Crash test = NHTSA's overall star rating. “Crash, fire, injury” = complaints reporting one (share of the year's complaints). Counts depend on how many were sold, so they aren't a ranking.
Each year is judged on its own complaints only. Complaint counts are shown for context, not as a ranking: they depend on how many were sold and how long they've been on the road.
First generation: 2019–2026
Engines: 2.4L turbo four-cylinder (boxer). Refresh for 2023.
Most reported across the 2019–2022 and 2024 model years (970 complaints researched): battery drain or no-start (26%), windshield cracks on its own (19%) and hesitation or slipping while driving (7%).
Share of each model year's owner complaints that describe the problem. A complaint can describe more than one problem.
The main Ascent problems
Each problem across every model year: which years it hits, at what mileage, whether repairs fixed it, and in owners' own words.
Battery drain or no-start
Serious
The battery runs down or the car will not start, often after sitting parked. 250 owner complaints about the 2019–2022 and 2024 Ascent describe it (26% of all we researched).
The windshield develops chips or cracks that can spread across the glass. 183 owner complaints about the 2019–2022 and 2024 Ascent describe it (19% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
9,300 mi
median of 124 owners who gave a mileage; half between 3,100 and 19,300
Did a repair fix it?
30 of 43
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (2 more say partly)
What owners paid
$1,000
median of 14 owner-paid amounts; half between $963 and $1,225
In owners' words
“Within less than 24 hours, crack spread to the edge and from upper right corner down to the middle of the windshield”
2019 AscentOwner in NC2.4L 4-cylFiled 2019NHTSA 11240253
“Dealer denied service because they said they found itty bitty (smaller than a pin head) mark at very edge of window molding.”
2020 AscentOwner in AZ2.4L 4-cylFiled 2020NHTSA 11318017
“Without anything noticeable hitting the windshield, it was fine on July 2nd 2022 and when I went to get in to drive the next morning there was a crack in the windshield.”
2021 AscentOwner in NJ2.4L 4-cylFiled 2022NHTSA 11472510
The transmission slips, hesitates or surges while the vehicle is being driven. 69 owner complaints about the 2019–2022 and 2024 Ascent describe it (7% of all we researched).
The transmission stops working and has to be repaired or replaced. 52 owner complaints about the 2019–2022 and 2024 Ascent describe it (5% of all we researched).
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2019–2026 Ascent, do-not-drive and park-outside warnings first, with the model years each covers. Check any used Ascent's VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls: an open recall is fixed free.
Wiring › Interior/under dashPark outsideThe ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been…2019–2022 modelsDec 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.
Other › LabelsThese vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As…2019–2026 modelsJul 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.
Driveline › DriveshaftThe center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the…2023 modelSep 21, 20234,311 vehicles23V647000
Defect
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Risk
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge.
Control arm › Lower armThe left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in…2023 modelJun 1, 20235 vehicles23V392000
Defect
The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
Risk
Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge.
TiresThe internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.2023 modelApr 7, 20234,409 vehicles23V258000
Defect
The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
Risk
A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge.
Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is…2019–2020 modelsDec 9, 2021198,255 vehicles21V955000
Defect
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide.
Linkages › Tie rod assemblyDue to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can…2020 modelDec 9, 20211,305 vehicles21V954000
Defect
Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Risk
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge.
Delivery › Fuel pumpThe low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.2019–2020 modelsJul 29, 2021175,968 vehicles21V587000
Defect
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Delivery › Fuel pumpThe low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.2019 modelApr 16, 2020188,207 vehicles20V218000
Defect
The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.2019 modelDec 2, 201976,842 vehicles19V855000
Defect
The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Risk
If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit.
Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the…2019 modelDec 2, 201951,613 vehicles19V856000
Defect
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge.
Driveline › DriveshaftThe center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft…2019 modelJul 10, 2019166 vehicles19V519000
Defect
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
Risk
If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge.
Body › Roof and pillarsThese vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.2019 modelAug 2, 2018293 vehicles18V508000
Defect
These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds.
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 22V907000).
How we judge each year
We research every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for each model year and judge the year on its own complaints: whether one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) makes up a large share of them, whether an unusual share report a crash, fire, injury or loss of power while moving, whether serious failures come early, and whether NHTSA issued a do-not-drive or park-outside recall or opened an investigation. We use shares, not counts, so a year that sold well isn't marked down for having more owners. More on our verdicts.
Questions
What years of the Subaru Ascent should you avoid?+
None of the years we could judge shows serious known problems in owner complaints.
Which Subaru Ascent years have no pattern of serious problems?+
The 2024 Ascent. Their complaints don’t cluster on a serious defect. That’s not proof a car is trouble-free: check any used car's recalls and get an inspection.
Which Subaru Ascent years have an urgent recall to check?+
2019: Park-outside recall 22V907000 (fire risk, electrical system). 2020: Park-outside recall 22V907000 (fire risk, electrical system). 2021: Park-outside recall 22V907000 (fire risk, electrical system). 2022: Park-outside recall 22V907000 (fire risk, electrical system). Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
Why are some Subaru Ascent years not judged?+
The 2023 and 2025–2026 have fewer than 50 owner complaints on file, too few to judge. New model years often haven’t been on the road long enough.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Ascent?+
Battery drain or no-start: 250 owner complaints (26%) across the 2019–2022 and 2024 model years describe it, the largest share in the 2019 (33% of that year's complaints). Owners report it at a median of 9,700 miles. Of 84 owners who described a repair, 62 say it didn't fix the problem.
How many recalls does the Subaru Ascent have?+
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2019–2026 Ascent, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (22V907000, 2019–2022). Any dealer fixes an open recall free.