If you drive a 2026 Subaru Forester with a power moonroof, then Subaru and the NHTSA want you to know that you’re at risk of not having one much longer. A problem with how the moonroof assembly glass was attached to the frame could send the glass flying into the air.
A Bad Application Of Primer Could Have Serious Secondary Impacts
2026 Subaru Forester MoonroofSubaru
Subaru describes the problem in a much more sanitized, technical way. “Over time, the bonding adhesion between the glass panel and the sliding frame may deteriorate and the moonroof glass may become detached during usage of the vehicle.” If the large piece of glass becomes detached and flies into the air, your reaction – and that of the vehicles behind – is going to be a lot more outspoken.
Right now, 69,663 Subaru Forester and Forester Hybrid SUVs are affected. All are from the 2026 model year and were built between June 2025 and March 2026.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L H4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed Lineartronic CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
180 HP @5800 RPM
Base Trim Torque
178 lb.-ft. @ 3700 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
26/33/29 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
The problem isn’t with the adhesive used by Subaru’s supplier. It was with the primer applied to the glass panel and the sliding frame sections of the roof mechanism. More specifically, some roof assemblies were made without any primer. Yikes.
A roof made without the primer won’t fail immediately, but the adhesive bond can break down over time. That’s when the glass roof could go for a trip of its own. Subaru told the NHTSA that it received the first report of a potential problem in late February. It opened an investigation after a glass panel became detached from a vehicle.
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On March 1, Webasto, Subaru’s supplier, reported that some roof assemblies may have been made with “improper bonding.” The two companies went back through records to find the scope of vehicles affected. They also determined exactly how much – or more correctly, how little – primer needed to make it onto the parts to make sure they stay together.
Subaru Can Spot Issue Without Removing Moonroofs
2026 Subaru Forester WildernessSubaru
Subaru also developed an inspection method to spot the problem without having to remove or replace each roof. A visual inspection of certain areas on the assembly is enough to know if there was primer in the right places for a safe bond. As of the end of March, Subaru said it only has three reports of window separation. The Japanese automaker said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from the problem.
Subaru told the NHTSA that it plans to send out notifications to customers on July 24. Owners of the affected vehicles will need to go to their dealer for an inspection of the roof and possible replacement of the glass panel assembly. All new parts produced after March 10 use the updated process that ensures there is enough primer and a good bond.
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Recalls can be confusing sometimes. Owners can search the NHTSA’s recall database or Subaru’s own recall site now to see if they are affected. Subaru did not add warnings of any signs of imminent failure, though CarBuzz suggests that if you see anything unusual or hear any new noises from the moonroof assembly, you contact your dealer before your next highway drive.
Source: NHTSA
