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2022 Subaru Ascent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Ascent do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

Limited mileage data: 5 of 55 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 9 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 reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2024
EngineService BrakesWheels

2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rea…

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2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also did not look over the car since its new they also sent me on my way and I asked for an inspection nothing. I call the dealership a week ago to speak to the service manager so I can get the info for the extended warranty since I am having these issues and its close to 20K miles now and they have not done anything regarding the issue. Waited never sent the info and before I could take it to the dealer ship a few days later I had a blowout. I replaced the tire with the spare but the tire is bald and you cant see it its on the inside there patchy and the brake pads are to small they admitted that they are small for the car and rotors and they would not under a recall but a service bulletin cover the brake pads and resurface the rotors there warped and pulsing its not safe at all. The blow out happened on the sidewall where the bead is where the wheel is mounted just blew. The manager did not offer a vehicle and advised me they had none even with 4 kids I am willing to take any vehicle. I have not received the service and Subaru has not serviced my car as they should and they now claim they have no service records which I provided info and nothing. They want $160 for labor $140 for alignment and $1200 for tires. Its not my fault the service was not done and overlooked I have taken it to that dealership since I purchased it. Called Subaru of America they are dragging there feet the dealership has had my car on the donut since 7/17/24 still waiting on SOA I was told 2 business days and still nothing no vehicle had to get a rental. I do not want the car it is not safe. I almost died

NHTSA ODI #11603540

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2024
Service Brakes

While traveling from Texas to Washington state we noticed pulsating/vibrating/shaking front brakes as we were coming down 3 mountain passes. I felt the car was very unsafe as we were unable to brake normally and had many vehicles around us that had to go slower because of this issue. We brought our car in for inspection as soon …

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While traveling from Texas to Washington state we noticed pulsating/vibrating/shaking front brakes as we were coming down 3 mountain passes. I felt the car was very unsafe as we were unable to brake normally and had many vehicles around us that had to go slower because of this issue. We brought our car in for inspection as soon as we arrived in the Seattle area. They said it was hot spots (warping of rotors). This should not be happening to a new car with 20k miles on it. They did replace our rotor, but upon reading forums online I noticed that there are many issues with the front brakes on my make of car. And the fix by Subaru is not always the same (some people had pads replaced as well, while others had thier rotors turned). According to one online chat they are on their 4th version of brakes. How do I know that I have the latest version so I don't have this issue again. I have tried to get ahold of Subaru directly but they seem reluctant to answer my questions. Hoping you all can help me with finding a solution to what Suabru is doing with this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11601016

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2023
Service Brakes

Brake making squeaky noise when it's being applied. This happened less than 30,000 miles during April 2023. I went to dealership during a routine oil change and the service tech found nothing wrong. I took it to road trip and it was to the point where the vehicle shakes and everyone else around me could hear it when we apply the…

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Brake making squeaky noise when it's being applied. This happened less than 30,000 miles during April 2023. I went to dealership during a routine oil change and the service tech found nothing wrong. I took it to road trip and it was to the point where the vehicle shakes and everyone else around me could hear it when we apply the brake. I took it to another dealership and the service manager said he has seen several vehicle came in and the caliper sticks to the brake pad, so they had to change the inner brake system as well as the rotor. Well, after changing it in July, it is now November and I am hearing the squeak again so I know it will get worst very soon. It seems like the dealership that changed it knew it was happening to other 2022 Ascent vehicles, too. I scheduled an appointment with my local dealership for 12/6/2023 and I will see what they say.

NHTSA ODI #11556541

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2023
Service Brakes

The brakes have felt under-designed since purchase and began to chatter when applied shortly after purchase. This progressed to the point where the shaking was felt at every braking and we had several passengers ask "what is wrong with your brakes". The braking became progressively worse to the point we were concerned for our s…

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The brakes have felt under-designed since purchase and began to chatter when applied shortly after purchase. This progressed to the point where the shaking was felt at every braking and we had several passengers ask "what is wrong with your brakes". The braking became progressively worse to the point we were concerned for our safety and those sharing the road with us. Called dealership and spoke with our service advisor. They said they had no other reports but would take a look. Technician confirmed the rotors were warped and both front rotors were "resurfaced" and "front brake pads adjusted". We have had no problems since the repair. The repair was done at 17608 miles. No warning lights or messages came on.

NHTSA ODI #11538520

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2023
Service Brakes

Brake rotors are warped around 8000 miles. I purchased a 2020 of same make and model and same problem, brake rotors warped under 10k miles. Subaru dealer employee told me the brakes were under engineered. After going 2 times to dealer, Subaru replaced rotors under warranty. I thought they figured it out since first Subaru Asce…

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Brake rotors are warped around 8000 miles. I purchased a 2020 of same make and model and same problem, brake rotors warped under 10k miles. Subaru dealer employee told me the brakes were under engineered. After going 2 times to dealer, Subaru replaced rotors under warranty. I thought they figured it out since first Subaru Ascent hit market in 2019. I am going to attempt replacement with this 2022 through warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11531345

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2023
Service Brakes

Brakes are vibrating when on high speed. Same issue with 2020 Ascent. 2022 Ascent rotor needs to be resurfaced at 18k miles. This brake vibration happend even before 18k.

NHTSA ODI #11520675

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2023
Power TrainService Brakes

This was our second Subaru Ascent. We traded In our first 2020 ascent for slipping transmission and shaky brakes. Shortly after trading that vehicle in we received a recall for the slipping transmission. This vehicle (2022) started showing the exact same symptoms. We requested Subaru buy back the vehicle they never followed up…

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This was our second Subaru Ascent. We traded In our first 2020 ascent for slipping transmission and shaky brakes. Shortly after trading that vehicle in we received a recall for the slipping transmission. This vehicle (2022) started showing the exact same symptoms. We requested Subaru buy back the vehicle they never followed up even though they said they sent us a buy back evaluation email 07/01/2022 which we never received. Case# 220622-173085 We ended up selling the vehicle out of frustration and buying a new Toyota.

NHTSA ODI #11513635

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2023
Service Brakes

This is a brand new vehicle. Within ~3,000 miles the brakes started to shake the car. I took it into the dealer at ~6,000 miles for it's regular maintenance and they had to 'turn the rotors' to smooth them out. The technician said that "All the Ascents are having similar brake issues", and he believes that the brakes installed…

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This is a brand new vehicle. Within ~3,000 miles the brakes started to shake the car. I took it into the dealer at ~6,000 miles for it's regular maintenance and they had to 'turn the rotors' to smooth them out. The technician said that "All the Ascents are having similar brake issues", and he believes that the brakes installed on the Ascents are too small for the size/weight of the car. He said the proper fix would be for a larger diameter rotor to be installed on the car. I asked him to do that, and I was told it was not an option, but that Subaru knew about the issue and would be issuing a recall soon. I would like to know what options I have to have safe brakes installed on my new car. Thanks

NHTSA ODI #11513611

2,076 miles · Nov 22, 2022
Service Brakes

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact w…

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The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 2,076.

NHTSA ODI #11494550

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2022
Service Brakes

The brakes on this vehicle continue to makes squealing sounds when slowing to a gradual stop, and now recently makes a grinding sound when driving from a complete stop to a gradual start. These sounds began when the vehicle was new at 500 miles and continues at 1500 miles. The vehicle has been taken to a Subaru dealership three …

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The brakes on this vehicle continue to makes squealing sounds when slowing to a gradual stop, and now recently makes a grinding sound when driving from a complete stop to a gradual start. These sounds began when the vehicle was new at 500 miles and continues at 1500 miles. The vehicle has been taken to a Subaru dealership three times and nothing has been found that needs correction. I have contacted Subaru Corporate and they continue to direct me to the dealership. Meanwhile I do not feel the brakes are working correctly and fear there is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI #11485650

Official recalls

2

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.

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.