Bought in December 2021 had dealership fix breaks before bought then again after 3000 miles then again after 5 000 miles. Brakes still shudder and emit loud noises. Have only had 6 months and breaks are bad again. Car shakes with acceleration and hesitates to accelerate .
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.
Power Train complaints
58 reportsThe contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking and the transmission was slipping. There was an abnormal squeaking noise detected from the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brakes were replaced but, however, …
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The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking and the transmission was slipping. There was an abnormal squeaking noise detected from the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brakes were replaced but, however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount …
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The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has had a recall notice for nearly six months now (Manufacturer Recall NumberWRK21 NHTSA Recall Number21V955000). I experience a low frequency sound accompanied by rapid vibration lasting only a second when reapplying acceleration after a brief pause in acceleration. This occurs very inconsistently and not…
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The 2020 Subaru Ascent has had a recall notice for nearly six months now (Manufacturer Recall NumberWRK21 NHTSA Recall Number21V955000). I experience a low frequency sound accompanied by rapid vibration lasting only a second when reapplying acceleration after a brief pause in acceleration. This occurs very inconsistently and not yet something replicable at the dealership. Subaru states they are working on a solution...The local service manager states they will do nothing unless a service light appears on the dash and that the remedy is likely replacement of transmission and they are not going to do that. We occasionally travel in mountain passes. This recall seems serious. Does NHTSA have any control over Subaru to force them to take the recall seriously? Do owners have to be injured or die for appropriate remedy?
Something in car drains battery frequently not while the vehicle is running but after it’s been off for a few hours when no lights have been left on, Subaru dealership refuses to admit there’s a problem. This leaves me exposed to being stuck in unsafe situations with a dead battery. No warnings ever come on to alert me the batte…
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Something in car drains battery frequently not while the vehicle is running but after it’s been off for a few hours when no lights have been left on, Subaru dealership refuses to admit there’s a problem. This leaves me exposed to being stuck in unsafe situations with a dead battery. No warnings ever come on to alert me the battery is draining. Transmission frequently slips and stutters when accelerating to higher speeds like when trying to transition onto the interstate. Subaru also denies this problem. They fixed the transmission clutch but that did not help.
Recall ID 21V-955 affecting the drive chain. Vehicle is showing signs of this (vibrations while driving). My families safety, two toddlers ages 2 and 4 are at risk. I am not comfortable driving this vehicle and it is my only car. Dealership cannot do anything as there are no parts to fix it. I need an immediate fix which is not …
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Recall ID 21V-955 affecting the drive chain. Vehicle is showing signs of this (vibrations while driving). My families safety, two toddlers ages 2 and 4 are at risk. I am not comfortable driving this vehicle and it is my only car. Dealership cannot do anything as there are no parts to fix it. I need an immediate fix which is not happening.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that upon parking on an incline, the gear shifter failed to move out of the park and excessive effort was needed to move the gear shifter. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that …
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The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that upon parking on an incline, the gear shifter failed to move out of the park and excessive effort was needed to move the gear shifter. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 5,074. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
My mother pulled off of Interstate 85 in North Carolina and while preparing to turn of the exit ramp the car lurched forward and then back. The transmission chain had snapped, and it seems similar to what was going on with the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This one is 2020, and had 16000 miles approximately. The vehicle had to be towed…
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My mother pulled off of Interstate 85 in North Carolina and while preparing to turn of the exit ramp the car lurched forward and then back. The transmission chain had snapped, and it seems similar to what was going on with the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This one is 2020, and had 16000 miles approximately. The vehicle had to be towed.
I was crossing a four lane road going 20mph when there was a loud noise, which sounded like my transmission, then I could not accelerate my car. Thankfully I was able to coast across the road without being hit by another car to a safe parking spot. My check engine light, check transmission, and check eyesight lights all went on.…
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I was crossing a four lane road going 20mph when there was a loud noise, which sounded like my transmission, then I could not accelerate my car. Thankfully I was able to coast across the road without being hit by another car to a safe parking spot. My check engine light, check transmission, and check eyesight lights all went on. (Later MySubaru only sent me an email saying my engine and eye sight lights were on). I was unable to put my car in reverse but could put it into park. My lights, radio and AC stayed on until I turned my car off. A tow truck came and towed my car to the nearest Subaru dealership (which was not my dealership since I was away on vacation). There are less than 20,000 miles on my car, my transmission failing is unacceptable and thankfully did not happen on a highway which I drive on a lot. The dealership confirmed it is indeed a transmission issue and Subaru agreed to tow it to my dealership near my house.
I stopped at a stoplight, when it turned green I stepped on the gas, the car lurched forward but would not move, engine was running. I was sitting on a 4-lane highway and my car would not move. Warning lights then appeared on my dashboard. Car was towed to a Subaru dealer who replaced the transmission after 5 days.
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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