Subaru

Ascent (1st)

2019-2025 · Midsize SUV
971 NHTSA Complaints
12 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
30 Crash Reports

Recalls (12)

23V647000Sep 20, 2023serious
Powertrain

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.

23V258000Jul 3, 2023serious
Tires

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.

23V392000Jan 5, 2023serious
Suspension

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. 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.

22V907000Aug 11, 2022serious
Electrical System

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.

21V587000Jul 28, 2021serious
Fuel System

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

21V955000Sep 11, 2021serious
Powertrain

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

21V954000Sep 11, 2021serious
Steering

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. 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.

20V218000Apr 15, 2020serious
Fuel System

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

19V519000Oct 6, 2019serious
Powertrain

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.

19V855000Feb 11, 2019serious
Powertrain

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.

19V856000Feb 11, 2019serious
Engine & Cooling

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. 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.

18V508000Feb 7, 2018serious
Structure

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent problems?

The 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent has accumulated 971 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are general mechanical issues. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Subaru Ascent engine is most reliable?

The 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent was offered with 0 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the base engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent a good used car?

The 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 971 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent have?

The 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent has 971 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent?

There are 12 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Subaru Ascent?

Before buying a used Subaru Ascent, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to general mechanical issues, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 971 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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