LOSS OF POWER (INTERMITTENT) WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSTANT LOWER SPEED AND OCCASIONALLY DURING ACCELERATION. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN GOING UP A HILL THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DROPS IN GEARS WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES RPMS THEN ONCE ON FLAT ROAD THE VEHICLE TAKES SOME TIME TO CHANGE GEARS. IF I HIT THE GAS PEDAL ONCE AT THE TOP OF T…
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LOSS OF POWER (INTERMITTENT) WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSTANT LOWER SPEED AND OCCASIONALLY DURING ACCELERATION. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN GOING UP A HILL THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DROPS IN GEARS WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES RPMS THEN ONCE ON FLAT ROAD THE VEHICLE TAKES SOME TIME TO CHANGE GEARS. IF I HIT THE GAS PEDAL ONCE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL, THE RPMS GO PAST 3.5. SO I WAIT UNTIL THE CAR SWITCHES GEARS BEFORE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11386456
2,800 miles · Dec 13, 2020
Power Train
2800 MILES ON VEHICLE. TODAY LOST POWER TWICE GOING UP STEEP HILL (ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS STILL INTACT, WAS ACCELERATING UPHILL AND WAS SIMILAR TO SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THEN RE-ACCELERATED AFTER 10-15 SECONDS, DRIVING APPROX 30MPH). NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION DUE TO SLIPPERY ROAD, DID BRIEFLY ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE BRAKING. NOT SUR…
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2800 MILES ON VEHICLE. TODAY LOST POWER TWICE GOING UP STEEP HILL (ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS STILL INTACT, WAS ACCELERATING UPHILL AND WAS SIMILAR TO SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THEN RE-ACCELERATED AFTER 10-15 SECONDS, DRIVING APPROX 30MPH). NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION DUE TO SLIPPERY ROAD, DID BRIEFLY ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE BRAKING. NOT SURE I WILL EVER BE WILLING TO PUT MY KIDS BACK IN THIS NEARLY-NEW VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11383191
28,000 miles · Dec 6, 2020
Power Train
CVT BEGAN SLIPPING INTERMITTENTLY AROUND 28000 MILES. THIS USUALLY OCCURS IN THE 55-65 MPH RANGE AT 2000-3000 RPM. SLIPPING IS INDICATED BY APPROXIMATELY 300 RPM CHANGE AND A NOTICABLE HESITATION IN VEHICLE MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11378130
12,000 miles · Nov 19, 2020
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY SLIPS, RESULTING IN A MOMENTARY RISE IN ENGINE REVS AND A SLIGHT LURCH. I ASSUME THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE KNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUE FOR EARLIER ASCENTS, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AFFECTED VIN NUMBER GROUP. OTHER PEOPLE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME HAVE NOTICED THE ISSUE AND REMARKED ON I…
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THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY SLIPS, RESULTING IN A MOMENTARY RISE IN ENGINE REVS AND A SLIGHT LURCH. I ASSUME THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE KNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUE FOR EARLIER ASCENTS, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AFFECTED VIN NUMBER GROUP. OTHER PEOPLE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME HAVE NOTICED THE ISSUE AND REMARKED ON IT, SO I AM NOT IMAGINING IT! SUBARU HAVE NOT YET DIAGNOSED IT BUT WILL DO SO AT THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. THIS BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN A FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE FROM NEW AND IT HAS NOW DONE ABOUT 12,000 MILES. THE EVENT OCCURS MAYBE ONCE A WEEK OR SO.
NHTSA ODI #11375376
1,500 miles · Jul 22, 2020
Power Train
DANGEROUS AUTOMATIC BACK UP BRAKES APPLY WHEN NOT NEEDED WHEN BACKING UP A TRAILER ON INCLINE (DRIVEWAY FOR INSTANCE). THIS CAN ONLY BE DISABLED BY FINDING THE DISABLE BUTTON ON THE VIDEO INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, AND RE-ENGAGES AS SOON AS THE CAR IS SHIFTED TO DRIVE AS IS OFTEN NECESSARY IN THE BACK AND FORTH OF PARKING A TRAILER.
NHTSA ODI #11340941
20,000 miles · Jun 10, 2020
Power Train
FYI: REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY CO-OWNER IN NC. REPORTED INCIDENT OCCURRED IN FLORIDA. AT AROUND 20,000 MILES THE DASHBOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES. AT THE END OF THE COMMUTE TO WORK, APPROX 55 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR AND NO GEAR WO…
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FYI: REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY CO-OWNER IN NC. REPORTED INCIDENT OCCURRED IN FLORIDA. AT AROUND 20,000 MILES THE DASHBOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES. AT THE END OF THE COMMUTE TO WORK, APPROX 55 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR AND NO GEAR WOULD ENGAGE. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST THE REMAINING 500 METERS TO WORK. CAR WAS TOWED TO SUBARU AND AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA THE TECHNICIANS AND SUBARU OF AMERICA DECIDED IT WAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT TIME OF REPORT. TIME MAY TELL IF THIS IS A MORE WIDESPREAD ISSUE OR SIMPLY A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328149
150 miles · Mar 31, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENTIRE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND FELT WOBBLY WHEN I GOT ABOVE 20MPH. PULLED OVER TO CHECK TIRES AND UNDER THE CAR, NO OBVIOUS ISSUES FOUND. TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE CAR, SAME ISSUE ABOVE 20MPH. THE CAR WAS STRUGGLING TO GET UP THE TOW RAMP AND SMELLED AN ACRID ODOR THAT BOTH I AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVE…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENTIRE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND FELT WOBBLY WHEN I GOT ABOVE 20MPH. PULLED OVER TO CHECK TIRES AND UNDER THE CAR, NO OBVIOUS ISSUES FOUND. TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE CAR, SAME ISSUE ABOVE 20MPH. THE CAR WAS STRUGGLING TO GET UP THE TOW RAMP AND SMELLED AN ACRID ODOR THAT BOTH I AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED. MADE TERRIBLE SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM P THROUGH R TO D. THIS ALL HAPPENED ON PAVED ROADS GOING BACK HOME. THE CAR NOW HAS 150 MILES ON IT, BOUGHT IT 3 DAYS PRIOR NEW.
NHTSA ODI #11319814
600 miles · Mar 16, 2020
Power TrainService Brakes
JERKY ACCELERATION BETWEEN 35-50 MPH. CVT "SWITCHING GEARS" UP AND DOWN. NOTICED AT 600 MILES. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY , WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN THE JOLT SNAPS MY HEAD BACK. BRAKES CONTINUE TO SQUEAL AFTER 600 MILES.
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 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.
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.
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.
2020 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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