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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.

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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.

6 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

29 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 15, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly…

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The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly from the Subaru dealership. There was nothing prior to this that indicated there was a problem. I bought the car from a certified dealership 8 months ago and it was a certified pre owned vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11738197

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2026
Back Over PreventionEngineLane Departure

I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to take it for diagnostics and I did…

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I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to take it for diagnostics and I did that at a Subaru retailer, but the case manager told me that this recall is being completed for the previous owner of the vehicle and cannot help me with anything, which was never disclosed when I was buying the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11726964

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2026
EnginePower Train

Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam c…

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Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam carriers to heads, timing cover, oil pans, etc.). Transmission failure at 37,000miles which needed replacement. In dealership service for 52 days at that time. Transmission symptoms continued after replacement. Car hesitates while accelerating making it dangerous to accelerate to speed needed to merge into traffic. Same transmission symptoms occurring now that were present prior to complete transmission failure in 11/2021 that left me in middle of busy freeway with a disabled car. Subaru not taking transmission symptoms seriously. Continuous brush off from service and Subaru. Car is a lemon. Subaru not standing by product. Oil should not be leaking from every orfice of engine.

NHTSA ODI #11719539

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2026
Engine

Car has 82,000 miles, has been maintained and requires an engine replacement due to 'Sludge'. Reading a lot of forums that indicate this is a common situation with this make and model and likely due to manufacturer's defects.

NHTSA ODI #11717930

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2025
Engine

Unknown PCV valve failure caused catastrophic engine failure on interstate highway (70 mph speed limit). Luckily there was room to pull to the side and no one got hurt. This part was recalled in 2019 models due to possible loss of control from engine failure. Dealer tore down engine to determine cause for possible warranty cover…

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Unknown PCV valve failure caused catastrophic engine failure on interstate highway (70 mph speed limit). Luckily there was room to pull to the side and no one got hurt. This part was recalled in 2019 models due to possible loss of control from engine failure. Dealer tore down engine to determine cause for possible warranty coverage and found the PCV valve was the cause of engine failure. There were no warning lights or indications of any problems before this.

NHTSA ODI #11676042

61,900 miles · Jun 12, 2025
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure …

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The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,900.

NHTSA ODI #11666552

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2025
EnginePower Train

While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain probl…

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While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain problems down the road.

NHTSA ODI #11639508

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2024
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

Transmission failure, chugging while driving on the road then slowed down in middle of the intersection, won’t accelerate which is a unsafe situation. It says “check engine”, “break, “eyesight disabled”, “at oil temp” and “transmission”. The speed was stuck to 20mph and engine eas loud. Smelled like something was burning too

NHTSA ODI #11608386

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2024
Engine

The battery died after two weeks of replacing it, later revealing the alternator failed. Parts are not available, Subaru kept them My safety was at risk because the lights on my dashboard Christmas Tree'd letting me know something was wrong. Within a couple of blocks I had no power steering and was dying on a busy street. The ca…

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The battery died after two weeks of replacing it, later revealing the alternator failed. Parts are not available, Subaru kept them My safety was at risk because the lights on my dashboard Christmas Tree'd letting me know something was wrong. Within a couple of blocks I had no power steering and was dying on a busy street. The car was so dead that I couldn't even turn on my hazard lights. The car was jumped by Subaru, the tow truck driver left and the car died two blocks later. This time in the middle of the busy street. The vehicle was towed to Subaru who replaced the battery we bought two weeks earlier. We asked if they check the charging system and they said yes. The battery light was on before we left the lot. We made them keep the car so we wouldn't die in the middle of anymore busy streets. Days later they determined it was the alternator. The car had 26,000 miles on it. I don't know what Subaru did with the parts. They said they needed them as it was a warranty replacement. The battery light never came on before the car died. First the Eye Sight Disabled light came on then many lights on the dashboard flashed on. This happened a couple blocks prior to me losing power. I found the first place I could to get off the road. Two weeks prior when the battery died, the eyesight disabled light came on and the battery light. That time I got home and we replaced the battery. Therefore when the eyesight disabled light came on, I knew something was wrong but thought I had time to get out of the way. Then everything died. The worst part is that hazard lights didn't work.

NHTSA ODI #11592928

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion SystemCrash

On Friday evening, February 23, 2024 , I pulled onto my driveway and came to a complete stop before driving into the garage . I reached up and hit the garage door remote. When the door began to go up I took my foot off the brake. Instead of creeping up the driveway the car took off like a proverbial "bat out of hell" It was …

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On Friday evening, February 23, 2024 , I pulled onto my driveway and came to a complete stop before driving into the garage . I reached up and hit the garage door remote. When the door began to go up I took my foot off the brake. Instead of creeping up the driveway the car took off like a proverbial "bat out of hell" It was as if I had pushed the accelerator compltely down.to the floor board. The brakes had no effect. I smashed through the garage door,. The car jumped a six inch concrete step up, obliterated the garage cabinets and pushed the contents of the cabinets and garage wall into our family room.The car came to a rest just outside our family room. My son opened the door to the garage and yelled out to me "Are you okay" Because the engine was still racing he said "Get your foot off the accelerator' My reply was I DON'T HAVE MY FOOT N THE ACCELERATOR". I then tuned the ignition off and the ordeal was over.. It appears that the engine continued to recieve fuel irregardless of the position of the accelerator., the automatic braking system failed miserably and the the forward collision warning was malfunctioning. I am waiting for the insurance company to remove the car from the garage and do a structural assessment.. Because there may be serious structual damage I want the insurance company to remove the vehicle less the second floor collapses onto the garage. My son was on the couch just seconds before the wall "exploded". The couch was moved eight feet across the room. If a piece of debris came through the windsield I also might have been injured. The potential for serious injury to others in another set of ircumstances also scares me. The malfunction came without warning. The damages will be in the tens of thousands of dollars. I am blessed that no one was injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI #11574100

Official recalls

5

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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.