2020 Subaru Ascent brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 29, 2026FLCrashTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I am reporting a repeat safety concern involving a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle was involved in two separate collisions after failing to decelerate as expected following normal brake pedal application. The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026. While approaching a traffic signal, I applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not slow as expected and struck the rear of another vehicle. Property damage occurred, but no injuries were reported.…

   NHTSA complaint #11740848 · source
2. Filed May 3, 2026NYBrakes

   In December 2025, I had brake replacement, tire service, and wheel alignment performed at Monro Auto Service located at [XXX] child were traveling on the highway during a winter storm when the brakes began making a loud banging noise. My wife was unable to immediately locate a service location and was forced to continue driving for an extended period in winter storm conditions while in fear for her safety and that of our child. When she was finally able to reach a second…

   NHTSA complaint #11735368 · source
3. Filed Aug 29, 2024FLBrakes

   The emergency brake occasionally comes on for no apparent reason. It has happened multiple times before but, never while driving until today. The button appeared to be stuck when I went to disengage it as well which made no sense. There was nothing in the way for it to get stuck. Upon further research in the Subaru forums it appears ours is not the only one to have experienced this. This leads me to believe there may be an unknown issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11611705 · source
4. Filed Aug 14, 2024TXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   Transmission failure, chugging while driving on the road then slowed down in middle of the intersection, won’t accelerate which is a unsafe situation. It says “check engine”, “break, “eyesight disabled”, “at oil temp” and “transmission”. The speed was stuck to 20mph and engine eas loud. Smelled like something was burning too

   NHTSA complaint #11608386 · source
5. Filed Feb 26, 2024CABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   I have encountered a series of persistent issues with the vehicle since its initial purchase, indicating fundamental deficiencies that warrant thorough consideration and resolution. Commencing with brake malfunctions at an exceptionally low mileage threshold, the recurrent necessity for brake replacements, despite being facilitated by the dealership on four separate occasions, underscores a notable deficiency in the vehicle's manufacturing or assembly process. Furthermore,…

   NHTSA complaint #11573981 · source
6. Filed May 9, 2023OHBrakes

   The car has issues with rapidly deteriorating brakes. The brakes have been replaced twice and I feel they are bad again. This puts myself, anyone in my car, and any car around me at risk. The dealer is aware of the issue. Car was last inspected with the same concerns in mid-April to which the dealership responded the brakes are "like new". No one else has inspected the vehicle including the police or insurance representative. There was no warning lights related to the issue.…

   NHTSA complaint #11521145 · source
7. Filed Apr 27, 2023NYBrakes

   The braking system on the vehicle does not operate as expected on the vehicle. As a result a vehicle that only has 40k miles on a daily driver, is on its 3 set of rotors, 2nd set of brake pads( i declined having them changed at the 40k service) and 2nd set of tires. The brakes have not functioned comparably to any other vehicle that I have driven. They grind and the vehicle shakes when stopping. The issue grows worse with the increase in speed. I spoke with the service…

   NHTSA complaint #11519244 · source
8. Filed Apr 13, 2023PABrakes

   The brakes are insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. This has been recognized by the Dealer who sold the vehicle. Rotors warp quickly. Stopping power of the system is insufficient.

   NHTSA complaint #11516893 · source
9. Filed Dec 15, 2022RIBrakes

   At around 18,000 miles when applying the brakes, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. By 20,000 miles the vibration was excessive affecting the ability to steer straight when braking. The dealer told me that they were aware of the issue with this year/model. Diagnosis, warped rotors. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced pads under warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 36000 miles had the same issue, this time dealer indicated that there was a "fix to the…

   NHTSA complaint #11497538 · source
10. Filed Sep 16, 2022WVBrakes

    The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the issues. Had it back in again at 50000 miles (3 years old) and said they need…

    NHTSA complaint #11484783 · source
11. Filed Jun 19, 2022PABrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

    Bought in December 2021 had dealership fix breaks before bought then again after 3000 miles then again after 5 000 miles. Brakes still shudder and emit loud noises. Have only had 6 months and breaks are bad again. Car shakes with acceleration and hesitates to accelerate .

    NHTSA complaint #11470006 · source
12. Filed Jun 6, 2022ILBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking and the transmission was slipping. There was an abnormal squeaking noise detected from the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brakes were replaced but, however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no…

    NHTSA complaint #11467755 · 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