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
- 441
- Recalls
- 9
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2019
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 441 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 441 |
| 2020 | 321 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
37% · 161 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show 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, 2024-04-17
Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Ascent VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 72,093 miles I am submitting this complaint because my 2019 Subaru Ascent experienced a serious transmission-related electrical failure that may represent a broader...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-01
Power train
20% · 89 reportsMost commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission was recalled and supposedly fixed. The fix has now failed and dealer and Subaru are not willing to fix again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27
Noticed my car shifting incorrectly since 66,000 miles. At approximately 68,800 miles transmission begin to fail. At a stop sign I pulled out before oncoming traffic with what should have been plenty of time, but transmission failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Visibility/wiper
15% · 66 reportsEngine
11% · 47 reportsService brakes
6% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show 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, 2019-05-31
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Safety timeline
9 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018-07-31Structure18V508000 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.
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2019Complaint volume 441 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-07-26Power train19V519000 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.
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2020-01-31Engine and engine cooling19V856000 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.
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2020-01-31Power train19V855000 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.
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2020-06-04Fuel system, gasoline20V218000 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.
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2021-09-24Fuel system, gasoline21V587000 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.
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2022-08-19Power train21V955000 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.
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2023-01-25Electrical system22V907000 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.
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2026-07-07Equipment26V436000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 25, 2026.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 161 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 89 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 66 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V508000 · Structure
- Recall 19V519000 · Power train
- Recall 19V856000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19V855000 · Power train
- Recall 20V218000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V955000 · Power train
- Recall 22V907000 · Electrical system
- Recall 26V436000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
- 9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.