The Lemon Index2019 Subaru Ascent.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 360 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 299, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Subaru Ascent year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 442 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Ascent year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 21K miles on the car (239 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 6K–19K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 6K–20K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 1K–20K miles
Recalls 9
- equipment 2026
These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.
- electrical 2022
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Show all 9 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
- transmission & drivetrain 2019
The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
- engine 2019
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- transmission & drivetrain 2019
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
- body structure 2018
These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 638 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subaru of America, Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I have required 6 jumpstarts in the last 7 months. The vehicle is two years old.
2019 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11396826
More owner reports
The battery drains repeatedly if you do not drive the car every day. Subaru claims there is no problem and just replaces that battery.
NHTSA complaint 11326428
Repeated (many times) failure of battery. Stationery. Potential for being left without transportation in an isolated area.
NHTSA complaint 11413951
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 299; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Ascent year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Ascent problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (39%), transmission & drivetrain (17%) and wipers & visibility (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
9 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Ascent get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Ascent problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,000 and 21,000 miles. The middle report was at 12,000 miles, from 239 complaints.
Does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Ascent year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2021 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works