VehicleVerdict

2020 Subaru Ascent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 401 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.6 times the median Ascent year — the 2020 model ranks #2 of 8 Ascent years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 101 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

401

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Ascent years?

Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted546 complaints2019: 546 complaints2020: 401 complaints2021: 137 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 64 complaints2025: 17 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Ascent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System10125%
Visibility & Wipers6015%
Other5814%
Transmission5514%
Engine307%
Brakes266%
Driver Assistance236%
Fuel System143%
Body & Structure102%
Suspension72%
Airbags41%
Lighting41%
Speed Control31%
Steering20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V907000Electrical SystemDecember 8, 2022 · 271,694 units

Defect

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.

21V954000SteeringDecember 9, 2021 · 1,305 units

Defect

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.

21V955000TransmissionDecember 9, 2021 · 198,255 units

Defect

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.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Reporting a serious incident with my 2020 Subaru Ascent at 21k miles. On October 16th, a burning plastic smell and white smoke from the floorboard forced an immediate stop; I had to call the fire department for safety. The vehicle's battery has been replaced thrice, and the radio system frequently…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 16, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CRACKING NOISE DETECTED AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 28, 2020

“Reporting a serious incident with my 2020 Subaru Ascent at 21k miles. On October 16th, a burning plastic smell and white smoke from the floorboard forced an immediate stop; I had to call the fire department for safety. The vehicle's battery has been replaced thrice, and the radio system frequently…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 16, 2023 · fire

“While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 29, 2025

“On Friday evening, February 23, 2024 , I pulled onto my driveway and came to a complete stop before driving into the garage . I reached up and hit the garage door remote. When the door began to go up I took my foot off the brake. Instead of creeping up the driveway the car took off like a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 23, 2024 · crash

2020 Subaru Ascent — common questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 401 complaints put the 2020 model at #2 of 8 Ascent years. It is one of the Ascent years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Ascent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (101 complaints), visibility & wipers (60 complaints), other (58 complaints).

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Ascent years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ascent years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Ascent years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Subaru Ascent earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.