Subaru Ascent problems
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Subaru. In some markets, it is sold as the Subaru Evoltis. It is the largest automobile Subaru manufactures. The seven or eight-seat passenger SUV, with the design based on the VIZIV-7 concept, made its debut at the LA Auto Show on November 28, 2017. The Ascent became available in the third quarter of 2018. Like its American-built predecessor, the Tribeca, the Ascent is not available in Japan.
History
The Ascent was originally introduced as a concept car at the 2017 New York International Auto Show in April, where it was also announced that Subaru would be producing the vehicle at its Lafayette, Indiana Subaru of Indiana Assembly Plant. Production began in late 2017 alongside the current Subaru Impreza. It was to be the flagship Subaru vehicle in North America, and replace the Subaru Tribeca (previously the B9 Tribeca), which was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Subaru Japan had their own three-row crossover called the Subaru Exiga that was available from 2008 until its discontinuation in 2018. In terms of exterior design, it was akin to a 3-row Outback as is the Ascent to the Forester.
The first spy photographs of Subaru Ascent development mules surfaced in late summer 2016. Although the Ascent was spotted testing in 2017 with an expected mid-2017 on-market date, the sale date was pushed back to early summer 2018.
Subaru initially announced the Ascent would be sold in the Philippines as the Evoltis starting from 2020. Its release was delayed numerous times owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and eventually was introduced in the Philippines in May 2021. Only the Touring model is available. The Evoltis name is also used in Israel and several South American markets. Although some sources reported the Evoltis name would be used for the first battery electric vehicle sold by Subaru, that vehicle, which was co-developed with Toyota, was announced in September 2021 as the Subaru Solterra instead.
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Subaru Ascent model years
Common Subaru Ascent problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Subaru Ascent, several common problems have been reported with this vehicle:
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported issues such as hesitation, surging, and rough shifting with the transmission.
- Subaru's CVT transmission has been a known weakness, with problems persisting despite recalls for transmission software issues.
- Instances of the transmission slipping and lunging forward have been reported, posing safety risks.
- Engine Problems:
- Complaints include random engine stalls, "check engine" warning lights, and thick gray smoke from the exhaust with a rapid loss of power.
- Some issues were attributed to a faulty low-pressure fuel lift pump, leading to engine replacements and even crashes.
- Brake Problems:
- Owners have experienced loud noises, squealing sounds, and grinding noises when braking.
- These issues can compromise the vehicle's safety and lead to accidents if not addressed promptly.
- Battery Drain Problems:
- Many owners have reported battery drain problems, leaving them stranded with no ability to start the car.
- Instances of electrical system failures, flickering lights, and battery issues have been highlighted by owners.
- Infotainment Problems:
- Users have reported frequent freezing, crashing, and unresponsiveness in the infotainment system.
- Issues with navigation, audio features, and touch screen responsiveness have been common complaints.
These problems with the Subaru Ascent have been significant concerns for owners, impacting the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. It is essential for Subaru to address these issues to ensure the reliability and satisfaction of their customers.
Does the Subaru Ascent have problems?
Ascent Braking Problems
An unreliable braking system is not only dangerous, but can also lead to accidents and injuries. The 2022 Subaru Ascent has experienced issues with its braking system including loud noises and squealing sounds. Here is a Brake Complaint from another 2022 Subaru Ascent owner in AZ on NHTSA.
Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?
We expect the 2024 Ascent will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022 and 2023 models.
Is the Subaru Ascent engine good?
The Subaru Ascent engine boasts an impressive powertrain that delivers both exceptional performance and efficiency. With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, the Ascent generates up to 260 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How long does a Subaru Ascent engine last?
The Lifespan of Subaru Engines and Safety Technology
Engine Lifespan: Subaru engines are known for their durability and longevity, with many drivers reporting engines that last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Ascent years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Ascent cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Ascent model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Ascent model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Ascent years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Ascent car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Ascent , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Ascent vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ascent model years
A total of 21 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ascent model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ascent model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 834 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Ascent . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Ascent vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Ascent 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-21
- VIN: 4S4WMAMD1K3
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: We observed Subaru Ascent 2019 (Limited) car handling poorly over bumpy areas, especially over bumps on turns even at speeds under 40 mph. Car feels as if it is loosing contact with the road. It is also jarring over bumps even while driving straight. In wet conditions, I do not know if I will be able to stop within the proper distance. We took the car to the dealer, that indicated front struts needed replacement. They could not provide an estimate of when struts would be available -- this was over one month ago. I am uncertain if a repair is possible to correct this apparent safety issue.
Subaru Ascent 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-18
- VIN: 4S4WMARD1K3
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: My Ascent is primarily driven in the city of San Francisco, a fairly hilly city. We have had issues with the suspension on this vehicle in the past, and I will need to install my third pair of struts in the coming weeks (the parts are currently on backorder). The CVT has also been replaced on the vehicle. The tires are routinely rotated, and we keep up with the maintenance schedule. We were driving home after dropping our daughters at school and while accelerating up a hill heard a crack. We immediately pulled over, and saw that the lower control arm had sheared.
Subaru Ascent 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 4S4WMAPD8K3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The CVT experienced a catastrophic failure, later identified as "the chain" by a Subaru dealer mechanic. The night before the incident, the transmission "slipped" and made a metallic clunking noise when merging onto a highway. On the day of the incident, the transmission failed completely after turning onto a roadway from a stop sign. No forward or reverse power was available. Had the transmission failed the night before while merging onto a highway, with little ability to pull out of the roadway, we certainly would have been in danger. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and the transmission failure confirmed. The transmission "stuttered" for several months previously while accelerating, though not consistently.
Subaru Ascent 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 4S4WMAPD8L3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Subaru Ascent 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 4S4WMALD2M3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Transmission needed a full replacement
Subaru Ascent 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 4S4WMAPD8N3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: At approximately 10000 miles the drive train (transmission) developed a shuddering while driving. This occurs at any speed but more frequently at 45-60 MPH. The frequency of this problem has increased with the vehicle which now has 45202 miles. It is now occurring periodically at acceleration from a complete stop. The problem has been reported to the dealer at every service. It was evaluated by the service department for a 4-day period in which they could not duplicate the problem. However, they only drove the vehicle 20.2 miles during this evaluation. It is unknown if this may lead to a safety issue, but it produces a very uncomfortable driving experience and distraction while driving. There is no warning lamp associated with this problem at this time.
Subaru Ascent 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 4S4WMAMD7M3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brakes shudder and fade when slowing down from highway speeds. Subaru has issued many "fixes" but it keeps happening. See most recent "Ascent Front Brake Warranty Extension Coverage" it still has not fixed the problem!
Subaru Ascent 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 4S4WMARD0L3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Bolt holding the driveshaft support bracket backed out causing driveshaft to come out. This is a known issue with the 2019 and 2022 Subaru Ascents and have active service advisories but Subaru of America does not recognize it for the 2020 models even know it is also happening in the 2020 vehicles. If the driveshaft would have came out at a high speed it could have caused a crash. Based on the research the bolts do not hold the torque from the factory due to a bolt manufacturing issue and slowly back out after time unknown to the driver. Subaru is not recognizing the problem, so they are not notifying the 2020 owners of the problem, instead they are offering a 50% payment on the repairs as a goodwill payment to offset the cost since it is not a warranty issue. I had had my car in for oil changes in the past and the dealership did not know to check for the tightness of the bolts as there were no service advisories. There should be a recall for this problem before someone dies in a crash caused by this problem.
Subaru Ascent 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 4S4WMAPD4L3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driver side window malfunctions intermittently. When raining, slow to go down or up, also skips as it goes up and down.
Subaru Ascent 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 4S4WMAWD5P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. Front windshield easily cracked from minor rock strikes 3 times within 20 months. Replacement with Subarus OEM glasses twice already within 3 months. Now a new crack needs repair or potential replacement. Defective windshield that cannot withhold minor impact is clearly serious safety concern, increased stress on owner and burden on insurance, and impact to vehicle structural integrity for repeated replacements, and depreciation of vehicle value.
Subaru Ascent 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 4S4WMARD9L3
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Component- steering locks Safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was to tow the vehicle the vehicle to dealership. Online fix is to man handle the steering wheel and turn it in the direction of the tension. Pulling into a normal parking space should not create the tension necessary for the steering wheel to lock. I have been on Subaru ascent form us and this seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Mine has been inspected for the last occurrence and was told battery issue. The other times there were no battery issues and dealerships cannot find issues. Warning light only lights up after steering wheel locks up and vehicle cannot be started. The safety risk for me is being stranded - and no way to prevent it or know when it might happen.
Subaru Ascent 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 4S4WMAWD3P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Unusual wear on tires - 7/32 at 8000 miles, 5/32 at 15000 miles, advised to replace all tires at 15000 miles. Existing recall WRH-23 covering vehicles manufactured between Dec 2022 and Jan 2023. My vehicle shows manufacturing date of March 2023 but I believe may be part of the same issue. See below Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall and stop sale for certain 2023 model year Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The vehicles included in this recall/stop sale may be equipped with tires that were damaged during the wheel mounting and assembly process. A misaligned bead guide arm on the tire mounting equipment may have caused excessive stress on the tire bead during mounting, possibly causing damage to the internal structure of the tire. Internal damage to the tire bead may lead to structural failure of the tire and rapid tire deflation, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will remove and replace all four tires with new ones at no cost to the customer. All removed tires should be rendered unusable and be disposed of according to local regulations. Affected Vehicles A total of 4,409 U.S. Subaru Ascent vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below: 2023 Ascent (w/20” wheels) December 1, 2022 – January 5, 2023 Not all vehicles in the production date range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now available
Subaru Ascent 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 4S4WMAFD9K3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: During an inspection at the dealership in December 2023, the tech found the oil pan to be leaking. It was resealed during the same visit. Approximately 8 months later, the same problem was found again at the dealership. It was again resealed. Upon further research, this appears to be a recurring problem on similar vehicles.
Subaru Ascent 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 4S4WMABD3K3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and attempting to accelerate on several occasions, the vehicle jolted forward while shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer software needed to be updated. The software updated but the failure reoccurred after almost two months. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that another software needed to be updated; however, the failure reoccurred after almost two months. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Manufacturer Recall Number: 16-139-22 CVT Assembly (WRK-21) Warranty Extension (TCM reprogramming to prevent CVT chain slip). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Subaru Ascent 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S4WMAWD0P3
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: There was a SUDDEN and UNINTENDED acceleration without the driver input while braking to park going approximately 1 - 2 MPH. Our safety was at risk. The vehicle was not in our control. A police report was generated. Rather than stopping we crashed into the apartment building causing significant damage to both the apartment and our vehicle. There were no warnings, no automatic braking to avoid the collision, the air bags did not deploy. The total damages are still being determined by the dealer and insurance company.
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Ascent
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 17 recalls for different components of the Subaru Ascent.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Ascent 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-21
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
- Model: Subaru Ascent 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-01
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
- Model: Subaru Ascent 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-04-07
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
- Model: Subaru Ascent 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Summary: 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: 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: Subaru Ascent 2020
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Summary: 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: 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.
Latest negative Subaru Ascent car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Ascent car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
I recently test drove and compared several SUVs in this class, and I have to say that this one is the best deal out there for a three-row SUV. It's incredibly smooth and nimble when merging into lanes, and it handles tight corners with ease. In my opinion, the third row is quite useful - it can comfortably fit two adults (up to 5'3
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Vehicle year: 2023
We absolutely adore our Subaru Ascent! We previously owned a 2020 Subaru Ascent Premium, but we recently upgraded to the 2023 Limited version. Both cars are fantastic for families. One of the things we love most about it is the excellent safety rating, and the all-wheel drive system is a lifesaver, especially during West Virginia's hilly winters. The third row provides ample space for our family, and the car's great ground clearance and low center of gravity make it handle like a dream on any terrain. We're also big fans of the driving features, like the headlights that rotate with the steering wheel, which provides excellent visibility at night. The top-down camera is a godsend when parking in tight spaces, and the Eyesight feature is a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding accidents. Our Limited version also comes with leather heated seats, which are a real treat, and we never thought we'd love the heated steering wheel as much as we do. The premium speakers are also a great touch, and the audio quality is top-notch. There are so many other features we love about this car, but overall, it's the perfect car for us, with its excellent handling, safety features, spacious interior, and all-wheel drive system that can take us anywhere we need to go!
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Vehicle year: 2022
I'm so glad you found the Subaru Ascent Touring! It sounds like it really exceeded your expectations, especially compared to other Subaru models. The leather interior sounds both comfortable and durable, and the wood grain and two-tone leather accents really add a nice touch. It's great to hear that the leg room in the front and second rows is spacious enough for your 6'1The heated steering wheel was a lifesaver during my recent skiing trip. After being frozen, my cold hands were grateful for the smooth, warm leather. The Infotainment system in the Ascent is simple and functional, and Android Auto is awesome! Unlike other SUVs such as the MDX, Pathfinder, CX9, and Highlander, the controls in the Ascent are easy to locate and use. You can change the temperature, radio station, or enter an address with ease. The cup holders could be larger, but the quantity makes up for the size. The engine is a boxer 4 cylinder, turbocharged and universally used for Subarus. The low center of gravity makes the SUV feel smaller than it actually is when making turns, and the body roll is very dampened. The SUV is supposedly slower than our MDX was off the line, but it doesn't feel sluggish, and the ride is FAR smoother. The CVT and suspension are probably to thank for that. The standard AWD makes turning the long vehicle a breeze, and the turning radius is pretty good for the length of the vehicle. Safety is a top priority, and the stereo camera system does an amazing job with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and mitigation braking. The rear doors have a giant latching lug that makes it feel like a tank. Although some luxury features are missing, such as personalized keyless remotes, the car has memory seats and driver profiles.To select your profile when getting in the car, simply press 1 or 2 depending on whose phone pairs first. If someone else gets in the car before you, you may need to load your profile and adjust the memory seats accordingly. While the touring model has power folding mirrors, they do not automatically fold in when the car is turned off. Additionally, the rear gate light does not turn on when you open the trunk, so you may need to flip a switch or use the remote to activate the interior lights. Although the car lacks parking sensors, the touring model does have an extra front camera that can be activated to help with parking. Overall, while there are some minor inconveniences, the car still provides a luxurious and sporty feel. The warranty on the engine of this vehicle is a bit of a pain point, as it only covers 3 years or 36,000 miles. This is less than what some other brands offer, such as KIA's 100,000-mile warranty, which is quite limited. However, we were able to purchase our Ascent for $5,000 off MSRP in another state and used those savings to buy the 100,000-mile extended bumper-to-bumper warranty, which cost us less than a Kia Sorento. I do wish that Subaru (and Honda, for that matter) would simply warranty their vehicles for longer, given their reputation for reliability. Overall, though, this is a fantastic vehicle. My family previously owned a 1988 Subaru Legacy Station wagon that lasted for over 188,000 miles before the head gasket blew, and I expect this Ascent to last just as long, if not longer.
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Vehicle year: 2023
This is such a beautiful vehicle and it's incredibly comfortable to drive and ride in. I do have one concern though, as we've only been able to achieve 18mpg, which is lower than the advertised 19-27mpg. It would be great if Subaru could provide more accurate information to consumers.
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Vehicle year: 2022
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my 2022 Ascent. I've had it for 10 months now and have driven 11,000 miles without any major issues. The only thing I've noticed is a slight squeak in the dashboard, but it's nothing too bothersome. I really appreciate the solid build quality of this Japanese SUV. Safety was my top priority when choosing a vehicle, and the Ascent's high safety rating really stood out to me. Plus, the driver assist package is so easy to use and has been really effective. Thanks for listening!
Are you having problems with your Subaru Ascent?
Jacques Ryan 2025-11-03
Vehicle year: 2019
Hi there! We've had our vehicle for 2 months now and unfortunately, we've had to service the transmission twice already. We've noticed that on several occasions when turning on the vehicle, there are a few warning lights that come on such as the RAB light, no eyesight, check engine, check transmission, check at oil temp, and check owner’s manual. We took it in for the first visit and received the vehicle back within 2 days, but unfortunately, they couldn't locate the issue and believed it was a bug. On the second occasion, they kept our vehicle for 2 weeks stating that the part that needed to be replaced was the “bell-body” and that the part was back-ordered. We've since received the vehicle back and within one week, we've had a reoccurrence of the issue THREE times. We're taking the car back in for a third time in 2 months, but we're hopeful that we can get this resolved soon. Thank you for your help!
Sid Huel 2025-10-28
Vehicle year: 2019
I really wanted to like this car. It has decent features, is roomy, and looks attractive yet anonymous at the same time. Like many SUVs in this segment, it offers a lot of safety and features for the price, and is similar to a Honda in that it doesn't appear to be large on the outside, but it's really roomy on the inside. Three 10-year-olds can fit comfortably in the third row. It has decent power, handles acceptably well, and is quiet when traveling at a steady rate of speed (although it can be noisy under any type of acceleration). Besides the terrible MPG, it is a great highway cruiser. Around town, the CVT is fine, and you wouldn't notice the difference from a geared transmission. Lane keep and adaptive cruise work well. The front seats are hard, but that's fine for me, and on the Touring at least, there is a thigh extender to make the seat more comfortable. The materials are good, and the feeling is more durable than luxurious in my opinion. Visibility and low-speed maneuverability are excellent. The instrumentation and controls are functional, and most things are easy to access/figure out, although they are not fancy or attractive in their layout. The things that are not so great are the gas mileage, which is still only at 16.7 mpg at 3000 mostly easy miles, although we did once get 23mpg on a highway trip traveling slightly downhill at 67mph with the CC on. At idle, the engine is buzzier and more coarse than some diesels I have been in. The engine is loud under anything more than moderate acceleration, and the CVT gets flummoxed under medium to hard acceleration. When cold, the CVT tends to buck at low speeds until the car warms up (this is apparently a common issue). The high-end HK stereo sounds like an AM radio with most music (not all, but most), and the seat coolers are loud. We also had an exterior trim piece work loose at 1200 miles, which was disappointing. Overall, this car has its pros and cons, but it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for an SUV.The front suspension can be a bit noisy when going over moderate to severe bumps, but it does a good job of absorbing the impacts. Unfortunately, the moonroof and windows do not retain power when the car is turned off, and the sunroof only closes to tilt when you try to close it. You have to hit the button a second time to shut it completely. We chose the Ascent over several competitors at the last minute, thinking it was the practical choice/compromise. We got a loaded Touring with tons of extras for $41.5k, which was a great deal. However, if we had to do it over, we might go with the Mazda instead. We are not becoming part of the cult of Subaru, at least not with this purchase. Update 15 Apr 2020, 16 months and 12000 Mi......We still feel the same way about the car. The good news is that for the past 4 months, we haven't had any major problems with the car, which is the longest stretch we've ever gone. However, due to the stay-at-home recommendations, we haven't used the Ascent in a month. The mileage crept up to about 18 MPG overall at one point, but has dropped back down to mid-low 17's, and that is with a very light foot. I did get a Best highway mileage of over 25 round trip once after a transmission recall update was performed, but since dropped back to low 20s on the highway. We actually bought a high-performance European SUV to drive for fun when we don't need the three rows of the Ascent, because it was just such a bore to drive, and oddly enough it gets considerably better mileage than the Ascent, despite the fact we get on that one when we drive it. With competitors like the Telluride, Palisade, and some recently updated models, it's worth testing all the options.Although we had some issues with our car and the mileage was not great, it is still a comfortable ride. The engine and cvt could communicate better, but the ascent has plenty of power even with four or five passengers. We had a two-hour extended test drive before purchasing it, but some things you won't know until you've had the car for a while. Depending on what kind of deals we can get once these stay-at-home recommendations are over, we may look to replace the Ascent much sooner than we usually keep our cars. Overall, I would hesitate to recommend the car to anyone but the most die-hard Subaru loyalist.
Alfonso Smitham 2025-10-18
Vehicle year: 2021
I have a fully loaded Limited Edition. Although the ride is fine, I have noticed some issues. At only 6000 miles, the tires are already showing substantial wear and the brakes squeal every time I brake. Additionally, the windshields seem to be of low quality as I have already had two chips. Despite mostly driving on the highway, I have not been able to achieve the EPA estimated mileage of 26 mpg. In fact, I am only averaging 21 mpg with 80% highway miles. While the vehicle is aesthetically pleasing, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
Blair Wiegand 2025-09-23
Vehicle year: 2019
Like others, we bought a new 2019 Ascent in the fall. Had a great 6 months with the car. Then, the engine started to squeal. Though complaints are all over the web, subaru corporate apparently denies to the dealers' service teams any information, so they couldn't replicate the issue and put us back on the road. A few days later, the car died at highway speed, and now needs an entirely new transmission. Subaru needs to get its QA in hand, and quicklyUpdate: years later, more problems. Fuel pump replaced. Drivers window mechanism broken. .
Eddie Lehner 2025-09-19
Vehicle year: 2020
We absolutely adore our Outback 3.6R Limited and have been considering the Ascent. The limited and touring models are packed with features that other brands only offer at exorbitant prices. However, we would advise you to test drive the Ascent in conditions similar to those you will be driving in, especially if you live up a narrow, winding, super steep road halfway up a mountain with low speed limits. While the engine is powerful enough, the CVT with its 8 programmed shift points struggles in such conditions, constantly searching for the right gear and causing the car to roll or lurch through the shift points. The only way we could keep it happy was by either driving too fast for the curves, staying on it, or using the paddle shifters. We don't think you should have to do that. As for the rest, the Ascent is fantastic, and we love all the features in the limited model we test drove for a weekend. We do wish that Subaru made its 3.6R 6-cylinder engine available in the Ascent. If they did, it would be the best mid-size 3-row SUV around, and we would buy one in a heartbeat!