NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
441 reports47,915 miles · Nov 29, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting from PARK to DRIVE, the RPM abruptly went up from 1,200 to 4,000. The contact shifted the vehicle into NEUTRAL to check if the accelerator pedal was stuck but found no obstruction to the pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle…
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting from PARK to DRIVE, the RPM abruptly went up from 1,200 to 4,000. The contact shifted the vehicle into NEUTRAL to check if the accelerator pedal was stuck but found no obstruction to the pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle and slowly drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact called a local dealer but was unable to schedule a date to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,915.
NHTSA ODI #11442028
53,000 miles · Nov 29, 2021
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would resume normal operation soon after failure. The contact called a dealer and an appointment was …
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would resume normal operation soon after failure. The contact called a dealer and an appointment was made to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA ODI #11441916
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2021
Electrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance
Left tailgate open for ~5 hours and the parasitic draw of that action left our battery dead. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere and had to get the battery jumped. After getting jumped... our electronics, especially the safety systems were no longer operable.
NHTSA ODI #11441184
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2021
Electrical SystemSeat Belts
I have reported to dealership in Edinburg Tx that the head lights dem at night. Dealership claims is normal for lights to dem. Now, the battery is dead. It won’t start. On 11-19 I arrived from Disney at the Airport only to experience that my 2029 Ascent didn’t start. I called road side assistance it it would take about an hour…
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I have reported to dealership in Edinburg Tx that the head lights dem at night. Dealership claims is normal for lights to dem. Now, the battery is dead. It won’t start. On 11-19 I arrived from Disney at the Airport only to experience that my 2029 Ascent didn’t start. I called road side assistance it it would take about an hour to come jumó start me. I went with a helper to get some cables and started my vehicle. I called the dealer and I was told to bring the Ascent until December 1. That’s the date that dealer could check my vehicle. I’m home and the and I can’t get an answer if my batter has warranty. I’ll keep calling. Bad service from dealership to Roadside service.
NHTSA ODI #11441150
31,040 miles · Nov 9, 2021
Visibility
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, he noticed the front windshield was cracked on the passenger’s side. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the fai…
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, he noticed the front windshield was cracked on the passenger’s side. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,040.
NHTSA ODI #11439845
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2021
Electrical System
I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent and my battery has died 3 times now. The first time was on May 2019 and the car would not start. I had to get it jump started by AAA and drove to the dealer where they ended up replacing the battery. The liftgate had somehow been triggered while in my garage and did not fully close and drained the b…
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I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent and my battery has died 3 times now. The first time was on May 2019 and the car would not start. I had to get it jump started by AAA and drove to the dealer where they ended up replacing the battery. The liftgate had somehow been triggered while in my garage and did not fully close and drained the battery. At the time it was suspected I had accidentally hit the FOB to trigger the liftgate to open but that never happened before and has ever happened since. Then in April 2020 car wouldn't start again. Car was jumped by AAA but when I attempted to drive to dealership it died again and had to get a tow truck to bring car to dealer. Battery was tested but not replaced. Dealer said I was not driving car enough (not driving at all during the pandemic) and needed to get a battery maintainer for battery which I did. I used battery maintainer when I was not driving the car regularly and car was fine until Oct 14, 2021. We had been driving car regularly for month so we were not using the battery maintainer as we thought the battery would be charged through the regular driving. But on Oct 14 the car would not start and when I tried to start it, all the dashboard and exterior lights were flashing. Plugged in the maintainer and after several hours the liftgate started beeping and then the front of the car started beeping. I had car towed to dealer and they replace battery again and also changed the power liftgate module to stop the drain on battery if door is open for more than 20 minutes.
NHTSA ODI #11437432
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2021
Electrical System
Battery drains and vehicle inoperable. First time had to have towed to dealer- Adventure Subaru- who said problem not identified. Happens repeatedly. Left stranded .
NHTSA ODI #11436981
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2021
Electrical System
I chose electrical problem above, however to be specific, the issue is with the battery life. I’ve read numerous complaints online of other customers of Subaru outback and Ascent, and they are reporting the same issues that I am having. Premature battery drain. I am not misusing the car at all. This is happening with normal usag…
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I chose electrical problem above, however to be specific, the issue is with the battery life. I’ve read numerous complaints online of other customers of Subaru outback and Ascent, and they are reporting the same issues that I am having. Premature battery drain. I am not misusing the car at all. This is happening with normal usage of the car. I have been left stranded in several places because of this issue. It’s gotten to the point where I had to purchase an electric charger to carry around with me. The last battery that was purchased for the car last year is now completely dead. It is ridiculous to have this amount a batteries replaced in such a short period on a newer model car. My car is only three years old. This is the third battery that I am replacing. I cannot count the number of times happen to me. So the date below will be the most current date when the battery died. The worst part is, Subaru knows about the issues, but they just keep giving me excuses for why it’s dying. Furthermore, they keep replacing it with the same type of battery. It’s not just me. These complaints are numerous throughout the Subaru ascent owners that I read online.
NHTSA ODI #11436756
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2021
Back Over PreventionForward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
NHTSA ODI #11436311
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2021
EngineForward Collision Avoidance
Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA Turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the Crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, w…
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Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA Turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the Crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, with more than a dozen vehicles close behind). Emergency collision warning, EyeSight warning, check engine, RAB, and numerous dash error alterts illuminated. The parking brake turned on and off without human intervention (it's computer-controlled). The engine shut off and a multiple car fishtail began behind me. Fortunately, no one was hurt. I put the car in Neutral, lurched to the side of the road, and called OnStar. Calls to the dealer have not been returned. I drive elementary children to scouts and sporting events. I can't imagine the horror had they been harmed or worse.
NHTSA ODI #11435678
Official recalls
9Jul 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗