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2019 Subaru Ascent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ascent years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent are substantially higher than the model-year median of 52.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

239 reports with mileage · 202 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 160 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports6 fire reports4 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

160 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2022
Electrical System

Battery dead, once 6 months ago when rear gate opened and closed several times before staying open for a few hours before neighbor asked if I knew it was open. Battery dead after driving to 2 stops on 10/24/22 then dead again in airport parking on 10/28/22 when returning from trip. Took into dealership 10/29/22 and problem c…

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Battery dead, once 6 months ago when rear gate opened and closed several times before staying open for a few hours before neighbor asked if I knew it was open. Battery dead after driving to 2 stops on 10/24/22 then dead again in airport parking on 10/28/22 when returning from trip. Took into dealership 10/29/22 and problem confirmed although not sure if it is the battery or charging the battery. No warning lamps. Have to wait by myself until I can get a jump start. Don’t know when or where it might not start, puts my safety at risk by not knowing where or at what time of day or night I might be stranded.

NHTSA ODI #11491443

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2022
Electrical System

Battery drains fully from unknown reason. This has happened at least 3 times since purchasing the vehicle, brand new, in 2019. I have had to call roadside assistance within the first year and have purchased a 2 other new batteries. There were no light or other electrical items on which would have drained the battery. It’s start…

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Battery drains fully from unknown reason. This has happened at least 3 times since purchasing the vehicle, brand new, in 2019. I have had to call roadside assistance within the first year and have purchased a 2 other new batteries. There were no light or other electrical items on which would have drained the battery. It’s starts slow where I need to jump start the vehicle about 5 times before the battery is completely dead. It puts me and my family at risk of being in an isolated or unsafe place when the battery dies and need to wait for roadside service. To my recollection there were no safety checks completed for this issue. I do have a scheduled appointment at a Subaru dealer on 10/27/22 where I will ask them to look at this. There were no warning signs or indications prior to the battery draining.

NHTSA ODI #11488735

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Vehicle has experienced total loss of power while driving under normal circumstances. This has occurred in a drive-thru, at 45 and 50mph, and also twice during 70mph highway driving. The entire vehicle shuts down and multiple dash board lights illuminate at the time of power loss. I first documented this on 4/7/22 and it rand…

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Vehicle has experienced total loss of power while driving under normal circumstances. This has occurred in a drive-thru, at 45 and 50mph, and also twice during 70mph highway driving. The entire vehicle shuts down and multiple dash board lights illuminate at the time of power loss. I first documented this on 4/7/22 and it randomly occurs every month, once it even happened twice in the same day. I had called the dealership (where I purchased the vehicle and have it serviced) multiple times throughout the spring and summer awaiting parts for the TCM recall with the assumption that this could be the issue. However , my vehicle passed the recall and even after the new TCM was placed on 8/19, I again had the same event on 10/1. Vehicle was taken in on 10/6 for diagnostics on this issue again and nothing found. I do not feel like the dealership has been accurately documenting my issues so I will need to be more persistent in getting someone to address the problem as this could be a serious safety issue.

NHTSA ODI #11488247

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2022
Electrical System

2019 Subaru Ascent experience battery drain. Was able to start after jump and had 13 volts when returned home. Next morning it did start, barely, but was down to just above 12 volts. Appears to be the electrical system drain.

NHTSA ODI #11487821

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2022
Electrical System

Subaru ascent issues with electrical system and battery. Engine cranks longer than it should before starting- anywhere from 5 to 25 seconds. Battery dead multiple times. Have taken to Subaru multiple times, they replaced the batter once but have ignored repeated requests to fix the issue of parasitic battery drain from faulty…

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Subaru ascent issues with electrical system and battery. Engine cranks longer than it should before starting- anywhere from 5 to 25 seconds. Battery dead multiple times. Have taken to Subaru multiple times, they replaced the batter once but have ignored repeated requests to fix the issue of parasitic battery drain from faulty electrical system.

NHTSA ODI #11486279

30,000 miles · Sep 13, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the battery would be drained overnight and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The failure was intermittent at first but had since become constant. The contact stated that when the vehicle was first purchased, the dealer installed a new battery. The contact stated the…

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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the battery would be drained overnight and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The failure was intermittent at first but had since become constant. The contact stated that when the vehicle was first purchased, the dealer installed a new battery. The contact stated the battery level warning light was illuminated whenever the battery was drained. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11484335

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2022
Electrical System

Electrical (dead battery) issues. On 4 or 5 different days during the last 3 years, I have attempted to start my car and found the battery completely drained. In March of 2022, I replaced the battery at my own expense ($235.30). I assumed this would surely cure the problem. However, another dead battery on 8-18-22. I learne…

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Electrical (dead battery) issues. On 4 or 5 different days during the last 3 years, I have attempted to start my car and found the battery completely drained. In March of 2022, I replaced the battery at my own expense ($235.30). I assumed this would surely cure the problem. However, another dead battery on 8-18-22. I learned (at that time) there are numerous 2019 Subaru Ascent owners with similar problems.

NHTSA ODI #11480322

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2022
Electrical System

My battery continues to drain prematurely. It’s been replaced twice within the year, and I just took it in for a 3rd time and the Subaru service department cannot diagnose the problem claiming my batteries were bad. There has to be an electrical problem. I’ve never owned a car with this issue and it’s less than 3 years old. It’s…

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My battery continues to drain prematurely. It’s been replaced twice within the year, and I just took it in for a 3rd time and the Subaru service department cannot diagnose the problem claiming my batteries were bad. There has to be an electrical problem. I’ve never owned a car with this issue and it’s less than 3 years old. It’s left me stranded with my children.

NHTSA ODI #11479566

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2022
Electrical System

Electrical system repeatedly malfunctions. Intermittent starting and shut-off issues, rear hatch will not properly operate, per dealer the radio was replaced, and periodic unexplained battery drain issues resulting in replacement of battery. Dash warnings are displayed for no apparent reason. When radio was replaced there wer…

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Electrical system repeatedly malfunctions. Intermittent starting and shut-off issues, rear hatch will not properly operate, per dealer the radio was replaced, and periodic unexplained battery drain issues resulting in replacement of battery. Dash warnings are displayed for no apparent reason. When radio was replaced there were still issues and dealer said it "would take a few days for the issues to resolve." Even after battery and radio replacement periodic shutting off car and restarting is necessary for volume control and station change. Safety could be an issue if car will not start, or shut off as related in a timeline attachment. Dealer is unable to reproduce periodic/intermittent issues.

NHTSA ODI #11478593

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2022
Electrical System

Parked car in garage last night. All working properly. Attempted to start car in morning: tailgate open and no electrical activity Car battery dead

NHTSA ODI #11476922

Official recalls

9

26V436000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jul 7, 2026

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

22V907000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Dec 8, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V955000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

Dec 9, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

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.

Consequence: 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. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

Consequence: 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. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jul 29, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

20V218000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Apr 16, 2020

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

19V855000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Dec 2, 2019

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.

19V856000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Dec 2, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

19V519000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Jul 10, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.

18V508000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Aug 2, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.