IllustrationI HAVE REQUIRED 6 JUMPSTARTS IN THE LAST 7 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE IS TWO YEARS OLD.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ascent years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1920–25K
3425–50K
1050–75K
175–100K
2100–150K
0150K+
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 reportsSEVERAL TIMES OUR 2019 SUBARU ASCENT BATTERY HAS DRAINED DOWN TO LOW LEVELS REQUIRING JUMP STARTS. THIS LAST TIME WAS THIS WINTER AND -15 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR HER. THE ALTERNATOR DOES NOT SEEM ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE LOAD. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT SAT OVERNIGHT ON BOTH OCCA…
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SEVERAL TIMES OUR 2019 SUBARU ASCENT BATTERY HAS DRAINED DOWN TO LOW LEVELS REQUIRING JUMP STARTS. THIS LAST TIME WAS THIS WINTER AND -15 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR HER. THE ALTERNATOR DOES NOT SEEM ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE LOAD. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT SAT OVERNIGHT ON BOTH OCCASIONS.
MY CAR IS 1.5 YEARS OLD AND THE BATTERY DIED IN ME AND LEFT ME STRANDED. CAR STARTED AFTER BEING JUMPED. I USED MY TRICKLE CHARGER AND IT IS TELLING ME THAT BATTERY IS BAD. CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS ACTING STRANGE AND NOT TURNING OFF ALL SYSTEMS WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF. THIS PROBABLY DRAINED BATTERY.
BATTERY IS DEAD FREQUENTLY (1-2 TIMES PER WEEK). THIS OCCURS AFTER LEAVING ONE OR MORE DOORS OPEN (THUS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED) FOR ONLY 5-10 MINUTES. WE ARE CONSTANTLY HAVING TO JUMP START THE CAR USING A PORTABLE LITHIUM ION BATTERY THAT WE PURCHASED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR.
WENT TO BJS TO GET FOOD BATTERY DIED 18K
UNABLE TO START MY SUBARU ASCENT 2019 DUE TO BATTERY ISSUE, FACING THIS ISSUE 2ND TIME. I WAS ABLE TO START MY VEHICLE 3 DAYS AGO AND VEHICLE STATIONARY FOR 3 DAYS IN GARAGE AND TRY TO START TODAY IT DID NOT START START AGAIN IT MAKES LITTLE BIT CRANK SOUND AND THEN NO RESPONSE FROM ENGINE AND HALTED AND MY DASHBOARD DISP…
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UNABLE TO START MY SUBARU ASCENT 2019 DUE TO BATTERY ISSUE, FACING THIS ISSUE 2ND TIME. I WAS ABLE TO START MY VEHICLE 3 DAYS AGO AND VEHICLE STATIONARY FOR 3 DAYS IN GARAGE AND TRY TO START TODAY IT DID NOT START START AGAIN IT MAKES LITTLE BIT CRANK SOUND AND THEN NO RESPONSE FROM ENGINE AND HALTED AND MY DASHBOARD DISPLAYED EVERYTHING, TRYED MULTIPLE TIMES NO LUCK FOR ME.
VEHICLE WILL NOT START BECAUSE BATTERY IS DEAD AND REQUIRES A JUMP. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS OCCURRED. WE HAVE HAD TO CALL STARLINK TO COME AND JUMP THE BATTERY WHICH RESOLVED THE ISSUE ON 1/25/21, 12/29/20 AND 6/20/20. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2020. IT IS KEPT IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE.
55 DEGREE SUNNY DAY IN RURAL VIRGINIA. 2019 SUBARU ASCENT HAS 8214 MILES. DROVE ASCENT ABOUT 4 MILES. STOPPED TO RUN QUICK ERRAND. TWO MINUTES LATER CAR WOULD NOT START. DASH LIGHTS ON, INCLUDING CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY. POWER WINDOWS AND REAR HATCH STILL WORKED. CALLED DEALER-FOLLOWED THEIR INSTRUCTIONS TO TRY STARTING CAR IN PAR…
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55 DEGREE SUNNY DAY IN RURAL VIRGINIA. 2019 SUBARU ASCENT HAS 8214 MILES. DROVE ASCENT ABOUT 4 MILES. STOPPED TO RUN QUICK ERRAND. TWO MINUTES LATER CAR WOULD NOT START. DASH LIGHTS ON, INCLUDING CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY. POWER WINDOWS AND REAR HATCH STILL WORKED. CALLED DEALER-FOLLOWED THEIR INSTRUCTIONS TO TRY STARTING CAR IN PARK, NEUTRAL, ETC. THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A BATTERY PROBLEM, ADVISED ME TO CALL SUBARU ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. SPOUSE CAME WITH BATTERY CHARGER. CHARGED BATTERY FOR A FEW MINUTES AND CAR STARTED. CHARGED BATTERY OVERNIGHT. SEARCHED ONLINE FOR SUBARU BATTERY PROBLEMS. READ THAT A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED AGAINST SUBARU OF AMERICA IN 2020 RELATING TO OUTBACK AND ASCENT BATTERY ISSUES. THESE MODELS ARE REPORTEDLY EQUIPPED WITH BATTERIES THAT DRAIN AND DIE. LAWSUIT CONTENDS THAT SUBARU HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE BATTERY PROBLEMS SINCE 2017, AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT BATTERY DISCHARGING AND DYING AFTER SHORT TRIP DRIVING.
VEHICLE STARTED OFF WITH THE RADIO NOT SAVING CHANNELS. IT WOULD RESET THE RADIO EVERY FEW DAYS. A MESSAGE WOULD COME ON THE DASHBOARD WHICH WOULD SAY THE CAR WILL BE RESTARTED IN A FEW HOURS. AND A LIGHT NOT WORKING. TOOK IN AND THEY SAID IT WAS BATTERY. REPLACED. THEN GOT BACK. WITHIN WEEK OR SO. CAR HAD ALL LIGHTS COMING O…
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VEHICLE STARTED OFF WITH THE RADIO NOT SAVING CHANNELS. IT WOULD RESET THE RADIO EVERY FEW DAYS. A MESSAGE WOULD COME ON THE DASHBOARD WHICH WOULD SAY THE CAR WILL BE RESTARTED IN A FEW HOURS. AND A LIGHT NOT WORKING. TOOK IN AND THEY SAID IT WAS BATTERY. REPLACED. THEN GOT BACK. WITHIN WEEK OR SO. CAR HAD ALL LIGHTS COMING ON AND OFF ON DASHBOARD. STARTED JUMPING. EVEN DROVE BACKWARDS WHEN PUT IN DRIVE. TOOK IN AND THEY REPLACED TRANSMISSION. WITHIN THE WEEK AFTER GETTING BACK, THE CAR WAS SKIPPING GEARS. ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. THEN BACK IN FOR RADIO NOT SHUTTING OFF WHEN CAR OFF AND LOCKED. WOULD RUN FOR HOURS. ALSO THE TRUNK DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK. TOOK AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SWITCH. RADIO AGAIN STILL RESETTING. RADIO WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AND THEN TURN BACK ON. THE REAR TRUNK WILL LOCK AND THEN NOT UNLOCK. CAR IS STILL DRIVING ROUGH. CLEARLY THE CAR HAS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IT IS BACK IN NOW.
AT 2 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS OLD (55K MILES, MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVEN) THE BATTERY DIES AND I WAS STRANDED WHEN I HAD STOPPED AND PARKED. WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. HAD TO JUMP START CAR AND DRIVE TO DEALERSHIP. SUBARU DEALERSHIP (GILLMAN SUBARU SOUTHWEST, HOUSTON, TX) DID A LOAD TEST AND DETERMINED BATTERY IS DEAD. WOULD NOT REPLACE …
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AT 2 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS OLD (55K MILES, MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVEN) THE BATTERY DIES AND I WAS STRANDED WHEN I HAD STOPPED AND PARKED. WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. HAD TO JUMP START CAR AND DRIVE TO DEALERSHIP. SUBARU DEALERSHIP (GILLMAN SUBARU SOUTHWEST, HOUSTON, TX) DID A LOAD TEST AND DETERMINED BATTERY IS DEAD. WOULD NOT REPLACE BATTERY. WANTED TO CHARGE $500 TO REPLACE BATTERY!! WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD IT REPLACED AND INSTALLED FOR UNDER $200!
Official recalls
926V436000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.