Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Subaru Ascent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the hood was flapping up and down. The contact was concerned that the hood might release and crash into the front windshield. The brake pedal was depressed but was slow to respond. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the interior lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same dealer for routine maintenance, and the brake fluid and coolant were not topped off. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
My wife was pulling into a parking spot at a Safeway in Seattle. The car, instead of stopping, sped up when she stepped on the brakes, slamming into a brick wall. She shifted into reverse, and the car sped backwards, then shifted to drive, and sped forward and slammed into a wall again. She shifted to park and pulled on the parking brake. Then, after 5 minutes with the car off, she drove home without incident and parked, although the car was severely damaged.
Front brakes squealing at low speed stops. This was confirmed at the dealership when pulling into the service department. And, severe vibration and shuttering in the steering wheel and break pedal when applying brakes at high speeds. This could not be replicated at the dealership. Dealership inspected front brakes and 're surfaced front rotors twice during same visit. Same symptoms still occur. No visual early warning signs are or were present.
Replaced rear brakes and rotors in August 2025. By may 2026 they had worn down to the metal and needed replaced again. Only had 13000 miles on them. After multiple diagnostics testing was done, no issues were found with the brake system. Monitoring new pads and rotors. Still wearing rapidly but even. After only 6 weeks, they have reached about half of their life.
The parking/emergency brake lever was accidently activated while traveling at highway speed of 70mph. The lever is in a BAD location and close to where cell phone is charged, cup holders are and transmission shift lever. Cell phone charge cable caught on lever and LOCKED up rear brakes at 70MPH. Almost resulted in loss of life and crash!
A couple of months ago, my wife started the car and backed off a parking lot. When she pressed the brake and felt wired - the brake could not be pressed down and felt like it's jammed somehow. The car did not stop even she switched the car to parking! It eventually stopped after hit a parked car behind. Because the speed was very low so there was no obvious damage to both cars. But after restarted the car, all the warning lights went on - rab, eye sight, at oil temp, low tire pressure, and the sun roof and sun shade not working.
I had brakes replaced in December 2020 with 50,000 miles on the car. For the last few weeks, I have noticed wobbling/pulsing when I press on the brake. Suspicious that it was the rotors, I had the mechanic who was doing my 60,000 mile service check the rotors. He let me know that the rotors aren't even close to being warped. I called Subaru of America who in turn told me that this was a "new" problem with a "new" limited availability part that just came out in the past two weeks. Both Subaru of America and the Subaru dealership I deal with say this is under normal wear and tear and they will not replace it under warranty. I understand that brakes are wear and tear, but I already replaced my brakes and paid for those out of pocket. It is not my fault that there is an issue with the manufacturing of replacement brakes to where the car has this problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V856000 (engine and engine cooling) and 19V855000 (power train). The contact stated that the GPS unit was inoperable. Furthermore, while at a stop sign/light, the vehicle would accelerate when the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal clunking, squeaking noise detected from the steering/suspension. Also, while driving various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and shook forward and backwards, and the driver and passenger doors made an abnormal buzzing noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to puente hills Subaru (17801 e gale ave, city of industry, ca 91748, [phone]) multiple times and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The collision avoidance system is incorrectly identifying parked cars or cars exiting the freeway in an adjacent lane as obstacles and slams on the brakes. This is happened on the interstate at highway speeds and at speeds as low as 30 MPH while traveling on a city street. I'm terrified that I am going to be rear ended when my vehicle goes from 70 to zero MPH when there is absolutely nothing in front of me but the 'safety equipment' is malfunctioning. I have been telling the dealership about it for several months with minimal response.
Our windshield cracked and we had to replace it not too long after purchasing. We have had problems with our heater locking and not being able to turn it off or our drunk locking and we cant open it we are unable to unlock it.... We put in several complaints about a grinding noise when we break since we bought the car. I noticed it when I first drove it and they told me it was normal. When the car takes off there is a shake and stall before it moves. Also when driving it feels like it jolts and then goes again also a complaint....
Brake complaints in other Ascent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 6% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is electrical › switch (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Subaru Ascent brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Ascent brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 82% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.