Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | −61% | 1 | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2024 | 50 | typical | 1 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2023 | 45 | −75% | 4 | Brake | Good |
| 2022 | 56 | −79% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2021 | 103 | −72% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2020 | 324 | — | 5 | Electrical | Limited data |
| 2019 | 443 | — | 9 | Electrical | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median Ascent year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Subaru Ascent problems
Latest Subaru Ascent recalls
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Tires
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Subaru Ascent should you avoid?
None of the Subaru Ascent years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Subaru Ascent?
2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other Ascent years at the same age, followed by 2023 and 2021. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Subaru Ascent problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (293), windows, wipers & sunroof (207) and transmission & drivetrain (188). Electrical complaints peak in the 2019 model year.
How many recalls has the Subaru Ascent had?
13 recalls across 2019–2025. The model year with the most is 2019. See all Subaru Ascent recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.