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Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2019 Subaru Ascent

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 441 safety complaints about the 2019 Subaru Ascent with the US government. Of those, 10 describe a crash, 6 mention a fire, 8 people were injured and no death is recorded. 9 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 160 complaints, 36% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 12,000 miles, the median across the 239 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers August 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

441 complaints on file

441

Complaints

10

Describe a crash

6

Mention fire

8

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 48% year on year: 11 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 21 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 160 · 36%
POWER TRAIN 88 · 20%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 66 · 15%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 59 · 13%
ENGINE 47 · 11%
SERVICE BRAKES 26 · 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16 · 4%
VISIBILITY 15 · 3%
STRUCTURE 12 · 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11 · 2%
SUSPENSION 11 · 2%
AIR BAGS 7 · 2%
0 65 131

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 441.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 113.

120 90 60 30
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Subaru ASCENT, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 17.0%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

9 on file

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

26V436000 · July 7, 2026

The defect
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."
The risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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 are expected to be mailed August 25, 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 541,237 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

22V907000 · December 8, 2022

Park outside until repaired

The defect
Subaru 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.
The risk
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 271,694 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

21V955000 · December 9, 2021

The defect
Subaru 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.
The risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 198,255 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

21V587000 · July 29, 2021

The defect
Subaru 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.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 175,968 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

20V218000 · April 16, 2020

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
The risk
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 188,207 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

19V856000 · December 2, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
The risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 51,613 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

19V855000 · December 2, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
The risk
If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 76,842 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

19V519000 · July 10, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
The risk
If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 166 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

18V508000 · August 2, 2018

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 293 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

4 injured · crash · towed

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND SOS EMERGENCY DID NOT WORK. 4 PERSONS WERE INJURED IN THE IMPACT WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INSURANCE LOT, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS MULTIPLE FAILURES.*JB*JB*JB

NHTSA complaint 11398525. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 17,500 miles

I WAS REAR-ENDED REALLY BAD AT 35+ SPEED OF RESPONSIBLE PARTY, WHILE I WAS AT FULL STOP. IMPACT TOTALED MY VEHICLE, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SUBSEQUENTLY, I HIT A STEERING WHEEL WITH MY FOREHEAD AND SUFFERED ONLY A CONCUSSION, LUCKILY.

NHTSA complaint 11298159. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 21,300 miles

TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF OUR CAR AND WE HIT IT WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CRUSHING THE FRONT END. ALL AIR BAGS IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED AND THE FRONT END BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY. WITHIN MINUTES OF GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE IT BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BURNED UP. CONCERNED THAT THESE VEHICLES WILL BURST INTO FLAMES DURING A FRONT END COLLISION AT HIGH SPEEDS.

NHTSA complaint 11282852. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · fire · crash · towed

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 75 MPH, a deer ran across the highway and hit the left driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A grayish smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the contact's wife immediately pulled off to the side of the road. Due to the damaged cause by the impact of the deer, the contact's wife had difficulty exiting the vehicle. The contact's wife used excessive force to open a crack in the door, which was enough to slide herself out of the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed in flames soon after exiting the vehicle, and the authorities were called to the scene. The

NHTSA complaint 11726659, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subaru of America has a Bulletin out that changes the front suspension arms for both front ends. The dealership made this correction and now the front end rattles like there are loose parts. Dealership says they don’t hear it. Won’t investigate more unless I pay them a diagnostic fee. If Subaru of America knows this vehicle has a faulty part that causes the calipers to clamp down too hard thus warping the rotors! Dealership & SOA need to advertise this Bulletin as a recall.

NHTSA complaint 11762427. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

60,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the hood was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown adjustment was needed. Additionally, the shocks were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the hinges were fractured. The contact was informed that the hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint 11762249. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
Immediately after pushing the lift gate release button on the dash, a loud and constant alarm tone began. The gate would then not open using the button on the dash, remote, or handle on the exterior of the lift gate door. To access the items in the rear (and to stop the alarm), we needed to get the door open. We followed the owner's manual exactly to access the internal emergency release. We removed the plastic cover for the gear unit, then used a screwdriver to manually move the release to the right. Despite every amount of pressure we tried, including adding pressure by pushing down on the gate from the outside with one person while another tried the release procedure, the gate would not

NHTSA complaint 11758028, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has 178k miles on it currently. I had to have a transmission and transfer case replaced at 68k miles. Done by Subaru. At 168k miles I had to have a new front pump in the transmission case replaced. Repair done by Subaru. Now at 178k miles the second replacement transmission has completely failed and needs replaced.

NHTSA complaint 11756882. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All the safety systems become disabled and check Engine light goes on because transmission fluid is being pumped Out of a faulty secondary pressure sensor part 31878aa020,( defective and replaced with 31878aa021), into the engines wiring at the car computer, transmission computer, and bulkhead connector in fuse box causing all sorts of engine codes. The setting of the engine code closes all the vehicles driver safety systems and changes the dynamic of the drivers driving experience. As the problem gets worse, it can render the car powerless on roads and highways making operation dangerous. I have my car parked in front of the house with the battery and electrical connectors unplugged. This

NHTSA complaint 11755268, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
My 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited had a safety recall that was related to a CVT transmission issue. That safety recall was addressed by Sewell Subaru (Dallas, TX) in January of 2025. This past Wednesday, July 29, I was driving on a state highway on my way to work from my residence. Not even two miles away from my residence, I felt a jerk and a loud "thud". That was followed by loss of power in that the vehicle just was rolling, but no power from the gas. I was able to safely maneuver onto a the shoulder and stop the vehicle. Within minutes, I noticed a puddling of a large amount of fluid that I could easily recognize was not oil. The vehicle was towed back to Sewell Subaru this past Saturday

NHTSA complaint 11754594, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Ascent

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 15 1 —
2024 50 1 —
2023 45 4 —
2022 55 2 —
2021 102 2 —
2020 322 5 —

Other 2019 Subaru models

Every Subaru on this site — 99 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst