BATTERY DIED AFTER THREE MONTHS. CHARGED THEN DIED COMPLETELY. TOWED TO DEALER FOR NEW BATTERY. HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH RAIL GATE
2020 Subaru Ascent
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Ascent years
Owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent are substantially higher than the model-year median of 52.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ascent years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
140 reports with mileage · 182 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 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility/wiper. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
101 reports1600 MILES AND CAR WILL NOT START, BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING/DIEING AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING.
I PURCHASED MY 2020 SUBARU ASCENT LIMITED IN OCTOBER OF 2019 AND HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL DISCHARGES OF MY BATTERY FROM THE LIFTGATE BEING OPEN THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, POSSIBLY FROM POCKET-ACTIVATION OF MY KEY FOB. LUCKILY FOR ME, THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ONLY IN MY GARAGE, THUS FAR. I HAVE SEEN IN SEVERAL FORUMS RELATED TO SUBAR…
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I PURCHASED MY 2020 SUBARU ASCENT LIMITED IN OCTOBER OF 2019 AND HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL DISCHARGES OF MY BATTERY FROM THE LIFTGATE BEING OPEN THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, POSSIBLY FROM POCKET-ACTIVATION OF MY KEY FOB. LUCKILY FOR ME, THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ONLY IN MY GARAGE, THUS FAR. I HAVE SEEN IN SEVERAL FORUMS RELATED TO SUBARU OUTBACKS AND ASCENTS THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND NOBODY, INCLUDING ME, SEEMS TO HAVE GOTTEN ANY SATISFACTORY ANSWERS FROM ANY OF THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVES.
CAR WOULD NOT START, WAS DEAD, IT WAS IN THE GARAGE, AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL TO ROLL IT OUT. HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY JUMPED THE CAR AFTER GETTING IT OUT OF THE GARAGE AND WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP
THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. THE BATTERY DRAINS OVERNIGHT WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. THE KEY FOB IS MIN 30FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE BATTERY HAS DRAINED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS AND RENDERS THE CAR USELESS WHEN YOU NEED IT. I HAVE MADE SURE THAT THE LIGHTS ARE OFF AND NOTHING IS LEFT SWITCHED ON AND STILL THE BATTERY DRAINS. …
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THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. THE BATTERY DRAINS OVERNIGHT WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. THE KEY FOB IS MIN 30FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE BATTERY HAS DRAINED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS AND RENDERS THE CAR USELESS WHEN YOU NEED IT. I HAVE MADE SURE THAT THE LIGHTS ARE OFF AND NOTHING IS LEFT SWITCHED ON AND STILL THE BATTERY DRAINS. THERE ARE SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM 2020 SUBARU ASCENT OWNERS AND IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU CAN INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE FUTHER.
2 EPISODES OF DISABLED 2020 SUBARU ASCENT TOURING IN 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT NEW. CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 3600 MILES ON IT. 1. CAR WOULD NOT START FROM STATIONARY POSITION BECAUSE BOTH MY ELECTRONIC KEY FOBS WERE IN THE CAR AT THE SAME TIME. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FOUND MY 'MISSING' KEY FOB. 2. BATTERY DIED WHILE STATIONA…
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2 EPISODES OF DISABLED 2020 SUBARU ASCENT TOURING IN 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT NEW. CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 3600 MILES ON IT. 1. CAR WOULD NOT START FROM STATIONARY POSITION BECAUSE BOTH MY ELECTRONIC KEY FOBS WERE IN THE CAR AT THE SAME TIME. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FOUND MY 'MISSING' KEY FOB. 2. BATTERY DIED WHILE STATIONARY, WAITING AT VET 25 MIN., LISTENING TO RADIO WHILE CAR WAS OTHERWISE 'OFF'. ONLY IT DID NOT DIE A CLEAN DEATH BUT CONTINUED A ZOMBIE EXISTENCE: A/C CAME ON AND OFF AT FULL SPEED, ARBITRARILY; ACTUALLY COULD NOT SHUT DOWN THE CAR KEPT ACTING ELECTRICALLY CRAZY WITH VARIOUS LIGHTS ON DASH COMING ON AND OFF; 3. COULD WORK THE POWER WINDOWS WHILE THE BATTERY WAS 'DEAD' , WINDOWS WOULD GO DOWN BUT ONLY CAME PARTWAY BACK UP; FOR SOME 40 MINUTES WE HEARD A BEEP IN A MORSE CODE SORT OF IRREGULAR MANNER FROM INTERIOR REAR ASPECT OF CAR; DASH WOULD CLICK FROM TIME ARBITRARILY, SOUNDED LIKE THE CLICK HEARD DURING CRUISE CONTROL WHEN APPROACHING A VEHICLE AHEAD, THE 'ADAPTABLE' FEATURE, OR PERHAPS THE CLICK HEARD WHEN SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM LIGHTS. I DON'T FEEL I CAN RELY ON THIS CAR NOT DYING. VERY UPSET, AND VERY DISAPPOINTING.
TURNED CAR OFF AND ELECTRIC COOLING FAN CONTINUED TO RUN. DIDNT THINK MUCH OFF IT, MAYBE COOL DOWN PHASE. NEXT TIME WENT TO START CAR, BATTERY DEAD. WHEN CHARGING ON RAPID CHARGER, WHEN VOLTS GOT HIGH ENOUGH FAN RAN AGAIN. THEN WAS ABLE TO START. CHARGED BATTERY. SAT FOR FEW DAYS AND DEAD AGAIN. TECHNICIAN AT SUBARU SAYS BATTERY…
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TURNED CAR OFF AND ELECTRIC COOLING FAN CONTINUED TO RUN. DIDNT THINK MUCH OFF IT, MAYBE COOL DOWN PHASE. NEXT TIME WENT TO START CAR, BATTERY DEAD. WHEN CHARGING ON RAPID CHARGER, WHEN VOLTS GOT HIGH ENOUGH FAN RAN AGAIN. THEN WAS ABLE TO START. CHARGED BATTERY. SAT FOR FEW DAYS AND DEAD AGAIN. TECHNICIAN AT SUBARU SAYS BATTERY IS CHARGED AND FINE AFTER MY WIFE DROVE 2 HOURS TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT, AFTER JUMPING IT TO GO GET WARRANTY COVERED BATTERY. INTENT SEARCH SHOWS OTHERS HAVING ISSUES WITH BATTERIES. ABOUT HAD IT WITH SUBARU AND THE ISSUES. 35K FOR A "RELIABLE " CAR.I COULD UNDERSTAND IF THIS WAS ONE OFF BUT IT'S NOT.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A TRIP, MY 2020 ASCENT SUDDENLY LOST ALL AUDIO FROM THE INFOTAINMENT AND GPS SYSTEM. THEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. NO SYSTEMS WERE LEFT ON AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SO THE CAUSE OF THE DEAD BATTERY AND THE LOSS OF AUDIO IS A MYSTERY.
ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH. MESSAGE "KEYLESS INGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED" . COULD NOT RESTART. POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WORKED, NO LOSS OF LIGHTS OR RADIO. COULD NOT TURN OFF COMPLETELY. RESTARTED AFTER 1/2 HOUR. DROVE 300 YARDS AND ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN, SAME MESSAGE. AFTER AN HOUR CAR WAS TOWED, BUT RESTARTE…
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ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH. MESSAGE "KEYLESS INGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED" . COULD NOT RESTART. POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WORKED, NO LOSS OF LIGHTS OR RADIO. COULD NOT TURN OFF COMPLETELY. RESTARTED AFTER 1/2 HOUR. DROVE 300 YARDS AND ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN, SAME MESSAGE. AFTER AN HOUR CAR WAS TOWED, BUT RESTARTED. DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS. MILEAGE, 4,500. CAR 6 MONTHS OLD. NO RECURRENCE AFTER 3 WEEKS AND ANOTHER 500 MILES. INCIDENT OCCURRED OPPOSITE A CELL TOWER.
THE TAILGATE WAS LEFT OPEN FOR APPROX 45 AND THE BATTERY DRAINED TO THE POINT WE COULD NO LONGER START THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS.
Official recalls
526V436000 · 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.
21V954000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Dec 9, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
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
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.
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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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