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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

Structure complaints

12 reports
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60,000 miles · Sep 4, 2026
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the hood was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown adjustment was needed. Additionally, the shocks were replaced, but the failure…

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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the hood was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown adjustment was needed. Additionally, the shocks were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the hinges were fractured. The contact was informed that the hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11762249

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2026
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

Immediately after pushing the lift gate release button on the dash, a loud and constant alarm tone began. The gate would then not open using the button on the dash, remote, or handle on the exterior of the lift gate door. To access the items in the rear (and to stop the alarm), we needed to get the door open. We followed the ow…

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Immediately after pushing the lift gate release button on the dash, a loud and constant alarm tone began. The gate would then not open using the button on the dash, remote, or handle on the exterior of the lift gate door. To access the items in the rear (and to stop the alarm), we needed to get the door open. We followed the owner's manual exactly to access the internal emergency release. We removed the plastic cover for the gear unit, then used a screwdriver to manually move the release to the right. Despite every amount of pressure we tried, including adding pressure by pushing down on the gate from the outside with one person while another tried the release procedure, the gate would not open. We ended up looking on YouTube, and found a video that this is not uncommon - and that the solution is to disconnect the battery or to remove fuse #14 on the fuse panel. With tremendous effort and using a pair of pliers, we finally removed the fuse. The alarm stopped but the gate (and other parts of the electrical system) were now off. We replaced the fuse and the door returned to normal function and opened using the handle on the lift gate. This is a tremendous safety issue. First, there is no easy way to open the gate manually from the interior in the case of an emergency (removing the safety cover and the use of a screwdriver or similar tool is required). Second, this emergency process failed completely, as the gate couldn't be opened at all using the manual release.

NHTSA ODI #11758028

39,634 miles · Aug 17, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at 35MPH, the struts were impacted hard which caused the vehicle to shake the dashboard. No warning lights as illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they could not diagnose the failure and would not take apart the vehicle to inspect the …

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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at 35MPH, the struts were impacted hard which caused the vehicle to shake the dashboard. No warning lights as illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they could not diagnose the failure and would not take apart the vehicle to inspect the strut. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to let the dealer work on the vehicle but offered to give 6,000 dollars on the new vehicle because the vehicle was nonrepairable. The failure mileage was approximately 39,634.

NHTSA ODI #11539164

30,920 miles · Jul 12, 2023
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureVisibility

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the front passenger’s and driver’s side doors were difficult to open due to large gaps in the doors caused by improper welding. The contact also stated that an abnormal line had formed on the moonroof without incident while the vehicle was stationary. Upon investigat…

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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the front passenger’s and driver’s side doors were difficult to open due to large gaps in the doors caused by improper welding. The contact also stated that an abnormal line had formed on the moonroof without incident while the vehicle was stationary. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V508000 (Structure) which she linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the cause of the failure was due to human error. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,920.

NHTSA ODI #11531770

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2022
Structure

I am currently replacing my 3rd front windshield in 11 months on my 2019 Subaru Ascent (First 8.19.21, Second: 4.15.22; Third was replaced 7.5.22) from a simple rock chip. Within minutes of occurring the chip leads to significant cracking and the inability to navigate safely. It is my understanding that a class-action lawsuit …

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I am currently replacing my 3rd front windshield in 11 months on my 2019 Subaru Ascent (First 8.19.21, Second: 4.15.22; Third was replaced 7.5.22) from a simple rock chip. Within minutes of occurring the chip leads to significant cracking and the inability to navigate safely. It is my understanding that a class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Subaru Ascent owners due to this very issue. It is my understanding Subaru is aware of their windshields being designed at an angle making them susceptible to frequent breaking.

NHTSA ODI #11472419

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2021
Electrical SystemStructure

Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what…

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Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what the lift-gate will remain in a locked and fixed state. The only (temporary) fix is to manually disconnect the battery terminals and "reset" the car. No warning lights are displayed, dealership is unable to "find" a trouble code or fix. This is an ongoing problem, occurring with intermittent frequency. This is certainly a safety issue, as a rear occupant can be trapped in case of an emergency.

NHTSA ODI #11445721

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Structure

2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. Auto has about 25,000 miles on it now. When driving at highway speeds the hood vibrates and shakes especially when there is a crosswind. This will damage the latch and cause the hood to fly open when driving at this speed which cold be dangerous. Called two Subaru dealers and they say that i…

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2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. Auto has about 25,000 miles on it now. When driving at highway speeds the hood vibrates and shakes especially when there is a crosswind. This will damage the latch and cause the hood to fly open when driving at this speed which cold be dangerous. Called two Subaru dealers and they say that is normal. I have owned several cars and this is not normal.

NHTSA ODI #11445366

21,000 miles · Feb 17, 2021
StructureUnknown Or Other

MY WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY SOME SOFT, SMALL DEBRIS AND CRACKED. I LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH A LOT OF OWNERS THEREFORE WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. WHILE IT HAPPENE

NHTSA ODI #11396578

15,000 miles · May 3, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

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

5,000 miles · Apr 7, 2020
Structure

THE HOOD OF THE CAR POPPED UP TWICE WHEN DRIVING INTO A HEAD WIND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SUDDENLY POPS UP AN INCH OR TWO AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO OPEN. THIS HAPPENED ON OUR FIRST TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE. I TOOK IT IN - THE DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG - AND ADJUSTED THE BUMPERS. THE NEXT TRIP DRIVING 65 INTO A CROSS WIND IT POPPED…

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THE HOOD OF THE CAR POPPED UP TWICE WHEN DRIVING INTO A HEAD WIND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SUDDENLY POPS UP AN INCH OR TWO AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO OPEN. THIS HAPPENED ON OUR FIRST TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE. I TOOK IT IN - THE DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG - AND ADJUSTED THE BUMPERS. THE NEXT TRIP DRIVING 65 INTO A CROSS WIND IT POPPED UP AGAIN. WE HAD TO STOP BOTH TIMES TO CLOSE THE HOOD AND WERE RELIEVED IT DID NOT COME ALL THE WAY UP. I WONDER IF THE LATCH IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR THE DESIGN TO HANDLE A STRONG WIND. *TR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO WITHDRAW COMPLAINT STATING THAT THE LATCH DID NOT COME UNDONE. THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FLEXED UP AFETR BEING BLOWN BY STRONG WIND. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11320467

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.