2020 Subaru Ascent. Advanced data.

Engines and drivetrains 1

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,500 and 12,800 miles. Median 6,100, from 140 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 5

• 26V436000 Jul 2026 Equipment / Other / Labels

  Defect. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

  Risk. An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  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. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

• 22V907000 Dec 2022 Electrical System / Wiring / Interior/Under Dash

  Defect. 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.

  Risk. 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 gr

• 21V955000 Dec 2021 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

  Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

  Risk. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-8

• 21V954000 Dec 2021 Steering / Linkages / Tie Rod Assembly

  Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.

  Risk. The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.

• 21V587000 Jul 2021 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

  Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

  Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Manufacturer communications 530

Subaru filed 530 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

Crash ratings by version

Safety equipment

Nearby model years