NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
441 reports9,000 miles · Apr 15, 2021
Electrical System
THE CAR BATTERY KEEPS DYING. THE FIRST BATTERY DIED A LITTLE AFTER A YEAR. THE SECOND CAR BATTERY DIED TWO MONTHS AND FEW DAYS LATER. I DRIVE THE CAR A FEW TIMES A WEEK. I'VE NEVER HAD A DIFFERENT CAR DIE UNDER THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN I JUMP START THE CAR AFTER THE BATTERY DIES, THE ELECTRONICS IN THE CAR DO NOT FUNCTI…
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THE CAR BATTERY KEEPS DYING. THE FIRST BATTERY DIED A LITTLE AFTER A YEAR. THE SECOND CAR BATTERY DIED TWO MONTHS AND FEW DAYS LATER. I DRIVE THE CAR A FEW TIMES A WEEK. I'VE NEVER HAD A DIFFERENT CAR DIE UNDER THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN I JUMP START THE CAR AFTER THE BATTERY DIES, THE ELECTRONICS IN THE CAR DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN I QUICKLY STEER THE STEERING WHEEL, EYESIGHT, POWER STEERING, AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRONICS RAPIDLY TURN ON AND OFF. THIS SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THE BATTERY CANNOT BE CHARGED, AND SUFFICIENTLY POWER THE VEHICLE, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND CAUSES UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. AFTER RECEIVING THE NEW BATTERY, THESE ISSUES WERE MITIGATED UNTIL THE NEW BATTERY DIED TWO MONTHS LATER AND THE SAME BEHAVIOR IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE, THEY SAID THE BATTERY WAS FAULTY AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY. I'M STILL WAITING FOR MY NEXT SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11408231
20,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Unknown Or Other
SMALL CRACK IN WINDSHIELD HAS SPREAD ACROSS ENTIRE WINDSHIELD RAPIDLY. WE DO NOT RECALL WHEN THE SMALL CRACK OCCURRED BUT THE CRACK SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD IN ROUGHLY TWO WEEKS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11405922
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2021
Electrical System
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS SOME SORT OF RESIDUAL POWER DRAW WHEN PARKED THAT COMPLETELY DRAINS THE BATTERY. EVEN WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN THE DAY BEFORE, AFTER BEING PARKED OVERNIGHT HAS RESULTED IN A DEAD BATTERY 8-10 TIMES. NO LIGHTS LEFT ON OR DOORS OPEN (EVEN REAR LIFT GATE IS CLOSED PROPERLY)
NHTSA ODI #11404809
50,000 miles · Mar 23, 2021
Power Train
PURCHASED THE ASCENT NEW, HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN MULTIPLE TIMES WITH TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS ONLY TO HAVE "UPDATES DONE", TRANSMISSION RECENTLY WENT COMPLETELY OUT WHILE TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, VEHICLE TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, DROVE LESS THAN 30 MILES, CAR STILL HESITATING…
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PURCHASED THE ASCENT NEW, HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN MULTIPLE TIMES WITH TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS ONLY TO HAVE "UPDATES DONE", TRANSMISSION RECENTLY WENT COMPLETELY OUT WHILE TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, VEHICLE TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, DROVE LESS THAN 30 MILES, CAR STILL HESITATING WHILE TRYING TO SWITCH GEARS AROUND 40MPH AND WHINING NOISE (SAME AS INITIAL 3 COMPLAINTS PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION GOING OUT COMPLETELY). WENT TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP RELATED TO CONCERN OF DRIVING ON FREEWAY FOR SAFETY, WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION NEEDED 2 UPDATES (AS PREVIOUSLY TOLD PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION GOING OUT). NOW 5TH VISIT WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY BUT WILL ONLY WARRANTY NEW TRANSMISSION FOR 1 YEAR. VEHICLE ALSO HAD A RECALL ON CVT TRANSMISSION/CHAIN SLIP. CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS ON FREEWAY YET I CONTINUE TO BE SENT HOME WITH "CVT UPDATES AND A CONTINUED WHINING NOISE" EVEN AFTER THIS LED TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE COMPLETELY PREVIOUSLY. BE VERY CAUTIOUS WHEN PURCHASING A SUBARU, ISSUES STARTED ON CAR AROUND FEB. 2020 OR 30,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY OUT AT 50,000
NHTSA ODI #11404559
20,000 miles · Mar 22, 2021
Electrical System
MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. NOW ON SECOND BATTERY. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, TAILGATE OPENED FOR 30-45 MINUTES AND BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY WITH RADIO ON FOR 1 HOUR, BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, NOT DRIVEN FOR 12 DAYS AND BATTERY DIED. EACH TIME BATTERY DIED, UNABLE TO EASILY JUMPSTART. EACH TIME BATTERY DIED, TAILGA…
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MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. NOW ON SECOND BATTERY. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, TAILGATE OPENED FOR 30-45 MINUTES AND BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY WITH RADIO ON FOR 1 HOUR, BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, NOT DRIVEN FOR 12 DAYS AND BATTERY DIED. EACH TIME BATTERY DIED, UNABLE TO EASILY JUMPSTART. EACH TIME BATTERY DIED, TAILGATE UNABLE TO OPEN EVEN MANUALLY.
NHTSA ODI #11404310
8,000 miles · Mar 16, 2021
Electrical System
BATTERY DRAINED RAPIDLY WHILE LISTENING TO THE RADIO FOR 15 MINUTES WITH CAR ENGINE NOT RUNNING (STATIONARY). CAR NEEDED TO BE JUMPED.
NHTSA ODI #11403204
30,000 miles · Mar 13, 2021
Electrical System
THE BATTERY FAILS AND CANNOT BE RECHARGED, IT DRAINS IMMEDIATELY. ALSO THE AIRBAGS NO LONGER WORK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR JUMP STARTED BY. A TOW TRUCK AND THEN CHARGED THE BATTERY AT HOME WITH OUR OWN CHARGER AND IT STILL DIES IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #11402770
7,300 miles · Mar 12, 2021
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE THE BATTERY WOULD DRAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE JUMP STARTED OR THE BATTERY REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WALKER'S RENTON SUBARU (555 SW GRADY WAY, RENTON, WA 98057, (425) …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE THE BATTERY WOULD DRAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE JUMP STARTED OR THE BATTERY REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WALKER'S RENTON SUBARU (555 SW GRADY WAY, RENTON, WA 98057, (425) 226-2775) WHO WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,300.
NHTSA ODI #11402663
20,000 miles · Mar 12, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
PREMATURE BATTERY DRAIN. IVE REPLACED THE BATTERY IN MY ASCENT 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. FIRST INSTANCE OCCURED WHEN TALIGATE HADNT CLOSED ALL THE WAY AND DRIANED BATTERY. SECOND INSTANCE CAR DOORS WERE OPEN FOR APPROX 2 HOURS TO CLEAN AND DETAIL MY CAR WHEN BATTERY DIED. THIRD INSTANCE WAS LISTENING TO M…
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PREMATURE BATTERY DRAIN. IVE REPLACED THE BATTERY IN MY ASCENT 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. FIRST INSTANCE OCCURED WHEN TALIGATE HADNT CLOSED ALL THE WAY AND DRIANED BATTERY. SECOND INSTANCE CAR DOORS WERE OPEN FOR APPROX 2 HOURS TO CLEAN AND DETAIL MY CAR WHEN BATTERY DIED. THIRD INSTANCE WAS LISTENING TO MUSIC IN THE CAR FOR 40 MIN WHILE WAITING FOR HUSBAND TO GO TO STORE AND I WAITED IN THE CAR AND BATTER DIED YET AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11402616
44,000 miles · Mar 12, 2021
Power Train
VEHICLE HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE SQUEALING NOISE AND SHUDDERING SINCE PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS ADDRESSED. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS FROM 10-75 MPH. IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES PER WEEK, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES EACH DAY. VEHICLE RUN TIME HAS RANGED FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES TO 2+ HOURS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED MULTIPLE …
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VEHICLE HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE SQUEALING NOISE AND SHUDDERING SINCE PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS ADDRESSED. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS FROM 10-75 MPH. IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES PER WEEK, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES EACH DAY. VEHICLE RUN TIME HAS RANGED FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES TO 2+ HOURS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED MULTIPLE TIMES BY THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, WHO REPORTS THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS, BUT IT CANNOT BE UPLOADED.
NHTSA ODI #11402599
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 ↗
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