2023 Subaru Ascent
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 440 |
| 2020 | 321 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
unknown defects in some vehicles that could cause sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input Yes, our safety was at risk. The vehicle was clearly not in our control. A police report was generated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240822
Also filed under AIR BAGS
I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
23% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On XXX, I was operating my vehicle heading Pocono PA, on I-80 in [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Windshield cracked more than 2 inches above the front windshield A/C vent while vehicle is in warm up process around outside temperature 30F. This car is only 3 weeks old with mileage w 240 at the cracked occurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221214
9% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2024 Subaru Ascent â Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260908
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
Campaign 23V258000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 23V392000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 23V647000 — 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
2023 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V258000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V392000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V647000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V436000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.