Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Subaru Ascent Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns across the Subaru Ascent, 2019–2026. Owners have filed 1,033 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 3 model years with settled counts, the 2019 drew the most (441) and the 2021 the fewest (102).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Subaru Ascent complaints by model year

1,033 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2021 · 102 complaints
  • 2020 · 322 complaints
  • 2019 · 441 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2019 · 441 complaints
  • 2020 · 322 complaints
  • 2021 · 102 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2019–2026. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Subaru Ascent owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component20192020202120222023202420252026
Electrical system 1601011834420
Power train 885819143300
Unknown or other 59571678520
Visibility/wiper 66491476820
Engine 47291293220
Service brakes 262691110111
Visibility 15113002320
Forward collision avoidance 1112757411

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Subaru Ascent recalls (13)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Ascent model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Subaru Ascent
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V436000Jul 7, 2026Incorrect Weight Rating on Label/FMVSS 1102019–2026—
23V647000Sep 21, 2023Driveshaft May Disconnect202390.4%
23V392000Jun 1, 2023Ball Joint May Separate from Lower Control Arm2023100%
23V258000Apr 7, 2023Damaged Tire Bead May Cause Loss of Air Pressure202398.6%
22V907000Dec 8, 2022Improperly Fastened Ground Bolts May Cause Fire2019–202295.6%
21V955000Dec 9, 2021Drive Chain May Break Causing Loss of Drive Power2019, 202096.6%
21V954000Dec 9, 2021Tie Rods May Separate202097.3%
21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel Pump May Fail2019, 202095.1%
20V218000Apr 16, 2020Fuel Pump May Become Inoperative/Engine Stall201998.2%
19V855000Dec 2, 2019Incorrect Measurement of Hydraulic Fluid Pressure201998.1%
19V856000Dec 2, 2019PCV Valve Can Separate201995.8%
19V519000Jul 10, 2019Driveshaft may Disconnect2019100%
18V508000Aug 2, 2018Missing Spot Welds in B-Pillar Area2019100%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Subaru Ascent (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2026★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2025★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2024★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2023★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2022★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2021★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2020★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd
2019★★★★★5★5★4★suv awd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

201922–23 mpg
202022–23 mpg
202122–23 mpg
202222–23 mpg
202321–22 mpg
202421–22 mpg
202521–22 mpg
202621–22 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Subaru Ascent FAQ

How many recalls has the Subaru Ascent had?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns that cover at least one Subaru Ascent model year from 2019 to 2026. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Subaru Ascent year has the most complaints?

Among the last 3 model years with settled counts, the 2019 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (441) and the 2021 the fewest (102). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Subaru Ascent problems?

Across the 2019–2026 model years, owners most often name the electrical system, power train, unknown or other in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Subaru Ascent get?

EPA rates the 2026 Subaru Ascent at 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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