2023 Subaru Ascent

▲ Better than typical
2023 Subaru Ascent
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:14:48.390Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Ascent Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2023 highlighted. 2019: 432 complaints 2019 2020: 316 complaints 2020 2021: 97 complaints 2021 2022: 55 complaints 2022 2023: 39 complaints 2023 2024: 48 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaints 2026
2023: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2019432
2020316
202197
202255
202339
202448
202512
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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

VISIBILITY/WIPER 15%

15% 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

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 10%

10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 4 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
TIRES 8%

8% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20230505 — tires

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

R 20230627 — suspension

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

R 20231120 — power train

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2023 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (4 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.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2022 ◆ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2020 ◆ 2021

See all years ranked →

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?

3 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.