The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2023 2023
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- 2020 2021
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- 2019 2019
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
- 2019 2019
The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
Transmission was recalled and supposedly fixed. The fix has now failed and dealer and Subaru are not willing to fix again.
2019 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint
Within 5000 miles transmission jump, rear gear not work and the rab light, dealer told me he must replace! I find a lot of story on website, people have same issue and same amount of mileage
2019 Subaru Ascent owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Subaru Ascent years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Subaru Ascent years are 2020, 2019, 2021.
What are common Subaru Ascent transmission problems?
Owners most often describe slipping, transmission replaced, delay or hesitation.
Which Subaru Ascent years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Subaru Ascent years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2023, 2024, 2022.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Subaru Ascent reliability by year. How we count