2023 Subaru Ascent: common problems and reliability
An average Ascent year.
45 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Ascent?The 2023 Subaru Ascent has 45 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and forward collision avoidance.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Subaru Ascent vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Ascent years only. How we score it
Is 2023 a good year for the Ascent?
Across the 8 Ascent model years we track, complaint volume runs from 45 (2023) to 441 (2019). With 45 complaints, the 2023 Ascent sits below 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 2023 Ascent
tires
Campaign 23V258000Subaru 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 23V392000Subaru 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.
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 23V647000Subaru 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.
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.
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 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Ascent against its rivals
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