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
11,000 miles · Sep 11, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ASKED HER SON TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTAC'S SON JUMPED THE BATTERY AND THE VEHICLE RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE PR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ASKED HER SON TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTAC'S SON JUMPED THE BATTERY AND THE VEHICLE RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE BEING DIAGNOSED AT WHITE BEAR SUBARU. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO WHITE BEAR SUBARU (3505 HIGHWAY 61 N, VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN 55110) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
NHTSA ODI #11354456
12,000 miles · Sep 8, 2020
Engine
VEHICLE BLOWS OUT WHITE SMOKE UPON START UP, THIS IS A HIT AND MISS PROBLEM. THIS IS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVER NIGHT, BUT HAS OCCURRED AFTER PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, IT HAS BEEN SENT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES
NHTSA ODI #11353711
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2020
Engine
MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU ASCENT IN FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR. SINCE THEN INTERMITTENTLY THERE IS A LARGE BLUE/GRAY CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT COMES FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES AND THEY REPLACED A PART THE FIRST TIME BUT SINCE THEN SAID THAT THEY ARE…
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MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU ASCENT IN FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR. SINCE THEN INTERMITTENTLY THERE IS A LARGE BLUE/GRAY CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT COMES FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES AND THEY REPLACED A PART THE FIRST TIME BUT SINCE THEN SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND SUBARU AMERICA IS ALSO AWARE BUT HAVE SAID "(THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM)". AT THE SECOND AND THIRD VISITS THEY HAD SAID "(THEY WERE GOING TO CHANGE A PART IN THE CAR BUT THEN DECIDED NOT TO BECAUSE THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA SAID IT WOULD NOT HELP)". THE SERVICE REPORTS FOR THESE VISITS ONLY STATE THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER THEN SAID THAT ANY SOLUTIONS WOULD HAVE TO COME FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. ACCORDING TO SUBARU OF AMERICA THEY HAVE NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY OFFER NO REMEDY. FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE KNOWN TO SUBARU. I KNOW OF ONE PERSON THAT STATES HIS "ENGINE BLEW" (A2002SLP@YAHOO.COM) AFTER HE HAD HIS CAR EVALUATED BY SUBARU, AFTER MANY MONTHS THEY AGREED TO REPLACE HIS ENGINE. HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS FROM OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM HTTPS://WWW.ASCENTFORUMS.COM/THREADS/NEW-ASCENT-UNEXPECTED-BLUE-SMOKE-FROM-EXHAUST-AT-START-UP-AND-ACCELERATION.8920/ HERE'S A LINK TO VIDEOS OF MY CAR: HTTPS://WWW.DROPBOX.COM/SH/FTDE39F4RSZ3V5E/AACLJXFUCHHFBRAB-JKSEFHIA?DL=0 AS WELL AS A LINK TO A YOUTUBE THREAD WITH OTHERS STATING A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=E8CN3D4EJIC I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM MIGHT POSE AN IMMINENT RISK TO ANY DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD WELCOME ANY HELP ENCOURAGING SUBARU TO TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. THANKS
NHTSA ODI #11352032
16,000 miles · Aug 17, 2020
Electrical System
THE BATTERY HAS REPEATEDLY BEEN DRAINED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE CAUSE APPEARS TO BE LEAVING THE TAILGATE OPEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, EVEN IF I TURN OFF THE SMALL CARGO LIGHT AND SOME LIGHT TI AVOID BATTERY DRAIN WHILE THE TAILGATE IS OPEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES A…
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THE BATTERY HAS REPEATEDLY BEEN DRAINED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE CAUSE APPEARS TO BE LEAVING THE TAILGATE OPEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, EVEN IF I TURN OFF THE SMALL CARGO LIGHT AND SOME LIGHT TI AVOID BATTERY DRAIN WHILE THE TAILGATE IS OPEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND REQUIRED ME TO JUMP START THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BATTERY AFTER ONE OF THESE INCIDENTS AND TOLD ME THE BATTERY HAD BEEN SEVERELY DEPLETED, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. THE MOST RECENT TIME THIS HAPPENED, AFTER I JUMP STARTED THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON AS DID ALL WARNING LIGHTS FOR THE EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEMS THE X MODE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, AND THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM DID NOT FUNCTION. IT HAS BEEN FORTUNATE THAT EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED I'VE BEEN AT HOME WHERE I COULD JUMP START THE CAR. IF THIS HAPPENS ON A TRIP WE WOULD BE STRANDED.
NHTSA ODI #11349911
21,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Power Train
CURRENTLY MY CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP HAD ISSUES WITH VIBRATION THEY ARE SEEING IF IT'S A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE 2019 SUBARU ASCENT I NEVER RECEIVED ONE BUT I AM HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THEY ARE LOOKING INTO WHAT THE DEAL IS I'M JUST WONDERING WHY I NEVER GOT A RECALL…
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CURRENTLY MY CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP HAD ISSUES WITH VIBRATION THEY ARE SEEING IF IT'S A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE 2019 SUBARU ASCENT I NEVER RECEIVED ONE BUT I AM HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THEY ARE LOOKING INTO WHAT THE DEAL IS I'M JUST WONDERING WHY I NEVER GOT A RECALL THIS IS DANGEROUS GOD FOR BID MY CAR OR TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP WHEN I'M DRIVING I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I NEVER GOT THE NOTICE
NHTSA ODI #11349143
15,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Unknown Or Other
HAIRLINE CRACK ON WINDSHIELD. UNKNOWN HOW AND WHEN IT STARTED. NOTICED WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR IN EVENING.
NHTSA ODI #11349110
9,000 miles · Aug 12, 2020
Electrical System
OUR CAR IS ABOUT A YEAR OLD AND THE CAR BATTERY HAS NOW DIED 3 TIMES. IT STARTED WHEN CAMPING WHEN OPENING AND SHUTTING THE LIFT GATE FOR UNLOADING. WE DON'T KEEP THE BACK END OPEN TO PREVENT CHIPMUNKS GETTING INTO THE CAR FOR FOOD, SO IT WAS NOT LEFT OPEN AND THE LIGHTS DRAINED IT. WE HAVE HAD TO PURCHASE JUMPER CABLES AND A BA…
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OUR CAR IS ABOUT A YEAR OLD AND THE CAR BATTERY HAS NOW DIED 3 TIMES. IT STARTED WHEN CAMPING WHEN OPENING AND SHUTTING THE LIFT GATE FOR UNLOADING. WE DON'T KEEP THE BACK END OPEN TO PREVENT CHIPMUNKS GETTING INTO THE CAR FOR FOOD, SO IT WAS NOT LEFT OPEN AND THE LIGHTS DRAINED IT. WE HAVE HAD TO PURCHASE JUMPER CABLES AND A BATTERY CHARGER SO WE DON'T GET STRANDED AGAIN IN THE MOUNTAINS OR OUR DRIVEWAY. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND THEY SAW NO DRAIN ON IT. MAYBE THEY WILL COME JUMP OUR CAR WHEN WE NEED IT NEXT.
NHTSA ODI #11348945
14,000 miles · Aug 11, 2020
Service Brakes
I PURCHASED THE SUBARU ASCENT 2019 IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018. RECENTLY WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES A STRONG VIBRATION RESULTED WHILE BRAKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES AND THE BRAKES ARE ALREADY FAILING.
NHTSA ODI #11348709
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2020
Electrical System
BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD. HAPPENS WHILE STATIONARY. HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES FOR UNKNPWN REASON. I CHECKS FINE.
NHTSA ODI #11348462
1,605 miles · Jul 30, 2020
Electrical System
AIR CONDITIONER BROKE. ONE DAY IT WORKED, THE NEXT DAY IT DIDN'T. HAD TO TAKE IT TO SUBARU AND THEY SAID SOME TYPE OF TUBING SLIPPED OR BROKE. THEY FIXED IT AND SAID IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE THERE.
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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