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: 2022
This car is like the SUVs of a well-kept secret! I had no idea Subaru had a 7-seat vehicle, but when we looked at this one and test drove it, it was a no-brainer!! With the amount of technology this vehicle has and how smooth of a ride it is, it’s a great bang for your buck! As a mom, I especially LOVE that it has a 5-star crash and safety rating!
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Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased the 2020 Touring model with high expectations, hoping that the issues from the previous year's model would be resolved. Unfortunately, I experienced some problems with the air conditioning within just two weeks of owning the car. The dealership has been helpful and provided me with a loaner car while they work on the repairs. Although I sold my previous car to upgrade to this one, I am a bit concerned about the issues I've encountered. I have also noticed some hesitation in the engine when starting up, which can be concerning in certain situations. However, I am pleased to report that the dealership has been working to address these issues and I am now a satisfied customer.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I was reading some reviews on various vehicles and I couldn't help but wonder why some of them are so negative. However, this Subaru is an excellent vehicle that offers comfort, traction in bad weather, an abundance of safety features, and comparable pricing. As a large person, I find it difficult to fit into most cars, but this Subaru is one of the few that I can comfortably fit into without feeling cramped. In everyday driving, I get about 20 miles per gallon, and even more on long trips. The car comes with blind spot mirrors, emergency stopping, and tons of other safety features that make me feel secure. The interior is very nice, and the touch screen is easy to navigate. The 14 Harmon Kardon speakers put out awesome sound. When our roads froze over, I was able to drive past many pickup trucks and SUVs that were pulled over to the side of the road and couldn't go forward. The only downside is the road noise, but I understand that they are using a noisier asphalt product in our region in recent years. Overall, this vehicle is easy to drive, dependable, has excellent road clearance, and looks great too!
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Vehicle year: 2020
What a fantastic SUV and great value too! The fully loaded Premium trim with the Sporty Package, tow hitch, all weather floor mats, back seat cover, cargo cover, and cargo net is only $36,200! You don't even have to go up to the higher trim levels to get all the high tech safety equipment, unlike some domestic brands. I didn't even notice any engine or road noise on the highway, despite what Edmunds says in their review. I was a bit hesitant to test drive it because of that review, but I'm so glad I did. I was deciding between this and the Telluride, but I didn't want to pay MSRP for an SUV and take a bigger hit on depreciation. If you're looking for a family SUV with all the amenities and space, this is definitely the one to go for!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I purchased my Ascent in April and have already driven 12K miles. I absolutely love driving the Ascent!! Living in the southern Appalachians, I was pleased to find that the Ascent handles the steep mountain roads with ease and rides smoothly and comfortably on the highway. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Ascent?
Murray Auer 2025-08-24
Vehicle year: 2021
If you're looking for a reliable and smooth ride, the Ascent may not be the best fit for you. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with the transmission slipping and hesitating in the middle of intersections. Despite bringing it to the dealer, the problem persisted and I ultimately decided to switch to the Kia Telluride SX Prestige. The Telluride is an exceptional SUV that exceeded my expectations in every way. I highly recommend taking it for a test drive before making a purchase decision. Thank you for considering my experience.
Tatum Corwin 2025-08-11
Vehicle year: 2021
The ride is comfortable and the backup camera is excellent. XMode works wonders on snow, ice, and mud, and the variable cruise control is excellent. The brake and acceleration can be a bit touchy, but you get used to it. The lane assist can be a bit jerky and makes for an uneven ride, especially when passing Amish buggies and tractors in farm country. It can also be a bit too cautious at T intersections with a fence or wall at the end. However, the good news is that it can be turned off. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with the shifting points on my 2019 truck, which I pre-ordered. Despite taking it to the dealership and being told that nothing was wrong, the shifting points continued to slip and worsen. Eventually, I needed a new transmission at only 37,000 miles. However, I was fortunate that the $5k repair was covered by a recall notice that some cars had received. Although disappointed that my Subaru needed a new transmission at such low mileage, I am happy to report that it is running smoothly now with its new transmission. Interestingly, my prior Subaru from 2009 ran for 200k miles with only 5 minor repairs in 10 years and is still on the road with its new owner.
Landen Turner 2025-08-09
Vehicle year: 2023
Update: Hey there! After two years of driving my Subaru Ascent Touring, I have to say that I wouldn't recommend it. While Subaru claims that it has the same horsepower and torque as the Toyota V6, it's clear that it's only theoretical. The matchup between the small engine with the turbo and CV transmission is not great. You do have plenty of power off the line, but when you need to pass or merge at a moderate speed like 40, it takes a good 3 seconds to figure out which system is going to go first and it can be dangerous. I've had a few close calls with trucks barreling down on me when I expected more power from this car. Also, Subaru claims to have remote start, but you have to pay a monthly fee to access it. Come on, Subaru, really? My suggestion would be to spend a little extra money and get the Highlander or Pathfinder. Oh, and the mileage isn't great either. You should expect a combined mileage in the teens, not twenties. On the bright side, I just picked up my 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring and I'm really happy with it. I chose it over the Toyota Highlander because it has a bit more room, most of the same features, and was $4K cheaper. While I wasn't totally comfortable with a 2.4l flat 4 (I come from the big-block V8 era), it has plenty of power and you can easily tune out the engine noise with a little background music from the 14 speaker stereo. I'm still working through the features, functions, and performance, and I'll update you as I learn more.
Mavis Gleason 2025-08-07
Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased a brand new Subaru Ascent, which I was excited about due to its 7 seats, off-road capabilities, and symmetric AWD. However, I have experienced some quality issues with the car, including shaking and vibrating middle seats, squeaks and rattles throughout the cabin, and reports of failing transmissions from other owners. While I acknowledge that there are quality Ascents out there, the two that I have tested (2019 and 2020) were far from perfect. I want to share my experience here on Edmunds because it is an independent platform, and I believe it is important to provide honest feedback to potential buyers. I also want to caution against relying solely on forums for information, as they are often moderated by advertisers and may not provide a complete picture. Instead, I recommend checking out trusted sources like Consumer Reports and Edmunds. Despite my disappointment with my recent purchase, I still believe that Subaru is a trusted Japanese brand, and I hope that they will continue to prioritize quality in their vehicles.
Sidney Ankunding 2025-07-28
Vehicle year: 2021
This is our second Ascent. The first one was great with no issues. We traded it in for the same Touring model due to a great deal on a used one. However, we have noticed that the ambient interior lights on the passenger side do not work. We have reached out to both Subaru and the dealership, but unfortunately, no one has been able to confirm the issue or repair it. It's disappointing to experience this quality issue on a $50k car, and we would appreciate any assistance in resolving this matter.