VehicleVerdict

2023 Subaru Ascent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Subaru Ascent sits mid-pack among Ascent years: 58 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 72, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (12), brakes (9), and other (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

58

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Ascent years?

Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted546 complaints2019: 546 complaints2020: 401 complaints2021: 137 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 64 complaints2025: 17 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Subaru Ascent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1221%
Brakes916%
Other712%
Visibility & Wipers610%
Tires & Wheels59%
Airbags35%
Electrical System35%
Engine35%
Speed Control35%
Seats23%
Transmission23%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

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

23V647000TransmissionSeptember 21, 2023 · 4,311 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.

Consequence

Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.

23V392000SuspensionJune 1, 2023 · 5 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Consequence

Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.

23V258000Tires & WheelsApril 7, 2023 · 4,409 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.

Consequence

A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“When crossing a bridge at 40 mph with wide open lanes and shoulders the vehicle on cruise control suddenly braked aggressively and came to a full stop in the middle of a state highway bridge. Conditions were daylight, headed towards sun, no shadows on bridge. The road surface was smooth asphalt.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 14, 2025

“unknown defects in some vehicles that could cause sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input Yes, our safety was at risk. The vehicle was clearly not in our control. A police report was generated. The car plowed through the garage no control to brake The damages are being inspected by…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 4, 2024 · crash

“I attempted to make a U-turn with the steering wheel fully turned to the left. When I accelerated, the car took off and went straight into the curb. It did so by “plowing” or what is referred to as severely undesteering - which forced the front right face of the wheel into the curb, breaking…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 2023 · crash

“ Just bought my Ascent last 12/31/22. With less than 600 miles, while driving with my heater on, I noticed there was a crack on windshield lower center portion, about 5" in length. There was no object that hit the windshield that I saw or heard. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 22, 2023

“Tire blew out at 70 mph on interstate with no warning and no debris on roadway. (245/50R20). Police officer aided us after we changed the spare to re-enter interstate safely due to high traffic speed. Beginning of a road trip so bought a new tire when we found a town & shop disposed of destroyed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 18, 2023

2023 Subaru Ascent — common questions

Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ascent: 58 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Ascent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (12 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Ascent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.