2020 Subaru Ascent service brakes problems

“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 the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not slow as expected and struck the rear of another vehicle. Property damage occurred, but no injuries were reported. The second incident occurred on May 5, 2026. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 35 mph, I again applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected and entered the intersection, colliding with a vehicle traveling perpendicular to my direction of travel. Both vehicles were towed. No injuries were reported. During both incidents, there were no forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking interventions, or other alerts observed prior to impact. Following the second collision, the vehicle was inspected by an independent technician. Brake components inspected were found to be within serviceable condition and no evidence of neglect…”

“In December 2025, I had brake replacement, tire service, and wheel alignment performed at Monro Auto Service located at [XXX] child were traveling on the highway during a winter storm when the brakes began making a loud banging noise. My wife was unable to immediately locate a service location and was forced to continue driving for an extended period in winter storm conditions while in fear for her safety and that of our child. When she was finally able to reach a second Monro location between [XXX] and [XXX] , a technician discovered that one brake caliper bolt was missing entirely and a second was dangerously loose. The vehicle had been driven at highway speeds in a winter storm with an improperly and incompletely assembled brake system for an extended distance before help was found. The second Monro location secured the caliper bolt and confirmed the vehicle safe to continue. The original Fairport location was contacted and their manager acknowledged the issue but has failed to provide any meaningful resolution after nearly four months. In a formal BBB complaint response, Monro Inc. confirmed that the caliper bolt had not been properly secured and…”

“The emergency brake occasionally comes on for no apparent reason. It has happened multiple times before but, never while driving until today. The button appeared to be stuck when I went to disengage it as well which made no sense. There was nothing in the way for it to get stuck. Upon further research in the Subaru forums it appears ours is not the only one to have experienced this. This leads me to believe there may be an unknown issue.”

“Transmission failure, chugging while driving on the road then slowed down in middle of the intersection, won’t accelerate which is a unsafe situation. It says “check engine”, “break, “eyesight disabled”, “at oil temp” and “transmission”. The speed was stuck to 20mph and engine eas loud. Smelled like something was burning too”

“I have encountered a series of persistent issues with the vehicle since its initial purchase, indicating fundamental deficiencies that warrant thorough consideration and resolution. Commencing with brake malfunctions at an exceptionally low mileage threshold, the recurrent necessity for brake replacements, despite being facilitated by the dealership on four separate occasions, underscores a notable deficiency in the vehicle's manufacturing or assembly process. Furthermore, the manufacturer's offer of $10,000 in exchange for signing a waiver relinquishing my right to file a claim is indicative of their acknowledgment of the vehicle's inherent flaws. Subsequent to this agreement, additional complications have arisen, including persistent window malfunctioning, electrical faults, exhaust system irregularities, and most notably, transmission failures, with repeated complaints culminating in a catastrophic breakdown witnessed by the dealership's service team. In light of these recurring issues, the manufacturer's proposition to repurchase the vehicle while crediting back the $10,000 initially offered and prorating mileage solely from the transmission repair fails to…”

“The car has issues with rapidly deteriorating brakes. The brakes have been replaced twice and I feel they are bad again. This puts myself, anyone in my car, and any car around me at risk. The dealer is aware of the issue. Car was last inspected with the same concerns in mid-April to which the dealership responded the brakes are "like new". No one else has inspected the vehicle including the police or insurance representative. There was no warning lights related to the issue. I could just feel the brakes grinding. They were first replaced one year after purchasing the vehicle on 4/28/21. They were replaced again on 6/23/22. They feel like they are grinding again.”