2020 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 | 439 |
| 2020 | 319 |
| 2021 | 101 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 101 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Reporting a serious incident with my 2020 Subaru Ascent at 21k miles. On October 16th, a burning plastic smell and white smoke from the floorboard forced an immediate stop; I had to call the fire department for safety.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231101
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18% of complaints: power train — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
15% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 49 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 21V954000 — 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
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.
Campaign 26V436000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (101 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V954000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V955000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V907000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V436000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.