2022 Subaru Ascent Reliability & Problems
By Adrian V. LockhartUpdated All 55 NHTSA owner reports researched and classified
Pictured: 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited, Canadian model (same design as 2021 and 2022), same generation as the 2022 model. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
Owner complaints
55
6 report a crash, fire, injury or death
Recalls
2
1 with a park-outside warning
Complaints per year filed
2022–2025 · peak 19
In short
Some known problemsThe 2022 Subaru Ascent has some known problems, driven by a park-outside recall (22V907000) for a fire risk in the electrical system. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints for this model year, and 6 of them report a crash, fire, injury or death. No single problem dominates those complaints. The model year has 2 recalls.
Reliability
How Reliable Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The 2022 Ascent has the verdict "Some known problems", and it comes from an official recall rather than from a pattern in owner complaints. Recall 22V907000 is a park-outside recall covering a fire risk in the electrical system. That is a safety-critical issue, which is why the page treats it seriously even though the complaints themselves are not dominated by one failure.
The complaint record for this model year is small, and no single problem stands out as recurring. That means there is no cluster of repeated complaints to describe or to compare against each other. Some of the reports do involve serious events: 6 complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death, and 2 mention a fire. Because no common problem emerges, those reports are best read as individual cases, not as a confirmed trend.
Two recalls apply to this model year. The first, 22V907000, says the ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the PTC heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components. The advice for owners is to park the vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving it unattended while the engine is running. The second, 26V436000, says the vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on the certification label, so they fail to comply with FMVSS 110. Subaru will mail a new label to owners at no charge. This second recall is a labeling issue, not a mechanical one.
There are too few mileage reports to say when problems tend to appear, so an odometer reading tells you little here. For any particular vehicle, the most useful check is whether the recalls have been dealt with, whatever the mileage. Crash ratings are strong: 5 overall, 5 frontal and 5 side, with a rollover rating of 4.
Keep the limits of this evidence in mind. Complaint counts show what owners chose to report, not how many vehicles are affected, and they cannot show how a particular vehicle was maintained. A low complaint count is not proof that nothing is wrong. Ask for service records, confirm recall status by VIN, and have the vehicle inspected before you buy.
Top problems
No problem stands out
None of the 55 complaints cluster into a named problem with at least 15 reports.
Not enough reports to name a problem
That's usually good news: complaints are spread thinly instead of piling up on one fault.
Buying one
Should you buy a used 2022 Subaru Ascent?
What to check before you buy, based on the complaint and recall data.
Before buying a 2022 Ascent, check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that recall 22V907000 was handled. The recall advises owners to park away from structures and not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, so treat it as a real safety item. Also confirm the newer recall 26V436000, which concerns an incorrect weight rating label and is fixed by a free replacement label mailed to owners.
- 1Run the VIN for open recalls. NHTSA lists 2 recalls, and 1 carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (22V907000). Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2Ask for software update records. 11% of complaints mention a software update or reflash.
- 3Get a pre-purchase inspection. An independent mechanic can spot leaks, stored fault codes and accident repairs that a test drive misses.
Subaru Ascent model years
Which Subaru Ascent years to avoid? Every model year compared
Early complaints are those filed in a model year's first 3 years. They follow how many were sold, so they don't show which years are better. The tag on 2022 is its verdict from our research of its owner complaints.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings.
| SUV AWD | |
|---|---|
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
Owning one
If you already own one
Find your symptom, see when problems tend to show up, and check which recalls apply.
If you own a 2022 Ascent, confirm that recall 22V907000 applies to your vehicle and follow its advice: park away from structures and avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. Report any burning smell, smoke or melted parts to a dealer right away. Check for recall 26V436000 as well, since Subaru will mail a new certification label free of charge.
Too few reports for a symptom finder
No symptom reached 10 reports. If something is wrong with yours, report it at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
2 recalls, newest first
Open one for the risk, the remedy and what to do now.
Other › LabelsThese vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As…Jul 7, 2026541,237 vehicles26V436000
- Defect
- These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge.
Wiring › Interior/under dashPark outsideThe ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been…Dec 8, 2022271,694 vehicles22V907000
- Defect
- 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.
- What to do
- Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
What to do
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 26V436000).
Reliability history
Subaru Ascent reliability by year
Complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years, by trouble spot. Darker cells have more complaints; counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold each year.
| Trouble spot | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 2019 Transmission & drivetrain: 31 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Transmission & drivetrain: 30 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Transmission & drivetrain: 8 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Transmission & drivetrain: 10 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Transmission & drivetrain: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Transmission & drivetrain: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Transmission & drivetrain: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Transmission & drivetrain: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Engine | 2019 Engine: 31 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Engine: 16 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Engine: 4 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Engine: 4 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Engine: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Engine: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Engine: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Engine: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Fuel system & stalling | 2019 Fuel system & stalling: 12 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Fuel system & stalling: 10 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Fuel system & stalling: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Fuel system & stalling: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Fuel system & stalling: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Fuel system & stalling: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Fuel system & stalling: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Fuel system & stalling: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Electrical | 2019 Electrical: 119 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Electrical: 93 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Electrical: 11 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Electrical: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Electrical: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Electrical: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Electrical: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Electrical: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Driver aids & stability | 2019 Driver aids & stability: 9 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Driver aids & stability: 6 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Driver aids & stability: 11 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Driver aids & stability: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Driver aids & stability: 6 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Driver aids & stability: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Driver aids & stability: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Driver aids & stability: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Brakes | 2019 Brakes: 20 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Brakes: 18 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Brakes: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Brakes: 10 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Brakes: 8 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Brakes: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Brakes: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Brakes: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Steering | 2019 Steering: 5 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Steering: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Steering: 6 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Steering: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Steering: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Steering: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Steering: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Steering: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Suspension | 2019 Suspension: 4 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Suspension: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Suspension: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Suspension: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Suspension: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Suspension: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Suspension: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Suspension: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Airbags & seat belts | 2019 Airbags & seat belts: 5 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Airbags & seat belts: 5 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Airbags & seat belts: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Airbags & seat belts: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Airbags & seat belts: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Airbags & seat belts: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Airbags & seat belts: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Airbags & seat belts: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Body, lights & visibility | 2019 Body, lights & visibility: 78 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Body, lights & visibility: 65 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Body, lights & visibility: 20 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Body, lights & visibility: 8 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Body, lights & visibility: 9 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Body, lights & visibility: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Body, lights & visibility: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Body, lights & visibility: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Acceleration & speed control | 2019 Acceleration & speed control: 4 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Acceleration & speed control: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Acceleration & speed control: 1 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Acceleration & speed control: 0 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Acceleration & speed control: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Acceleration & speed control: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Acceleration & speed control: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Acceleration & speed control: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
| Wheels & tires | 2019 Wheels & tires: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2020 Wheels & tires: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2021 Wheels & tires: 3 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2022 Wheels & tires: 2 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2023 Wheels & tires: 5 complaints in the first 3 years. | 2024 Wheels & tires: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2025 Wheels & tires: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. | 2026 Wheels & tires: too new, fewer than 3 complete years. |
All problems
Every problem reported on the 2022 Ascent
Every problem found in the 55 owner complaints, by area of the vehicle.
Transmission & drivetrain
14 25%- Transmission shudder or judderSerious4 7%–––
- Hesitation or slipping while drivingSerious3 5%–––
- Delayed engagement pulling away from a stopSerious3 5%–––
- Transmission failure needing replacementSerious2 4%–––
- Harsh, jerky shiftingSerious2 4%–––
- Drops into neutral or loses drive while movingCritical1 2%–––
Body, lights & visibility
12 22%- Windshield cracks easilyMinor6 11%–––
- Power liftgate malfunctions2 4%–––
- Sunroof stops working1 2%–––
- Door opens while driving1 2%–––
- Sunroof glass cracks or shatters1 2%–––
- Driver seat cushion deteriorates1 2%–––
Brakes
11 20%- Brake vibration or warped rotorsSerious7 13%–––
- Brake noise and early wearMinor4 7%–––
Engine
6 11%- Oil leaks or low oilSerious3 5%–––
- Exhaust pipe cracks or hardware goes missing2 4%–––
- Stalling or shutting off while drivingCritical1 2%–––
Electrical
6 11%- Many warning lights at onceMinor2 4%–––
- Battery drain or no-startSerious1 2%–––
- Screen or infotainment glitchesMinor1 2%–––
- Vehicle rolls while parked1 2%–––
- Water leaks damaging electronicsSerious1 2%–––
Airbags & seat belts
5 9%- Airbags did not deploy in a crashCritical4 7%–––
- Side airbags deploy without a crash1 2%–––
Wheels & tires
2 4%- Tire sidewall ruptures2 4%–––
Fire
2 4%- Vehicle catches fireCritical2 4%–––
Driver aids & stability
2 4%- Lane assist steers across lane lines1 2%–––
- EyeSight camera error1 2%–––
Acceleration & speed control
1 2%- Sudden or unintended accelerationCritical1 2%–––
Steering
1 2%- Loss of power steeringCritical1 2%–––
30 problems found in all 55 complaints. One complaint can describe more than one problem, so counts add up to more than the total. Not counted as a defect: 1 about recall paperwork or parts delays, 1 describing no vehicle defect. Typical miles, repair cost and fix rate show only when enough owners report them.
The data
Behind the numbers
Every figure comes from NHTSA's complaint file and APIs.
- Complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Crashes and fires count complaints that report one; injuries and deaths count people.
Mileage at failure
Not enough data yet
Only 5 complaints list mileage; we chart this from 30.
FAQ
2022 Subaru Ascent questions
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has some known problems, and the verdict comes from a park-outside recall (22V907000) for a fire risk in the electrical system, not from a pattern in owner complaints. NHTSA has 55 complaints for this model year, and no single problem dominates them.
What are the most common 2022 Subaru Ascent problems?
No single problem stands out among the 55 NHTSA complaints. The biggest groups are transmission and drivetrain with 14 complaints (25%), body, lights and visibility with 12 (22%), and brakes with 11 (20%). Owners mention transmission shudder or judder, windshields that crack easily, and brake vibration or warped rotors.
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has 2 recalls. Recall 22V907000 is a park-outside recall: the PTC heater ground bolt may be improperly fastened, which could melt the ground terminal and raise fire risk, so owners should park away from structures and not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. Recall 26V436000 covers an incorrect weight rating on the certification label, fixed with a free new label. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent safe?
NHTSA crash ratings for the 2022 Subaru Ascent are 5 out of 5 stars overall, 5 out of 5 stars frontal and 5 out of 5 stars side, with a rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Separately, 6 owner complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death, and the park-outside recall 22V907000 is a fire risk.
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain is the largest group of owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, with 14 of 55 complaints (25%). Owners describe transmission shudder or judder (4 complaints), hesitation or slipping while driving (3), and delayed engagement pulling away from a stop (3). No single problem dominates the complaints overall.
What should I check before buying a 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Look up the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask for proof that recall 22V907000, the park-outside fire risk in the electrical system, was handled. Also confirm recall 26V436000, an incorrect weight rating label that Subaru replaces free. Ask for service records and have the vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Ascent years should you avoid?
No Subaru Ascent model year shows serious known problems in owner complaints. For the 2019–2022, make sure the recall repairs were done: an urgent recall matters more than their complaint pattern. The 2024 shows no pattern of serious problems. The 2023 and 2025–2026 have too few complaints to judge. Every model year is compared on the Subaru Ascent years-to-avoid page.
Methodology
How we researched this
- Complaints. NHTSA's owner complaint file, counted as unique complaint numbers for make SUBARU, model ASCENT, model year 2022. Data through Oct 4, 2026.
- Verdict. Judged from this model year's own complaints, not against other models, using shares rather than counts. Serious known problems: one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) is in a quarter or more of complaints; or a smaller but clear cluster comes with an unusual share of crash, fire, injury or loss-of-power reports or early failures; or an urgent recall or NHTSA investigation matches a top complaint. Some known problems: one of those signals on its own. No pattern of serious problems: none of them; this doesn't mean the vehicle is trouble-free. Too few complaints to judge: under 50 complaints. Why this verdict: A park-outside recall (22V907000) for a fire risk in the electrical system.
- No grade or class ranking. Raw complaint counts favor models that sell fewer cars, so we don't score or rank this vehicle against other models until we can adjust for sales.
- Trouble spots and history. Complaints grouped by the part owners chose when filing. The history grid counts complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years so older and newer years compare fairly; years with fewer than 3 complete years are marked too new.
- Named problems. Every one of the 55 complaints was researched and classified by its problems, severity, symptoms, repairs and any cost the owner mentions; the counts, costs and fix rates on this page are tallies of those classifications. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, checked against the original text. Engines are decoded from partial VINs with NHTSA's vPIC service.
- Repair costs and fix rates. Shown only when at least 10 owners report a repair cost, or at least 10 complaints describe whether a repair worked.
- Not adjusted for sales. Not affiliated with NHTSA. Page updated Nov 5, 2026.