2023 Subaru Ascent: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Subaru Ascent has 39 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and forward collision avoidance. 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

39
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
3
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Subaru Ascent vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
9
forward collision avoidance
6
visibility/wiper
6
electrical system
3
engine
3

Recalls affecting the 2023 Ascent

tires

Campaign 23V258000

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.

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 23V392000

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 s…

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 23V647000

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 dri…

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. The tu

  • CVT transmission reliability — failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Disappointing fuel economy — real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Interior build quality and materials — interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Early model year (2019-2020) general reliability — beyond the CVT, includes issues with trim pieces falling off and various other problems. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Turbocharged engine maintenance — requires more diligent maintenance (premium fuel, more frequent oil changes, induction cleaning every 30k-60k miles) compared to naturally aspirated engines. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Ascent.

Typical used price

Used Ascent listings typically run $22,611–$32,377 across 2019 to 2026 model years.

Full Subaru Ascent owner reportCompare against another car