2020 Subaru Ascent problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 322 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, filed between 2019-09-25 and 2026-09-11. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (101, 31%), power train (58, 18%) and visibility/wiper (49, 15%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Subaru Ascent complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 101 | 31% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 58 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 56 | 17% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 49 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 29 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 26 | 8% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 12 | 4% | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Visibility | 11 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 8 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 1% | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 101 complaints
- 101 complaints of 322 (31%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Subaru Ascent; the recall, campaign 22V907000, says: “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…”
Power train: 58 complaints
- 58 complaints of 322 (18%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Subaru Ascent; the recall, campaign 21V955000, says: “A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.”
Visibility/wiper: 49 complaints
- 49 complaints of 322 (15%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 2 of them also name the lane departure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent covers this system.
Engine: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 322 (9%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent covers this system.
Service brakes: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 322 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 322 (4%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 6 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 82 |
| 2021 | 85 |
| 2022 | 69 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 22 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ASCENT, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Subaru Ascent recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Subaru Ascent's most common problem areas are the electrical system (101 of 322 complaints), power train (58 of 322 complaints) and visibility/wiper (49 of 322 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA has 322 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.