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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

Visibility/wiper complaints

66 reports
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11,000 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Visibility/wiper

CRACK IN WINDSHIELD APPEARED W/OUT USUAL SOUND OR SIGN OF DEBRIS. DEALER SAID IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, ONLY REPLACED & ALL SYSTEMS RECALIBRATED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. I HAVE DRIVEN OVER 1 MILLION MILES & HAVE NEVER SEEN A CRACK W/ NO DEBRIS OR IF ANY, SO SMALL IT MADE NO IMPACT. JUST A CRACK APPEARED LIKE IT WAS PRESSURE ON THE G…

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CRACK IN WINDSHIELD APPEARED W/OUT USUAL SOUND OR SIGN OF DEBRIS. DEALER SAID IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, ONLY REPLACED & ALL SYSTEMS RECALIBRATED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. I HAVE DRIVEN OVER 1 MILLION MILES & HAVE NEVER SEEN A CRACK W/ NO DEBRIS OR IF ANY, SO SMALL IT MADE NO IMPACT. JUST A CRACK APPEARED LIKE IT WAS PRESSURE ON THE GLASS CAUSING THE CRACK.

NHTSA ODI #11291130

350 miles · Oct 27, 2019
Visibility/wiper

WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AROUND 65 MPH, TINY PEBBLE HIT WINDSHIELD, CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. WE HAD IT IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED BY A PROFESSIONAL THE NEXT DAY. VEHICLE SAT IN A GARAGE OVERNIGHT, NEVER USED AFTER THE REPAIR AND THE NEXT DAY, 12 INCH LONG CRACK IN WINDSHIELD, NOT REPAIRABLE AT THIS POINT. ALSO, NEVER EVEN MADE O…

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WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AROUND 65 MPH, TINY PEBBLE HIT WINDSHIELD, CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. WE HAD IT IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED BY A PROFESSIONAL THE NEXT DAY. VEHICLE SAT IN A GARAGE OVERNIGHT, NEVER USED AFTER THE REPAIR AND THE NEXT DAY, 12 INCH LONG CRACK IN WINDSHIELD, NOT REPAIRABLE AT THIS POINT. ALSO, NEVER EVEN MADE ONE PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS OCCURRED AND DIDNT EVEN HAVE 1K MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11271362

12,800 miles · Oct 26, 2019
Visibility/wiper

THE WINDSHIELD HAS LOT OF LITTLE ROCK DINGS IN IT WHICH NO OTHER WINDSHIELD ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED HAD. WHEN I PUT SUBARU'S REPLACEMENT NEW WINDSHIELD ON IT COULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. THE DAMAGE OF THE MAJOR CRACK IS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND I HAVE NO WINDSHIELD INS…

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THE WINDSHIELD HAS LOT OF LITTLE ROCK DINGS IN IT WHICH NO OTHER WINDSHIELD ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED HAD. WHEN I PUT SUBARU'S REPLACEMENT NEW WINDSHIELD ON IT COULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. THE DAMAGE OF THE MAJOR CRACK IS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND I HAVE NO WINDSHIELD INSURANCE BUT THE SMALL DINGS HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE I PAY $826.65. THE MAJOR CRACK HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AS WELL AS THE MANY SMALL DINGS ON THE HIGHWAY AND A FEW ON CITY STREETS.

NHTSA ODI #11271205

650 miles · Jan 9, 2019
Visibility/wiper

MY CAR WAS PARKED. I SAW A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD (CAUSE UNKNOWN) ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT BEGAN AT THE TOP GLASS AND DESCENDED, THEN HEADING INWARDS TOWARDS THE MIRROR. OVER THE COURSE OF 2 DAYS, IT HAS EXTENDED PAST THE MIRROR INTO THE DRIVER VIEW. THE SUBARU GLASS (AGC AUTOMOTIVE, DOT-376, M8H4 AS1, 30E, LAMISAFE) COULD B…

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MY CAR WAS PARKED. I SAW A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD (CAUSE UNKNOWN) ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT BEGAN AT THE TOP GLASS AND DESCENDED, THEN HEADING INWARDS TOWARDS THE MIRROR. OVER THE COURSE OF 2 DAYS, IT HAS EXTENDED PAST THE MIRROR INTO THE DRIVER VIEW. THE SUBARU GLASS (AGC AUTOMOTIVE, DOT-376, M8H4 AS1, 30E, LAMISAFE) COULD BE FAULTY.

NHTSA ODI #11166069

800 miles · Oct 27, 2018
Visibility/wiper

I RECENTLY NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD HAS THOUSANDS OF MILLIONS OF GLARING SPECKS/DOTS WHEN FACING THE SUNLIGHT IN EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON. THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES SO BLURRY AND EXTREMELY ANNOYING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I FACE LIGHTS EVEN NIGHT TIMES WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES KINDA OF GLARE. I CLEANED WITH MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS NOT GOI…

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I RECENTLY NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD HAS THOUSANDS OF MILLIONS OF GLARING SPECKS/DOTS WHEN FACING THE SUNLIGHT IN EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON. THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES SO BLURRY AND EXTREMELY ANNOYING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I FACE LIGHTS EVEN NIGHT TIMES WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES KINDA OF GLARE. I CLEANED WITH MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS NOT GOING AT ALL, ONE ANGLE CAN BE SEEN VERY GREY COLORED DOT. TOOK TO DEALER AND ALSO AGREED WITH THIS. NOT SURE WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS, BUT I WANT THIS NHTSA LOOK AT SERIOUSLY. MY CAR IS JUST ABOUT 2 MONTHS AND 2K MILES ON IT AS OF NOW.

NHTSA ODI #11143074

65 miles · Aug 11, 2018
Visibility/wiper

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH NO WARNING, NO EXTERNAL IMPACT, NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR BY, AND WITHOUT PRIOR IMPACT TO WINDOW.

NHTSA ODI #11119346

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.