Subaru Ascent problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 968 owner complaints and 13 recalls on file for the Subaru Ascent (2019–2026). The 2019 Ascent has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 968
- Recalls
- 13
- Model years
- 8
- Worst year
- 2019
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Subaru Ascent years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2019 Subaru Ascent — 380 complaints, 7 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Electrical System
- 2020 Subaru Ascent — 318 complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
- 2021 Subaru Ascent — 102 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2022 Subaru Ascent — 55 complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2023 Subaru Ascent — 45 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Brakes
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (45 complaints).
Every Subaru Ascent model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ascent | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Brakes |
| 2025 Ascent | 15 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2024 Ascent | 50 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2023 Ascent | 45 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | Brakes |
| 2022 Ascent | 55 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 2 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 Ascent | 102 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2020 Ascent | 318 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 | Electrical System |
| 2019 Ascent | 380 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 9 | Electrical System |
Most common Subaru Ascent problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System276 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers200 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain172 complaints
- Engine93 complaints
- Brakes75 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech66 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion34 complaints
- Body & Structure34 complaints
- Wheels & Tires26 complaints
- Steering20 complaints
Complaint trend
Subaru Ascent recalls
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
Risk: If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Other Subaru models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology