CarRecordBook

Model year record

2023 Subaru Ascent recalls & problems

The 2023 Subaru Ascent has 4 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (10 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints45filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 1reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2023 Subaru Ascent in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EquipmentJul 7, 2026

Other › Labels

Recall 26V436000541,237 vehicles

Problem
Subaru 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."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Power trainSep 21, 2023

Driveline › Driveshaft

Recall 23V6470004,311 vehicles

Problem
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 driveshaft.
Risk
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
SuspensionJun 1, 2023

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 23V3920005 vehicles

Problem
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 separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
Risk
Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
TiresApr 7, 2023

Tires

Recall 23V2580004,409 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2023 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2023 Subaru Ascent NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2023 Subaru Ascent NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Ascent

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes10200—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings10102—
Unknown or other8102—
Visibility/wiper6000—
Tires5000—
Electrical system4010—
Engine3010—
Air bags3200—
Lane departureWarning; Assist3000—
Power train3000—
Vehicle speed control3200—
Seats2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.