The Lemon Index

All cars · Subaru Ascent

2024 Subaru Ascent.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent is so far about average by owner complaints: 50 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 100, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 1 recall, and it gets 21 to 22 mpg combined. The best Subaru Ascent year is 2022.

Early read

100Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: about average.

Best year 2022 · Worst year 2020

Subaru Ascent
Photo shows a 2019 Subaru Ascent. Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints50first 3 years
Fuel economy21–22 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★★NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 50 owner complaints, owners reported:

3crashes
1injuries
0fires
2tows
Early read. The 2024 Subaru Ascent hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2024 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

visibility46%
wipers & visibility16%
automatic emergency braking12%
electrical8%
backup camera6%

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.

Transmission problems in every Subaru Ascent year →

Recalls 1

  • equipment 2026

    These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Subaru told dealers about

Subaru sent dealers 229 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut
  • This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system…

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
NHTSA front crash test of the 2024 Subaru Ascent
Front crash test · NHTSA
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
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 driver side mirror vibrates making it unusable to use. Subaru is unable to repair the problem.

2024 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint 11614927
More owner reports

Driver’s side mirror demonstrates excessive shaking as compared to passenger side. Housing has been replaced but no change. Visually difficult for me to use that mirror at times.

NHTSA complaint 11601634

Driver's side mirror shakes/vibrates at highway speeds and going over small bumps. It makes it difficult to look at while driving.

NHTSA complaint 11616778

Quick answers

Is the 2024 Subaru Ascent reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about average per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 100; 100 is average). The best Subaru Ascent year by this measure is 2022.

What are the most common 2024 Subaru Ascent problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (46%), wipers & visibility (16%) and automatic emergency braking (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Ascent have?

1 safety recall (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2024 Subaru Ascent get?

21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.

How much does the 2024 Subaru Ascent cost in fuel a year?

About $2900 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2024 Subaru Ascent have?

2.4L 4-cyl.

What Subaru Ascent year is better than the 2024?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data