VehicleVerdict

2020 Subaru Ascent transmission problems

The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 55 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

55

Transmission complaints

14%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Ascent transmission complaints by model year82 complaints2019: 82 complaints2020: 55 complaints2021: 16 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 3 complaints
Ascent transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?

NHTSA has 55 complaints about the 2020 Subaru Ascent transmission — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 21V955000.

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.