2019 Subaru Ascent
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 432 |
| 2020 | 316 |
| 2021 | 97 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: electrical system — 155 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240417
19% of complaints: power train — 80 distinct reports on file.
CRASH15% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 66 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine — 47 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240417
6% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, MY WIFE STARTED THE CAR AND BACKED OFF A PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE AND FELT WIRED - THE BRAKE COULD NOT BE PRESSED DOWN AND FELT LIKE IT'S JAMMED SOMEHOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190531
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018.
Campaign 18V508000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V519000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge.
Campaign 19V856000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes.
Campaign 19V855000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Campaign 20V218000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 21V955000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
Campaign 22V907000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (155 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (80 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (66 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V508000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V519000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V856000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V855000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V218000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V955000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V907000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.