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Subaru Ascent 2019–2026 (1st gen)

Subaru Ascent
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$32,000–$46,000
MPG
23
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong capability
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
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How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-test standout with standard AWD and 5,000-lb towing, but modest cargo, thirsty fuel economy, and early electrical and CVT gremlins temper the appeal.
Reliability66

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 13 recalls was serious. About 4% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -4 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs39

About $2,900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 39% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility21

17.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 21% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space62

Roomy 3-row layout seats 7-8 with generous head/legroom and 86.5 cu ft max cargo, competitive for a midsize family SUV.

Driving fun38

260-hp turbo-4 provides adequate but unremarkable acceleration for a large 3-row SUV. Standard AWD adds grip, but soft tuning and CVT prioritize comfort over engagement.

Tech52

Offers EyeSight driver assist, decent infotainment and standard AWD, typical for the class. Nothing standout versus rivals with larger screens and more advanced features.

Comfort58

Quiet, cushioned ride with supportive seats and abundant USB ports are known Ascent strengths, edging slightly above segment norm for family-hauling comfort.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability77

Rated to tow 5,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls25 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 5/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

25 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2019–2026

  • Electrical — 151 complaints (2019)
  • Recall — Equipment: other: labels (2026)
  • Electrical — 98 complaints (2020)

2026

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

2025

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

2024

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterVisibility22 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY

    Driver's side mirror vibration on uneven road or at highway speeds makes visibility in mirror difficult. This has been the case since purchasing the vehicle in November 2024. Have had most recent Subaru service bulletin on mirror performed by dealer (on 8/8/25), but the problem remains.

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper7 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    I am a current lessee of a 2024 Subaru Ascent. I leased this vehicle starting July 27, 2024. My lease ends on July 27, 2027. I live 60 miles away from the dealership and only did a test drive around town. The minute I got on the freeway after leaving the dealership the night I leased the vehicle, I

2023

  • RecallTires23V258000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.

  • RecallSuspension: front: control arm: lower arm23V392000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. 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.

  • RecallPowertrain: driveline: driveshaft23V647000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Sirius XM ads showing up and there’s no way to opt out. The ads are distracting/difficult to close and cover a good amount off my media system even while driving.

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper6 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    The windshield on the 2023 is extremely susceptible to cracking easily. Chips turn to cracks within minutes

  • Complaint clusterBrakes6 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    Formal Complaint Summary (VIN: [XXX] ) I am submitting this formal complaint concerning a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited (VIN: [XXX] ), which continues to experience brake-related safety defects despite recall repairs and repeated service attempts during the warranty period. Subaru of Ame

2022

  • RecallElectrical: wiring: interior/under dash22V907000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. 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.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain13 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the t

  • Complaint clusterBrakes9 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper7 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    The front panel of the moonroof cracked from the inside without any impact or clear cause. I brought the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer, Troncalli, for inspection, but they were unable to determine why it happened. I purchased this vehicle for my wife and kids, and now there’s a cracked piece of

  • Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The front exhaust pipe on my 2022 Subaru Ascent cracked at approximately 77,800 miles. The component is available for inspection. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed a rattle/fluttering noise coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership. S

2021

  • RecallElectrical: wiring: interior/under dash22V907000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. 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.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain19 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission - per the Subaru of America service tree. This issue began on

  • Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely. Android Auto and Bluetooth continued working fine on the same phone, cable, and port, proving the defect was isolated to Subaru's CarPlay system, n

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper14 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent that falls under an extended warranty regarding the windshield due to a faulty windshield. My windshield has cracked, reduce visibility, and does not allow the forward collision warning to work properly. Subaru recognizes the faulty windshield and refuses to remedy the is

  • Complaint clusterBrakes8 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    On May 14, 2026, while driving a 2021 Subaru Ascent (approx. 94,291 miles) on a Texas expressway at highway speed during rush hour, I experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power. There were no warning lights, no safety system activation, and no advance indication of the failure. The ve

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other8 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Trunk would not open. Only way to open was to pop open the internal latch access port and switch the latch open with a screw driver. Trunk would not open with key fob, rear handle, or buttons on driver side dashboard.

2020

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V587000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

  • RecallSteering: linkages: tie rod assembly21V954000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive tor

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); power train: driveline: chain/belt21V955000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

  • RecallElectrical: wiring: interior/under dash22V907000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. 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.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterElectrical98 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance front camera became inoperable. The pre-collision, the braking control, and the Lane Departure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain57 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was skipping. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper45 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    On Tuesday, January 3, I had a THIRD chip in my windshield. This just happened yesterday, so I have not had it evaluated yet. HOWEVER, this will be the THIRD chip that I will have to have repaired in the three short years I've owned this vehicle. The first chip happened within a month of owning t

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other43 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I am submitting this complaint regarding a known exhaust manifold/flex pipe failure affecting my 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle was diagnosed by a Subaru dealership with a “broken flex pipe on the header” causing excessive exhaust noise and exhaust leak concerns. Repair estima

  • Complaint clusterBrakes18 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    I am reporting a repeat safety concern involving a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle was involved in two separate collisions after failing to decelerate as expected following normal brake pedal application. The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026. While approaching a traffic signal, I applied

2019

  • RecallStructure: body: roof and pillars18V508000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.

  • RecallPowertrain: driveline: driveshaft19V519000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)19V855000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (pcv)19V856000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V218000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V587000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); power train: driveline: chain/belt21V955000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

  • RecallElectrical: wiring: interior/under dash22V907000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. 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.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels26V436000

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with

  • Complaint clusterElectrical151 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Ascent VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 72,093 miles I am submitting this complaint because my 2019 Subaru Ascent experienced a serious transmission-related electrical failure that may represent a broader safety defect. Sewell Subaru of Dallas diagnosed an i

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain84 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle has 178k miles on it currently. I had to have a transmission and transfer case replaced at 68k miles. Done by Subaru. At 168k miles I had to have a new front pump in the transmission case replaced. Repair done by Subaru. Now at 178k miles the second replacement transmission has comple

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper62 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Subaru windshild in my 2019 Ascent have been replaced twice in 30,000 miles due to very inadequate glass. I'm struggling to get Subaru to acknowledge their responsibility to replace this current cracked windshield with a new part, as per my reading of a settlement that they should be following [XX

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other39 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    All of a sudden my vehicle accelerated after placing it in reverse with my foot on the brake. There was a screeching sound and I immediately shifted into (at least) Park. In attempting to exit my garage again, it repeated the same events. I parked the car and never did leave my residence. No dash li

  • Complaint clusterEngine20 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My vehicle smokes when starting it. A lot of white smoke that can fill a parking lot. The smoke has a strong chemical smell.

Cost to own$26,200 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$32,000–$46,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2026$42,800–$46,000
2025$32,400–$38,000
2024$29,000–$34,000
2023$25,900–$30,400
2022$23,100–$27,100
2021$20,500–$24,100
2020$18,000–$21,200
2019$15,800–$18,500

$2,900/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $32,000–$46,000
Efficiency23 MPG
Seats8
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

21

Highway MPG

27

Combined MPG

23

Horsepower

260 hp

Doors

4

Length

196.9 in

Width

71.7 in

Height

76.0 in

Wheelbase

113.8 in

Curb weight

4,420 lb

Cargo volume

17.8 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

86.5 cu ft

Towing capacity

5,000 lbs

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