2020 Subaru Ascent: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Ascent years.
One of the Subaru Ascent years to avoid. All Ascent years
322 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Ascent?The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 322 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag cvt transmission reliability: failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. primarily affects 2019-2020 models.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Subaru Ascent vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Ascent years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the Ascent?
Across the 8 Ascent model years we track, complaint volume runs from 45 (2023) to 441 (2019). With 322 complaints, the 2020 Ascent sits above the model's median of 55.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 Ascent
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 21V955000Subaru 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.
steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Campaign 21V954000Subaru 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V587000Subaru 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.
electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
Campaign 22V907000Subaru 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.
Show 1 more recall
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 26V436000Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
What owners say across generations
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.
- Very frequentCVT transmission reliability
Failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models.
- RecurrentEarly model year (2019-2020) general reliability
Beyond the CVT, includes issues with trim pieces falling off and various other problems.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Ascent. See the full Ascent owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Ascent listings typically run $18,899–$28,937.
Other Ascent model years
Compare every Ascent year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Ascent against its rivals
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