The Lemon Index2023 Subaru Ascent.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is so far better than average by owner complaints: 45 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 60, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 21 to 22 mpg combined. The best Subaru Ascent year is 2022.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 45 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Ascent year. 2023 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.
Recalls 4
- equipment 2026
These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- suspension 2023
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- tires 2023
The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
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 293 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc
- 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 $2900–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The auto brakes are not accurate because it triggers them in unsafe situations.
2023 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11568297
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.7× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 60; 100 is average). The best Subaru Ascent year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Ascent problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (22%), automatic emergency braking (22%) and wipers & visibility (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have?
4 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 2023 Subaru Ascent get?
21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Ascent year is better than the 2023?
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