. The moonroof issue doesn't mean your car is unsafe to drive - but you should get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any risk. ### Final Thoughts Recalls happen. They're actually a sign that the system works. Manufacturers catch problems, report them, and fix them for free. The real danger is ignoring the recall notice. So check your VIN, make the call, and get that moonroof checked out. It takes less than 10 minutes to verify, and it could save you from a very bad day on the road.