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 · May 31, 2021

Visibility/wiper

Rear window glass cracked. No impact seen.

NHTSA ODI #11419098

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2021

Electrical System

We have had two batteries die since purchasing the car new in 2018. I saw an article about electric system failure in the ascent and it said to file a complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11418177

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2021

Parking BrakeService Brakes

The parking/emergency brake lever was accidently activated while traveling at highway speed of 70mph. The lever is in a BAD location and close to where cell phone is charged, cup holders are and transmission shift lever. Cell phone charge cable caught on lever and LOCKED up rear brakes at 70MPH. Almost resulted in loss of life a…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11417718

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021

Visibility/wiper

While driving at 25mph, there was a loud cracking sound and few minutes later I saw a crack in the front windshield on the left corner starting 3 inches from the bottom of the windshield. Upon further inspection, it appears the crack developed from within the windshield as there was not rough edges felt over the crack.

NHTSA ODI #11417567

9,753 miles · May 16, 2021

Electrical System

THE SUBARU ASCENT WILL RUN DOWN ITS BATTERY REQUIRING A JUMP START APPROXIMATELY ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS. WHILE LONG ROAD-TRIPS CAN TOP OFF THE CHARGE, THIS PERPETUAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY IS SHORTENING ITS LIFE EXPECTANCY.

NHTSA ODI #11416776

27,000 miles · May 15, 2021

Electrical System

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT MY 2019 ASCENT BRAND NEW IN SUMMER OF 2018. I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY AND HAD MY 3 YR OLD SON WITH ME. WE STOPPED TO GET ICE CREAM AND SAT IN CAR TO EAT IT. I TURNED CAR ON ENOUGH TO PUT WINDOWS DOWN (NO MORE THAN 3-4 MINUTES AT MOST) AND TURNED OFF. WHEN I WENT TO START CAR WHEN FINISHED ICE CREAM ABOUT 10 MIN LATER MY CAR WOULDN'T START AND COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. COULDN'T EVEN PUT IN NEUTRAL OR TURN THE WHEEL. I CALLED AAA AND THE CAME AND TOLD MY MY BATTERY HEALTH WAS ONLY 30% AND HAD A ZERO CHARGE. HE CHANGED THE BATTERY FOR ME AND WE WERE ON OUR WAY BUT WE WERE LUCKY TO BE IN AN AREA WITH HELP. NOT ALWAYS THE CASE FOR PHONE RECEPTION IN SOME AREAS. THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN 3 YRS OLD. HAD IT BEEN SUMMER IT COULD HAVE GOTTEN EXTREMELY HOT AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY SELF AND MY SON. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED ESPECIALLY SINCE WE DID NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I HAVE MUCH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IT IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND KEPT IN AN ATTACHED GARAGE.

NHTSA ODI #11416764

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2021

Electrical System

Read full complaint

THE BATTERY IN MY 2019 SUBARU ASCENT DIED TWICE WHILE PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND WE HAD TO CALL AAA TO JUMP START THE CAR. AFTER THE SECOND TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME TO LOCK THE CAR EVEN WHEN ITS IN THE GARAGE SO THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD STOP EXCESSIVE BATTERY USE. IVE READ THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM I EXPECT I WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE BATTERY AND NEXT TIME THE VEHICLE MAY BE OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF.

NHTSA ODI #11416728

21,000 miles · May 14, 2021

Electrical System

Read full complaint

MY CAR STARTED TO HAVE BATTERY ISSUES EITHER LAST YEAR OR EARLY THIS YEAR. THE BATTERY ISSUES ARE GETTING WORSE. AT THE VERY BEGINNING, THE BATTERY DIED AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS NOT DRIVING; WHICH WAS SHOCKING BECAUSE IT IS A FAIRLY NEW CAR. TODAY THE BATTERY DIED JUST OVERNIGHT; I WAS DRIVING TO WORK YESTERDAY AND WE WERE ABOUT TO DRIVE TO HERSHEY PARK TODAY:( THERE ALREADY HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES OF ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR THE JUMP START WHEN THE MILLAGE WAS LESS THAN 20000. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BATTERY DRAINS DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC DESIGN. HE SUGGESTED I DRIVE THE CAR EVERYDAY JUST TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. REALLY!?

NHTSA ODI #11416559

40,000 miles · May 13, 2021

Electrical System

BATTERY DRAINED OVERNIGHT WITH NO LIGHTS OR ACCESSORIES ON. THIS IS THE FORTH TIME THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11416434

Mileage unknown · May 12, 2021

Visibility/wiper

AFTER HAVING THE CAR PARKED OUTDOORS AT A RESTAURANT FOR AN HOUR, I COME BACK TO THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING FROM THE BOTTLE THAT TRAVELED UPWARDS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMETHING MAY HAVE HIT MY WINDSHIELD WHILE I WAS HAVING LUNCH, BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION ANYTHING HAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK INCREASED TO ABOUT 24I…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11416360

Official recalls

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

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)

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.