IllustrationWINDSHIELD CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING ON A SMOOTH PAVED STREET. CRACK EXPANDED TO OVER 18 INCHES LONG. HAD TO HAVE WINDSHIELD REPLACED.
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
Visibility/wiper complaints
66 reportsMY WINDSHIELD ON MY 2019 SUBARU ASCENT WAS CRACKED WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY
ON THE DAY THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR, ON MY WAY BACK HOME, A SMALL ROCK CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN 4 MORE SPOTS. THE QUALITY SEEMS REALLY BAD. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS WITH ANY OTHER CAR.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS ASCENT'S WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF PURCHASE; IT WAS REPLACED WITH A OEM WINDSHIELD BY SUBARU. THERE WAS NO OBSERVED OBJECT IMPACT IN EITHER CASE. THE ATTACHED PHOTO IS OF THE SECOND CRACK WHICH WAS NOTICED TODAY.
4 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY ASCENT I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND A PASSING VEHICLE THREW UP A ROCK AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS SO SMALL THAT NORMALLY IT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BUT INSTEAD IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE DRIVER SIDE VIEW ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $…
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4 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY ASCENT I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND A PASSING VEHICLE THREW UP A ROCK AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS SO SMALL THAT NORMALLY IT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BUT INSTEAD IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE DRIVER SIDE VIEW ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200 FOR THE WINDSHIELD AND HAD TO BE RE-CALIBRATED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST OF $300. HERE I AM A YEAR LATER AND THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. EXACT SAME SPOT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE A TINY ROCK FLEW UP AND AGAIN CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE DRIVER SIDE ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE GLASS MANUFACTURER THAT SUBARU IS USING FOR THEIR VEHICLES AND ITS A COSTLY ONE
WINDSHIELD EASILY CRACKS AND CHIPS LEADING TO UNSAFE WINDSHIELD AND POOR VISIBILITY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN IN MOTION AND WHEN NOT IN MOTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND I AM UNABLE REPLACE IT EACH TIME.
WINDOW WITH LONG CRACK AFTER VERY SMALL ROCK HIT WINDSHIELD AT LOWER SPEED (45 MPH).
THE FRONT PANEL OF MY SUNROOF HAS A LARGE CRACK ORIGINATING FROM A CONNECTION POINT WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY IMPACTS IN THIS AREA THAT COULD EXPLAIN THE CRACK. I NOTICED THE CRACK WHEN PREPARING TO USE MY SUNROOF.
DEFECTIVE GLASS. WINDSHIELD AND MOONROOF GLASS BOTH CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CAR WAS IN COVERED PARKING.
A CRACK FORMED IN THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING STARTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS THE CAR FRAME. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING STRAIGHT, AT APPROX 75MPH AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND WHEN IT CRACK STARTED TO FORM. THERE WAS NO ROCK/ ITEM THAT HAD HIT THE CAR. IN LESS THAT 24 HOURS, …
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A CRACK FORMED IN THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING STARTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS THE CAR FRAME. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING STRAIGHT, AT APPROX 75MPH AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND WHEN IT CRACK STARTED TO FORM. THERE WAS NO ROCK/ ITEM THAT HAD HIT THE CAR. IN LESS THAT 24 HOURS, THE CRACK GREW TO BE 3/4 ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO AREA THAT LOOKED LIKE A "POINT OF IMPACT" AND THERE WAS NO "STAR". WHEN SPEAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THAT MANY WINDSHIELDS THESE DAYS HAVE BEEN CRACKING EASIER THAN NORMAL, THAT THEY HAVEN'T BEEN MADE WELL THE LAST FEW YEARS. NO ONE AT SUBARU INFORMED ME OUT THIS WHEN I WAS BUYING THE CAR, AND THE MODEL AND YEAR HAVE BEEN ADDED TO A LIST OF KNOWN VEHICLES WITH WINDSHIELD ISSUES. *TR
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.