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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2019–2026

Subaru Ascent recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns and 1,031 owner complaints for the Subaru Ascent, covering model years 2019 to 2026. The 2019 model year drew the most complaints (441), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Subaru Ascent VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 13 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,031 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2019–2026)
  • most complaints: 2019 (441 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (292 complaints)
  • latest recall 26V436000 (reported Jul 7, 2026)
  • 34 complaints reporting a crash (3.3%)
  • 12 complaints reporting a fire (1.2%)
  • 20 complaints reporting an injury (1.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Subaru Ascent complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2019 model year has the most complaints: 441 of 1,031, or 42.8%. Next come 2020 (322) and 2021 (102). The fewest are for 2026, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Subaru Ascent owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2019–2026Column chart of 1,031 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2019 with 441. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2019: 441 complaints44120192020: 322 complaints32220202021: 102 complaints10220212022: 55 complaints5520222023: 45 complaints4520232024: 50 complaints5020242025: 15 complaints1520252026: 1 complaint12026
Subaru Ascent complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Subaru Ascent complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201944110640
20203226140
20211023130
2022556240
2023454130
2024503010
2025152110
202610000
All model years1,0313412200

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Subaru Ascent components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 292 complaints (28.3% of all 1,031), followed by Power Train (185) and Visibility/Wiper (152).

Components named most often in Subaru Ascent complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Subaru Ascent complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System29228.3%
Power Train18517.9%
Unknown or Other15214.7%
Visibility/Wiper15214.7%
Engine10410.1%
Service Brakes838.1%
Visibility545.2%
Forward Collision Avoidance474.6%
Fuel/Propulsion System383.7%
Structure333.2%
Lane Departure272.6%
Steering232.2%
Air Bags212.0%
Suspension212.0%
Vehicle Speed Control171.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Subaru Ascent recalls

13 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Ascent, newest first. The 13 campaigns cover model years 2019 to 2026. The 2019 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

  • 13 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Park Outside” advisory
Subaru Ascent recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2019: 9 campaigns
2020: 5 campaigns2021: 2 campaigns2022: 2 campaigns2023: 4 campaigns2024: 1 campaign2025: 1 campaign2026: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 26V436000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2019–2026

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

    Consequence:
    An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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 were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 23V647000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
    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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V392000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model year 2023

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.

    Consequence:
    Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 23V258000

    Reported

    Tires

    Model year 2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 22V907000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash

    Model years 2019–2022

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

    Consequence:
    A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 21V955000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Chain/Belt; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Model years 2019–2020

    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.

    Consequence:
    An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 21V954000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

    Model year 2020

    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. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.

    Consequence:
    The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 21V587000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2019–2020

    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.

    Consequence:
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 20V218000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

    Consequence:
    If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 19V856000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

    Consequence:
    An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    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. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Show 3 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V855000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.

    Consequence:
    If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
    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. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V519000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2019

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    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. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 18V508000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model year 2019

    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.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
    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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Subaru Ascent questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Ascent have?

NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns for the Subaru Ascent, covering model years 2019 to 2026. The most recent, 26V436000, was reported on July 7, 2026 and is filed under “Equipment”. The 2019 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Subaru Ascent model year has the most complaints?

The 2019 model year, with 441 of the 1,031 complaints in NHTSA’s file (42.8%). The next are 2020 (322) and 2021 (102). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Subaru Ascent complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 292 complaints, or 28.3% of all 1,031. Power Train (185) and Visibility/Wiper (152) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Subaru Ascent?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Subaru dealer.

How many Subaru Ascent complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,031 complaints, 34 report a crash, 12 a fire, 20 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Subaru models

8 models · most complaints first

The Subaru models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Subaru VIN decoder with every Subaru model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Subaru models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.