CarModelProblems.com

2020 Subaru Ascent Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
316Complaints
5Recalls
6Crashes
1Fires
5Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (32% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.9× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System101 · 32%RecalledRecall 22V907000
Power Train54 · 17.1%RecalledRecall 21V955000
Visibility/wiper49 · 15.5%not available
Engine29 · 9.2%not available
Service Brakes26 · 8.2%not available
Fuel/propulsion System14 · 4.4%RecalledRecall 21V587000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other56 · 17.7%
POWER TRAIN54 · 17.1%
VISIBILITY/WIPER49 · 15.5%
ENGINE29 · 9.2%
SERVICE BRAKES26 · 8.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14 · 4.4%
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD11 · 3.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY9 · 2.8%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING8 · 2.5%

Percentages are the share of the 316 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 21V955000 · 2021 · reported 12/09/2021

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

NHTSA campaign 21V954000 · 2021 · reported 12/09/2021

The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 2021 · reported 07/29/2021

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

NHTSA campaign 22V907000 · 2022 · reported 12/08/2022

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · 2026 · reported 07/07/2026

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“THE VEHICLE STARTED BEEPING WHILE IT WAS OFF AND SITTING IN THE CARPORT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BEEPING WAS COMING FROM THE REAR LIFT GATE…”NHTSA complaint 11414031 — filed 04/26/2021 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“15000 MILES AND BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AND LEFT ME STRANDED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. HAD TO GET TOWED TO DEALERSHIP”NHTSA complaint 11412876 — filed 04/19/2021 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“I AM DOING SHORT HAUL DRIVING AND MY BATTERY DRAINS AND EVENTUALLY GOES DEAD. I DO A LONGER DRIVE WHEN I EXPERIENCE SLOW ENGINE TURNOVER…”NHTSA complaint 11408619 — filed 04/18/2021 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

620199520201032021872022292023372024152025292026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 101 of 316 NHTSA complaints (32%), followed by unspecified/other issues (56), power train (54), visibility/wiper (49). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?

316 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V955000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Subaru Ascent's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.