*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to accelerate and lost power. The contact also stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with chain slippage in the clutch, causing the loss of power. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Oct 20, 2026Unknown or other
I have experienced problems with the rear lift gate on multiple occasions. It is working intermittently and locking me out. The beeping while the car is in motion is continuous and it drained the battery; I had to purchase a new battery. Another time we had to disconnect the battery (as suggested by the dealership) and reconnect it to fix the problem.
Oct 8, 2026Wheels
After replacing tires I started hearing noises from rear wheel. I searched online and it appears there is an issue with wheel bearings on several Subaru models (see YOUTUBE video by FIXBOOK dated July 12, 2026). The issue was confirmed by my Subaru dealer on 9/10/2026. Subary wheel bearings prior to 2026 were subject to poor design resulting in premature corrosion, complete failure and possible separation from the under carriage. New Subaru wheel bearing was redesigned in 2026 (part 28473XC00E), but Subaru never recalled the defective wheel bearings in Tribeca, WRX, Forester, Ascent, Outback models sold prior to 2026?
Sep 10, 2026Exterior lighting
Subaru has a known problem/design with their LED daytime running lamps on the Ascent model. Dealerships are seeing a high failure rate of these LED lights, and it is always with the left side headlamp assembly. The LED strip quits working. In my case my car has about 42,000 miles on it with estimated 1,500 hours of operation. LED lights are designed to last a minimum of 30,000 and up to 100,000 hours. I see these models all the time with their left daytime lamps out. These lamps are provided for safety reasons and to bring visibility to other drivers. Even Subaru dealer's state that this is a known problem and always the left headlight assembly. FYI, the whole assembly needs to be replaced,…
Jul 28, 2026Power train
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was skipping. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was completed on July 15, 2025. The contact was the vehicle owner on that date and stated that the vehicle was never taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with CVT failure and advised that the vehicle was outside warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Aug 16, 2026 · 145,000 milesPower train
1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership, and any failed components should be available for inspection upon request while the vehicle remains in their possession. 2.The transmission malfunction is affecting the vehicle's ability to accelerate, maintain speed, and operate predictably. This creates a potential safety risk when the vehicle loses power or experiences unexpected changes in operation while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The concern is heightened…
Jul 30, 2026Power train
The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds. Over the last month the transmission started to slip while accelerating , especially up hill. There would be a grinding noise and RPMs would jump. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed it was the transmission via camera test. I called Subaru of America for goodwill help with the cost knowing that there is a know issue with the transmission. They refused due to the mileage, 121,010. â¢What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The…
Jun 16, 2026Suspension
My strut bearings have been replaced several times in the drivers sides, my shock and strut has been replaced twice on the drivers side and now the passenger side is doing the same thing. The dealership tells me that there is nothing wrong but research shows this car has known suspension issues. My passenger side front has a loud metallic grinding sound when turning the wheel in park. Iâm told this is the brakes which makes no sense. The car feels like it is on ice or sailing down the road, and the car does not maintain an alignment causing the insides of tires to wear out after 15,000-20,000 miles and need to be replaced.
Jun 1, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
