The Lemon Index2020 Subaru Ascent.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 262 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 348, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Subaru Ascent year is 2022.
Lemon alert. 3.5× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2022
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 322 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Ascent year. 2020 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 2K to 12K miles on the car (140 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 2K–10K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 2K–62K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 2K–12K miles
Recalls 5
- 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 5 recalls
- steering 2021
Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
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
The tailgate was left open for approx 45 and the battery drained to the point we could no longer start the vehicle. This happened three times over the last two months.
2020 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11361619
More owner reports
Battery has died twice within the first 12,000 miles without warning.
NHTSA complaint 11353035
Battery died, currently a class action lawsuit indicating an issue with the manufacturer
NHTSA complaint 11436402
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 348; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Ascent year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Ascent problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (37%), wipers & visibility (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
5 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 2020 Subaru Ascent get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Subaru Ascent problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,500 and 12,800 miles. The middle report was at 6,100 miles, from 140 complaints.
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Ascent year is better than the 2020?
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