WHEN THE CAR IDLES FOR EVEN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME (5 MINUTES) THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WILL START TO SMELL LIKE FUMES (EXHAUST TYPE SMELL). THIS HAPPENS IN ANY ENVIRONMENT (PARKING LOT, OUR DRIVEWAY, RURAL AREA) WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND STILL RUNNING. RARELY HAVE I SMELLED THE FUMES UPON STARTING THE CAR, ALTHOUGH IT HAS HAPPENE…
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WHEN THE CAR IDLES FOR EVEN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME (5 MINUTES) THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WILL START TO SMELL LIKE FUMES (EXHAUST TYPE SMELL). THIS HAPPENS IN ANY ENVIRONMENT (PARKING LOT, OUR DRIVEWAY, RURAL AREA) WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND STILL RUNNING. RARELY HAVE I SMELLED THE FUMES UPON STARTING THE CAR, ALTHOUGH IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN EVERY SEASON AND WITH THE CAR BLOWING OUT WARM, NEUTRAL, AND AIR CONDITIONED AIR. THIS WAS NOTICED VERY SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO DETECT THE SMELL BUT FOUND NO PROBLEM TO CORRECT. THE OTHER TWO TIMES THEY SAID THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO REPLICATE THE SMELL EVEN AFTER LEAVING IT ON FOR AN HOUR. I CAN ELICIT THE SMELL EVERY TIME IF I LET IT RUN FOR A FEW MINUTES WHILE PARKED. OTHERS APPEAR TO BE HAVING THIS ISSUE AS WELL AND ARE BEING TOLD THE SAME THING BY THEIR DEALERSHIPS. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS MY CHILDREN MAY BE AFFECTED WHEN THEY ARE IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11323121
4,000 miles · Feb 3, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (PAUL MILLER SUBARU 3469 US-46, PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, NJ 07054 (973) 402-1700), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (PAUL MILLER SUBARU 3469 US-46, PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, NJ 07054 (973) 402-1700), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE SENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
NHTSA ODI #11306733
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System
FRESH FUEL SMELL FROM THE VEHICLE (ENTERING THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PARKING). UPON ARRIVING HOME YESTERDAY, THE SMELL WAS STILL VERY STRONG. I WENT A STEP FURTHER AND PULLED THE OIL DIPSTICK TO CHECK THE LEVEL AND TO SEE IF THAT'S WHERE IT WAS ORIGINATING FROM. SURE ENOUGH, THAT IS WHERE I AM SMELLING IT. I WENT SO FAR …
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FRESH FUEL SMELL FROM THE VEHICLE (ENTERING THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PARKING). UPON ARRIVING HOME YESTERDAY, THE SMELL WAS STILL VERY STRONG. I WENT A STEP FURTHER AND PULLED THE OIL DIPSTICK TO CHECK THE LEVEL AND TO SEE IF THAT'S WHERE IT WAS ORIGINATING FROM. SURE ENOUGH, THAT IS WHERE I AM SMELLING IT. I WENT SO FAR AS TO WIPE OFF THE DIPSTICK AND CHECK ONCE AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULT. I ALSO NOTED THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS WELL ABOVE THE HIGH MARK. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE RISK FOR DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE GIVEN THAT IT APPEARS THAT FUEL IS MIXING IN WITH THE OIL.
NHTSA ODI #11299624
21,300 miles · Nov 29, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureUnknown Or OtherCrashFireInjury
TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF OUR CAR AND WE HIT IT WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CRUSHING THE FRONT END. ALL AIR BAGS IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED AND THE FRONT END BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY. WITHIN MINUTES OF GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE IT BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BURNED UP. CONCERNE…
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TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF OUR CAR AND WE HIT IT WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CRUSHING THE FRONT END. ALL AIR BAGS IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED AND THE FRONT END BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY. WITHIN MINUTES OF GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE IT BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BURNED UP. CONCERNED THAT THESE VEHICLES WILL BURST INTO FLAMES DURING A FRONT END COLLISION AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #11282852
1,200 miles · May 11, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
GASOLINE VAPORS IN CABIN AND AROUND CAR. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED, GASOLINE VAPORS ARE ACCUMULATING AROUND CAR. WE EXPERIENCE STRONG GASOLINE VAPORS IN OUR ENCLOSED GARAGE AFTER DRIVING (APPEARING 10-15 MINUTES AFTER TURNING CAR OFF). ALSO, AFTER DRIVING FOR EVEN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THEN TURNING THE CAR OFF, THE…
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GASOLINE VAPORS IN CABIN AND AROUND CAR. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED, GASOLINE VAPORS ARE ACCUMULATING AROUND CAR. WE EXPERIENCE STRONG GASOLINE VAPORS IN OUR ENCLOSED GARAGE AFTER DRIVING (APPEARING 10-15 MINUTES AFTER TURNING CAR OFF). ALSO, AFTER DRIVING FOR EVEN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THEN TURNING THE CAR OFF, THEN STARTING AGAIN, GASOLINE VAPORS ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE VENTS (IF NON-RECIRCULATING). DEALER CONFIRMED WE GASOLINE MIXED WITH OUR MOTOR OIL (DEALER CHANGED THE OIL, BUT DIDN'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM). WHILE THIS IS ALARMING ENOUGH, THE SMELL CONTINUES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN AND MY HOME GARAGE IS NOT HEALTH/SAFETY RISK FOR MY FAMILY BREATHING IN, BUT SINCE SUBARU DOESN'T KNOW A CAUSE, COULD IT BE A RISK FOR A FIRE. MY FAMILY SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING IN A BRAND NEW CAR THAT IS INTRODUCING GASOLINE VAPORS UNDER NORMAL OPERATION. OTHERS ON MESSAGE BOARDS ARE COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR ISSUES WHICH COULD POINT TO A BIGGER PROBLEM. THANK YOU!
NHTSA ODI #11207034
1,500 miles · May 1, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System
RAW GAS SMELL WHEN VEHICLE IS AT IDLE OR AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR A BIT AND PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE SMELL COMES THRU THE VENTS AND FILLS THE GARAGE AFTER I PARK THE VEHICLE. GAS MILEAGE IS ALSO BEING EFFECTED IT SEEMS, AND IS LOW.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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2019 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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