NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 324 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Most complaints involve electrical system (101) and power train (59). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly from the Subaru dealership. There was nothing prior to this that indicated there was a problem. I bought the car from a certified dealership 8 months ago and it was a certified pre owned vehicle.”
“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to accelerate and lost power. The contact also stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with chain slippage in the clutch, causing the loss of power. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.”
“Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Subaru retailer, which confirmed in writing that water was present inside the vehicle and that mold was covering interior surfaces, including the child’s car seat. The only diagnostic test performed was a car wash to check for a sunroof leak, which did not replicate the issue. The retailer indicated that further diagnostic work would require significant interior disassembly and cleaning at the owner’s expense before the source of the leak can be determined. The manufacturer was contacted regarding this issue and declined assistance, citing “lack of required maintenance.” The specific maintenance and its relationship to the water intrusion have not been identified, and the source of the leak has not yet been diagnosed. The retailer also stated that technicians would not enter the vehicle due to the extent of the mold contamination. As a result, standard recall repairs have not been…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 401 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 324 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (101), power train (59), visibility/wiper (49). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Ascent at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Subaru Ascent 5 out of 5 stars overall.