The Lemon Index2022 Subaru Ascent.
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is better than average by owner complaints: 46 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. It's the best Subaru Ascent year we track.
Better than average. 1.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2020
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 56 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Ascent year. 2022 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 1K to 87K miles on the car (5 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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 319 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs
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
When accelerating from a stop it sometimes shudders as if it cannot decide which ratio to use in the CVT. it can get pretty severe and I am afraid that it will tear the transmission apart if it continues.
2022 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11494039
More owner reports
Brakes are vibrating when on high speed. Same issue with 2020 Ascent. 2022 Ascent rotor needs to be resurfaced at 18k miles. This brake vibration happend even before 18k.
NHTSA complaint 11520675
The car would not move when stopped at a light. I had to call for roadside assistance. They now say the car needs a new transmission. It. Only has 9200 miles.
NHTSA complaint 11541546
Quick answers
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2022 Subaru Ascent problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (24%), brakes (22%) and wipers & visibility (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
2 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 2022 Subaru Ascent get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 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.
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2022 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
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