Most common 2022 Subaru Ascent problems
Share of the 56 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Ascent complaints by model year
Best Ascent years: 2022, 2023, 2021. Compare all years →
2022 Subaru Ascent recalls (2)
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.
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.
What 2022 Subaru Ascent owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer replaced the rear radar sensor module and sealed it with silicone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The VIN was not available.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the same dealer had previously repaired the brakes under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer even though the contact had safety concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer replaced the rear radar sensor module and sealed it with silicone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt down and getting doused in water. It is the middle of winter and I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that would've been had I needed to remove my 3 children from their car seats or if I would've smacked my head and passed out. I was very lucky to walk away unharmed, but many valuables were lost in my car from this.
2022 Subaru Ascent engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent a good car?
Based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2022 Ascent rates better than average: 79% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ascent at the same age. It is one of the best Ascent years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The transmission & drivetrain — 14 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (11) and engine & cooling (9).
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, the most recent from July 7, 2026 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Ascent?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2023 and 2021. See the full Subaru Ascent years comparison.
At what mileage do 2022 Subaru Ascent problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.