NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (1) and service brakes, hydraulic (1). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and independently came to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.”
“The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that there was a failure related to the brake pedal design. The contact stated that there was an approximate one-inch difference in spacing between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in previous model vehicles. The contact stated that there was an approximate four-inch gap between the brake and accelerator pedals, while previous models had an approximate three-inch space. The contact stated that the difference created a hazardous driving condition and increased the risk of unintended pedal application. Additionally, there were several instances where a crash could have occurred due to the pedal spacing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that several complaints were received with the same issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,040.”
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 | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 405 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 421 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (1), service brakes, hydraulic (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2026 Subaru Ascent at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Subaru Ascent 5 out of 5 stars overall.