Avoid: 2020, 2019 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
5 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 8 model years, the Subaru Ascent has 1,031 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 25 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2019 drew the most complaints (441), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (45).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Ascent vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $18,899–$28,937.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2019 (441 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (45).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its safety, all-weather capability with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious and usable third row, strong towing capacity for the class, and car-like handling.
Failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models.
Real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class.
Interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point.
Beyond the CVT, includes issues with trim pieces falling off and various other problems.
Requires more diligent maintenance (premium fuel, more frequent oil changes, induction cleaning every 30k-60k miles) compared to naturally aspirated engines.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Ascent. Individual model years are broken down above.
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