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 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Subaru Ascent

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2020 Subaru Ascent
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 321
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2020: 321 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

31% · 101 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2023-11-01

Power train

18% · 57 reports

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, 2026-08-20

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, 2026-07-29

Visibility/wiper

15% · 49 reports

Engine

9% · 29 reports

CRASH

Service brakes

8% · 26 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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2020Complaint volume 321 complaints filed for this model year.
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-02-07Steering21V954000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 101 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 57 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 49 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 21V954000 · Steering
Recall 21V955000 · Power train
Recall 22V907000 · Electrical system
Recall 26V436000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 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 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?: 5 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.