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
What owners actually said
441 reports
14,000 miles · Sep 29, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while in the middle of an intersection, the power steering assist failed as the power steering disabled warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had to use excessive force to complete the turn as several other unknown warning lights illuminated. …
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while in the middle of an intersection, the power steering assist failed as the power steering disabled warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had to use excessive force to complete the turn as several other unknown warning lights illuminated. After she pulled over, the contact was able to resume normal driving after the vehicle was restarted. The contact then called the dealer who informed her to bring in the vehicle to be inspected. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA ODI #11434899
33,663 miles · Sep 20, 2021
Visibility
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a parking garage and when she returned to the vehicle, she noticed that the windshield was cracked. The contact stated she could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The ve…
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a parking garage and when she returned to the vehicle, she noticed that the windshield was cracked. The contact stated she could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 33,663.
NHTSA ODI #11433728
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2021
Electrical System
Battery recurrently dies
NHTSA ODI #11433459
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2021
Visibility/wiper
Unknown. We bought the car brand new from the Subaru Dealership and the original windshield is on the vehicle. There are 6+ cracks/chips in this windshield all are unexplained. The first crack happened 3 months after purchasing and the lasted crack happened 2 weeks ago.
NHTSA ODI #11433321
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2021
Electrical System
3 times in past 6 weeks car battery was found dead. Recharged 3 times with wall charger. Replaced battery today after 3rd time of being dead.
NHTSA ODI #11432836
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2021
Electrical System
The battery is draining. This has happened multiple times. Most recently, the battery died when the car was not used for a 6 day period while I was out of town.
NHTSA ODI #11427513
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
Hi Issue #1: My Subaru never gives the MPG what they promised, on average I get 17 or 18 MPG mixed drive supposed to get 21MPG, whenever I complain to the dealership they give a standard answer about it depends on driving style never attempted to find the root cause. Never had this issue with my previous cars, I used to get the…
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Hi Issue #1: My Subaru never gives the MPG what they promised, on average I get 17 or 18 MPG mixed drive supposed to get 21MPG, whenever I complain to the dealership they give a standard answer about it depends on driving style never attempted to find the root cause. Never had this issue with my previous cars, I used to get the same as what they promised. So I feel not related to driving style. Issue #2: Blue smoke came multiple times, so not consistent reproducing not sure. Issue #3. My battery died many times couple of times had called roadside, later I got a jump starter and I have used it multiple times to start my car, and replaced the new battery under warranty and Subaru paid for it, but unfortunately, the new battery I got had also died and got it replaced by warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11426405
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2021
Visibility/wiper
Was driving south on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge, NJ - small pebble or rock hit the passenger side black trim on windshield (original windshield). Crack immediately started to expand to about 3-4” long. The next day the crack was almost half way across the entire windshield. I now need to have the entire windshield re…
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Was driving south on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge, NJ - small pebble or rock hit the passenger side black trim on windshield (original windshield). Crack immediately started to expand to about 3-4” long. The next day the crack was almost half way across the entire windshield. I now need to have the entire windshield replaced which will require my taking time off of work to take it in, since the repair shop must recalobrate the windshield safety equipment. This amount of cracking seems excessive for a 2019 vehicle especially since the initial chip was so small - not happy that this occurred on such a new vehicle in what seems like a normal situation.
NHTSA ODI #11426277
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2021
Engine
Huge plumes of smoke on startup. Complained to the service department on multiple occasions and even left the car with the dealer service department. They said they could not duplicate my complaint. They said I should take pictures. Can't take pictures when it happens three or four times a month. I think there is something wron…
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Huge plumes of smoke on startup. Complained to the service department on multiple occasions and even left the car with the dealer service department. They said they could not duplicate my complaint. They said I should take pictures. Can't take pictures when it happens three or four times a month. I think there is something wrong with the engine am afraid of fire or failure of the engine.
NHTSA ODI #11425761
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Have had to jump my battery start using a portable power supply at least 4 times. Various reasons, such as leaving the back hatch open for extended periods, leaving the accessories on for a little over 15 minutes etc. At times it appears to struggle to start as though the battery has not fully charged. These incidents has been …
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Have had to jump my battery start using a portable power supply at least 4 times. Various reasons, such as leaving the back hatch open for extended periods, leaving the accessories on for a little over 15 minutes etc. At times it appears to struggle to start as though the battery has not fully charged. These incidents has been happening shortly after the vehicle was purchased. They are happening less to date because I'm aware that i cant use ANY accessory for an extended period because of the risk of a dead battery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2019 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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