VehicleVerdict

2022 Subaru Ascent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2022 Subaru Ascent sits mid-pack among Ascent years: 79 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 72, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (14), driver assistance (14), and brakes (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

79

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Ascent years?

Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted546 complaints2019: 546 complaints2020: 401 complaints2021: 137 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 64 complaints2025: 17 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Subaru Ascent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1418%
Driver Assistance1418%
Brakes1114%
Engine911%
Other79%
Visibility & Wipers79%
Airbags45%
Fuel System45%
Electrical System34%
Tires & Wheels23%
Latches & Locks23%
Seats11%
Steering11%

Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving slowly through a parking lot. I found a spot to park my car and noticed that there was a curb painted bright yellow so I knew I could not pull through. I started to turn into the parking spot with my foot on the brake when all of a sudden my car was speeding towards the curb and a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 15, 2023 · crash

“The transmission of my 2022 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate. While maintaining speed I can also feel a shutter or flutter. As if it is trying to decide what ratio to keep. Even though I’m on flat ground and maintaining speed. It is a similar feeling to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 7, 2022

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2022

“I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 2025 · crash · fire

“2nd cracked front windshields in the 1st 5 months we have own the car. Not sure how the first crack happened but this 2nd crack just started and has now spread to over half the window. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 31, 2022

2022 Subaru Ascent — common questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ascent: 79 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2022 Ascent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), driver assistance (14 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).

Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 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 2022 Subaru Ascent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 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.