Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1240–25K
925–50K
350–75K
175–100K
3100–150K
0150K+
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
What owners actually said
322 reports
6,700 miles · May 5, 2021
Unknown Or Other
2020 SUBARU ASCENT WITH APPROXIMATELY 6,700 MILEAGE. WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE PARKED IN OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. IMMEDIATELY HEARD NOISE AFTER WE GOT IN CAR AND SAW THE CRACK. STARTED MIDWAY AT TOP OF PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD AND PROCEEDED DOWN AND ACROSS 23 1/2 INCHES. NEAR TOP OF CRACK THERE APPEARED TO …
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2020 SUBARU ASCENT WITH APPROXIMATELY 6,700 MILEAGE. WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE PARKED IN OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. IMMEDIATELY HEARD NOISE AFTER WE GOT IN CAR AND SAW THE CRACK. STARTED MIDWAY AT TOP OF PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD AND PROCEEDED DOWN AND ACROSS 23 1/2 INCHES. NEAR TOP OF CRACK THERE APPEARED TO BE A CHIP SMALLER THAN A SMALL PEA OR PEARL. CRACK HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
NHTSA ODI #11415352
4,000 miles · May 3, 2021
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH NO CAUSE I CAN SEE
NHTSA ODI #11415018
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2021
Visibility/wiper
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED OUT OF NO WHERE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY
NHTSA ODI #11414451
1,000 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICIED TINY DOTS ON THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH OBSTRUCTED HER VIEW WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CAMELBACK VW (1499 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 648-9181) AND THE MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICIED TINY DOTS ON THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH OBSTRUCTED HER VIEW WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CAMELBACK VW (1499 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 648-9181) AND THE MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #11414284
18,000 miles · Apr 26, 2021
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE STARTED BEEPING WHILE IT WAS OFF AND SITTING IN THE CARPORT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BEEPING WAS COMING FROM THE REAR LIFT GATE. WE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK LEADING US TO ASSUME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE USED THE KEY HIDDEN INSIDE THE FOB AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND ATTEMPTED …
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THE VEHICLE STARTED BEEPING WHILE IT WAS OFF AND SITTING IN THE CARPORT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BEEPING WAS COMING FROM THE REAR LIFT GATE. WE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK LEADING US TO ASSUME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE USED THE KEY HIDDEN INSIDE THE FOB AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. WE WERE ABLE TO JUMP THE CAR OFF AND THE BEEPING STOPPED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE BATTERY AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE BECAUSE THE CURRENT ONE WAS "BAD". OF NOTE, THE BATTERY HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED 2 MONTHS PRIOR DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION THAT REVEALED ANOTHER "BAD" BATTERY. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE OCT 2019 AND THIS IS THE THIRD BATTERY THAT I HAVE HAD IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11414031
15,555 miles · Apr 22, 2021
Electrical System
AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE CAR FAILED TO START. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD. NOTHING HAD BEEN LEFT ON THAT WOULD HAVE DRAINED THE BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CHARGE THE BATTERY, AND THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO FAIL TO HOLD CHARGE. CONTACTED DE…
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AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE CAR FAILED TO START. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD. NOTHING HAD BEEN LEFT ON THAT WOULD HAVE DRAINED THE BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CHARGE THE BATTERY, AND THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO FAIL TO HOLD CHARGE. CONTACTED DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SUBARU OF AMERICA. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE BATTERY SO WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE ISSUES. TRAVEL TIME TO THE DEALERSHIPS ARE BETWEEN 1 1/2-2 HOURS.
NHTSA ODI #11413344
15,000 miles · Apr 19, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
15000 MILES AND BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AND LEFT ME STRANDED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. HAD TO GET TOWED TO DEALERSHIP
NHTSA ODI #11412876
12,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Electrical System
I AM DOING SHORT HAUL DRIVING AND MY BATTERY DRAINS AND EVENTUALLY GOES DEAD. I DO A LONGER DRIVE WHEN I EXPERIENCE SLOW ENGINE TURNOVER WHICH INDICATES A DRAINED BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #11408619
18,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON 4/16 AND SOMETHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CREATED THIS CHIP. I'M AFRAID IT'S GOING TO TURN INTO A LARGE CRACK
NHTSA ODI #11408617
8,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Electrical System
THE BATTERY IN OUR 2020 SUBARU ASCENT DISCHARGED COMPLETELY ON 4/15/21 REQUIRING A JUMP CHARGE. SUBARU TOLD US THAT WITH MODERN VEHICLE ELECTRONICS, THERE IS CONTINOUS ELECTRICAL DRAW EVEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THUS FREQUNT DRIVING IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. WE DRIVE OUR VEHICLE REGULARLY AND ARE CAREFUL THAT NO AC…
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THE BATTERY IN OUR 2020 SUBARU ASCENT DISCHARGED COMPLETELY ON 4/15/21 REQUIRING A JUMP CHARGE. SUBARU TOLD US THAT WITH MODERN VEHICLE ELECTRONICS, THERE IS CONTINOUS ELECTRICAL DRAW EVEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THUS FREQUNT DRIVING IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. WE DRIVE OUR VEHICLE REGULARLY AND ARE CAREFUL THAT NO ACCESSORIES ARE LEFT ON. WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE BATTERY DISCHARGED IN OUR GARAGE.
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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