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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

441 reports
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
Visibility/wiper

My Subaru Ascent 2019 is 2.5 years old. The windshield has developed a crack on its own on a long drive. The crack first appeared at the bottom of windshield near front passenger seat, and has started spreading sideways towards driver side in a zig-zag fashion. It's about 10 inches long now. I called Subaru service center and in…

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My Subaru Ascent 2019 is 2.5 years old. The windshield has developed a crack on its own on a long drive. The crack first appeared at the bottom of windshield near front passenger seat, and has started spreading sideways towards driver side in a zig-zag fashion. It's about 10 inches long now. I called Subaru service center and informed them about the crack. The service center said one of their managers will call me to discuss. I'm waiting for the call. I had a similar random crack appear on the sunroof 6 months after purchasing the car. It also appeared on a long drive. Subaru inspected and initially refused to cover the sunroof under warranty. They later came around and replaced the sunroof on their own and without charge to me.

NHTSA ODI #11445370

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

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Power Train

2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. The car only has about 25,000 miles on it now. I have had several incidents when driving on a curved road about 30 miles an hour the transmission jerks and causes the whole car to shudder abruptly sevral times in a row. Also when backing up and I completely stop the car before putting into drv…

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2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. The car only has about 25,000 miles on it now. I have had several incidents when driving on a curved road about 30 miles an hour the transmission jerks and causes the whole car to shudder abruptly sevral times in a row. Also when backing up and I completely stop the car before putting into drve, it jerks and makes a load noise. I have had the car into the Subaru dealer several times for these drivetrain problems and they say they never made a repair. They say they drove it and did not find the problem. They should have taken the transmission cover off and inpected the transmision chain and componnts. There was a prwvious transmission recall and now another one. Since the dealr allowed this problem to continue the transmission probably has mechanical damge.

NHTSA ODI #11445364

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2021
Electrical System

Recently have had issues with the battery. I've had to jump the car 4 times in the last month. The car was purchased in August 2021. I believe the electrical system is draining the battery.

NHTSA ODI #11444795

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2021
Exterior LightingPower TrainSteering

Steering is so sensitive that it exhausted driver. Lane control is exhausting. Transmission looses power, but mechanics say nothing registering. The car smokes on cold start and white exhaust smells terrible. This is worse in summer when transmission is hot. Hatch can’t be left open when camping because it ran my battery d…

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Steering is so sensitive that it exhausted driver. Lane control is exhausting. Transmission looses power, but mechanics say nothing registering. The car smokes on cold start and white exhaust smells terrible. This is worse in summer when transmission is hot. Hatch can’t be left open when camping because it ran my battery dead. There is no lighting at the back of car and front interior lights, LED, time out.

NHTSA ODI #11444469

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2021
Electrical System

Sunday, car wouldn’t start. Even though lights and display came on, engine wouldn’t turn over until I got a jump. After car started, center console went black and all infotainment, Bluetooth and rear view camera ceased to work. Drove hour and a half on highway. Monday morning, battery completely dead. Had to jump again. No…

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Sunday, car wouldn’t start. Even though lights and display came on, engine wouldn’t turn over until I got a jump. After car started, center console went black and all infotainment, Bluetooth and rear view camera ceased to work. Drove hour and a half on highway. Monday morning, battery completely dead. Had to jump again. Now, center screen working, but seems to be battery issue. We had similar car starting problems before and replaced battery less than a year ago February 2021!!!

NHTSA ODI #11444467

30 miles · Dec 16, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that occasionally at start-up and while driving up an incline, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repai…

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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that occasionally at start-up and while driving up an incline, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 30. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11444003

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2021
Tires

2 tires are showing cracks. The tires are losing their threads and it appears that the tires will blow up or tear open as I continue drive the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11442310

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2021
Visibility/wiper

The windshield has cracked twice with very small cracks. The second time was within three weeks of having it replaced at the dealer by a 3rd party since the dealer didn’t handle that repair. On this second occasion, I neither saw or heard a rock or chip hit the windshield and yet after a cold night and parking in the garage I c…

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The windshield has cracked twice with very small cracks. The second time was within three weeks of having it replaced at the dealer by a 3rd party since the dealer didn’t handle that repair. On this second occasion, I neither saw or heard a rock or chip hit the windshield and yet after a cold night and parking in the garage I came back the next morning and it was there. The second crack doesn’t appear to be from any rock as it is very small and almost at the base where the new windshield was installed — but the dealer is saying they think Subaru may say it is coming from a small mark and then spidered out. I can’t even see how a rock could go ata downward angle to hit down in this area below where the wiper blades rest. I went on the website and there are many many complaints about this new vehicle’s windshield cracking - both from very small objects and on its own. I already had a transmission replaced on warranty and several other problems- as mine was the first 2019 Ascent sold in Columbia, MO. In short, these windshields have been the subject of a class action and they are defective and unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11442153

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.