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NewRisk. An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Subaru AscentProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 325 owner complaints about the 2020 Subaru Ascent, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-587 the manufacturer reports only 91% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Subaru Ascent has problems
325 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
101Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
60Power train
49Visibility/wiper
29Engine1 crash/fire/injury
26Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
14Fuel/propulsion system
12Forward collision avoidance
11Visibility
10Structure
3514 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 101 | 1 |
| Power train | 60 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 49 | 0 |
| Engine | 29 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 26 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 12 | 4 |
| Visibility | 11 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 35 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2020 Subaru Ascent recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Wiring: interior/under dash
Park outsideRisk. A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2023 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
6kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 52 electrical system complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 43% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
52under 30k miles52under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Ascent year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ascent median. How we score
'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Subaru Ascent safety ratings
2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Ascent owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing.…
Component- steering locks Safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance front camera became inoperable. The pre-collision, the braking control, and the Lane Departure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
Own a 2020 Ascent?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.