Subaru Ascent years to avoid
The Subaru Ascent years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
1,333
Total complaints
13
Recall campaigns
2019–2026
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Ascent years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 558 | |
| 2020 | High complaint rate | 404 | |
| 2021 | High complaint rate | 141 |
Every Ascent year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 66 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 64 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 79 | 2 | |
| 2021avoid | 141 | 2 | |
| 2020avoid | 404 | 5 | |
| 2019avoid | 558 | 9 |
Common questions
What are the worst Subaru Ascent years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Ascent years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the Subaru Ascent?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Ascent years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Subaru Ascent have?
Across all model years, the Ascent has 13 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,333 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.