2019 Subaru Ascent electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 22V907000Dec 8, 2022271,694 vehiclesPark outside
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

  Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 6, 2026NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   All the safety systems become disabled and check Engine light goes on because transmission fluid is being pumped Out of a faulty secondary pressure sensor part 31878aa020,( defective and replaced with 31878aa021), into the engines wiring at the car computer, transmission computer, and bulkhead connector in fuse box causing all sorts of engine codes. The setting of the engine code closes all the vehicles driver safety systems and changes the dynamic of the drivers driving…

   NHTSA complaint #11755268 · source
2. Filed Aug 1, 2026TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Ascent VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 72,093 miles I am submitting this complaint because my 2019 Subaru Ascent experienced a serious transmission-related electrical failure that may represent a broader safety defect. Sewell Subaru of Dallas diagnosed an internal failure of a transmission pressure sensor. According to the dealership’s written report, the failed pressure sensor allowed transmission fluid to leak into the electrical…

   NHTSA complaint #11754232 · source
3. Filed Aug 16, 2025CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The battery is draining so quick that the car doesnt start at all. The battery drained completely in 3 days and it’s happening more often.

   NHTSA complaint #11681026 · source
4. Filed Jan 27, 2025KYFireElectrical System

   I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited model with 96,xxx miles as of January 2025. In 2023, there was a safety recall for the PTC heater ground bolt sent first class mail for multiple year Ascent models. This recall was completed by local subaru dealership on 3/27/2023 stating "WRL 22 completed. Removed ground bolts and cleaned threads. Found no signs of heat damage. Removed and replaced bolts." Move forward to Saturday, [XXX]. I remote started vehicle from inside the house…

   NHTSA complaint #11638826 · source
5. Filed Jan 17, 2025WVBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Started the vehicle to drive 30 miles for an appointment. While driving, all of the intrument cluster lights illuminated. The eye sight turned off, cruise control no longer worked, parking brake light was illuminated, abs light was illuminated. Tpms light was illuminated. This has occured 2 times before. The fix for the previous issues was to clean the battery terminals.

   NHTSA complaint #11636557 · source
6. Filed Dec 10, 2024WAElectrical System

   We have had to replace battery twice and had to have auto club give us a jump start multiple times. We drive this vehicle once or twice a month, but something is causing battery to run down way to fast. Manufacturer claims we need to drive more often. I have always had one car, that burned to much fuel, and was used as an occasional vehicle, but never had this type of problem. Something needs to be provided so that battery does not leak power when it is a low use car. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11630014 · source
7. Filed Apr 17, 2024WVFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell when pulling up the mountain. The smell is what I described as a perm solution…

   NHTSA complaint #11583533 · source
8. Filed Dec 26, 2023TXElectrical System

   Car battery died in store parking lot. Low mileage (24,000). I do lots of short trips and this is a reported problem for 2019 Subaru Ascents. I had to wait 2 hours for someone to bring a charger to drive to auto parts store fire replacement battery.

   NHTSA complaint #11561880 · source
9. Filed Aug 10, 2023WIElectrical System

   Rear lift gate drains battery to the point where the vehicle won't start. The tailgate will beep three times, but will not open. Within 24 hours, the battery is insufficient to start it. You have to do a manual override to open the lift gate. The battery, starter and alternator were all tested and had no issues. I have to keep a jump pack in the car as the issue has become more frequent. The local Subaru dealership in Mequon, WI said they would replace the battery, but won't…

   NHTSA complaint #11537790 · source
10. Filed Jul 28, 2023NCElectrical System

    Arrived at my car after traveling for the weekend, and arrived to my car to find out the battery was dead. Nothing on, lights were in Auto like normal. The last thing I did after getting out of my SUV was grabbed my suitcase from the trunk. I think it must not of latched correctly and it drained the battery. There is supposed to be a light delay to preserve the battery but it did not work in this case. I still can't open the trunk. This happened once before while camping…

    NHTSA complaint #11535153 · source
11. Filed May 18, 2023WADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

    Car has been not able to roll up driver side window for a year randomly. Suddenly 3 years old and battery is draining and RAB and Eyesight and engine light on. Took in and saying can’t replicate window after they DID replicate it 3 months ago and did not solve issue. Did battery parasitic draw and numerous parts of car are draining battery. Cannot find source.

    NHTSA complaint #11522750 · source
12. Filed Apr 10, 2023CAElectrical System

    Car system drains battery for no reason. Opening a trunk or door for a 5-10min to load or unload vehicle is enough to drain a new full battery. This can leave people stranded in parks and remote areas. We have had the battery checked and verified it is good. This problem has happened multiple times on our Ascent.

    NHTSA complaint #11516271 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology