Roof problem: glass may fly off while driving
Subaru is warning owners of the 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models about a potential hazard: the sunroof may detach while driving. This turns the reliable SUV into an improvised open-top vehicle, which is extremely dangerous. A working sunroof is fine, but one that leaves the car at speed is not.
Cause of the defect: poor bonding
According to the company, in affected models, the glass panel of the sunroof may have been incorrectly attached to the sliding frame. As a result, the adhesion between the glass and the frame deteriorates over time, leading to the glass roof separating during vehicle use.
Due to this, the adhesion between the glass panel and the sliding frame may deteriorate over time, causing the glass roof to detach while the vehicle is in use.
The greatest risk is not to passengers inside the Forester, but to those driving behind who are suddenly forced to avoid a collision with the flying glass panel.
Scope of the recall
A total of 69,663 vehicles are subject to the recall. Of these, 65,656 are standard Forester models produced from June 19, 2025, to March 13, 2026, and 4,007 are hybrid Foresters manufactured from February 20, 2026, to May 17, 2026. Subaru estimates that 2.9% of the recalled models have the defect, amounting to about 2,020 units.
Investigation and no accidents
Subaru launched an investigation in February after receiving a report that a Forester sunroof had flown off. It was quickly determined that the supplier may have manufactured the roof assemblies without properly applying the adhesive intended to secure the glass to the frame. So far, Subaru has received three technical reports regarding this issue, but no reports of accidents or injuries.
Actions for owners
Owners will be notified of the recall by July 24. Dealers will inspect the glass panels for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the assembly free of charge.
This situation highlights the importance of quality control even at the component manufacturing stage. Although Subaru responded promptly to the problem, the fact that the defect could affect over 2,000 vehicles is concerning. It is worth noting that the absence of accidents so far is positive, but the risk to other road users remained real. Owners of affected models should immediately contact dealers for inspection, as the free repair is not only a solution to the problem but also a prevention of potentially dangerous situations on the road.