Subaru Ascent Complaints

262 consumer complaints on file.

#11738890May 19, 2026
ENGINE
Exhaust "Nut" mysteriously went missing, causing noises, and Subaru technician stated to replace exhaust if issues persist. Vehicle was under warranty, only been serviced by certified Subaru technicians, and multi-point inspections were allegedly performed during every service, however, the exhaust "nut" were somehow still went missing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738307May 16, 2026
STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
While cruising on a 2-lane road or a freeway, the vehicle will cross over the adjacent line, either left or right. This generally happens between 50 to 75 mph. The event happens either when cruise control is on or off. Wind is not necessarily the problem. The solution requires one to take the necessary immediate steering correction. At times, the departure from the lanes may repeat. This may be a temporary correction. This may create a head-on collision if not immediately correctly manually. VERY DISTURBING!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736826May 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On 9-May, 2026, the vehicle was driven during the morning with no warning lights or indication of component failure. Vehicle was parked on the owner's driveway at approximately 13:00. Approximately 15:40 I started the Ascent’s engine, let it idle for about 60 seconds, buckled up and scanned dashboard and rearview mirror. No warning lights or any fault indication. Approximately 15:42, I put the vehicle in reverse and released the brake Approximately 15:42:30 the vehicle exited the driveway Approximately 15:43 there was a shudder on [XXX] (heading north); the dash lit up with multiple warning lights; the check engine warning illuminated and the ATOIL Temp warning light engaged. At this time, the vehicle rolled down a hill, un-commanded, and only with repeated pumping of the brake did the vehicle stop. Approximately 15:49 I was able to park the vehicle, engaging the hazard flashers and exited the vehicle. While no one was injured in this instance, had this happened on a highway there would have been insurance losses and potential injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735425May 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The window pillars on the passenger side deformed on exposure to sunlight reflected from our house windows; in less than 6 months of ownership! We are the original owners and took possession in June 2025. Both the local Subaru dealer and Subaru USA have been involved. Subaru USA Case number is: 251230 - 1500232. Subaru will NOT cover this despite us having owned a Subaru DL, a Subaru Forester, and a Hyundai Tucson all parked in the same driveway, same manner (backed in), and owned for a minimum of 5 years by us as second owners for all 3 cars AND zero issues with any body pieces. There were no warnings, either at time of purchase or prior to us filing a request for relief with Subaru in December 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733857April 26, 2026
SEATS
The front driver seat cushion/seat cover is deteriorating and ripping at the front portion of the seat. While driving, I can feel road vibration and impacts through the driver seat much more than normal, and the seat no longer feels properly cushioned or supported. I am concerned this affects the driver seating position, comfort, and ability to maintain proper control, and it creates a distraction while driving. The failed component is the front driver seat cushion/seat cover and it is available for inspection upon request. I have seen Subaru Service Bulletin 12-273-19 for earlier Ascent model years describing redesigned front seat cushion trim covers due to early wrinkling/durability concerns, and my vehicle appears to have a similar front seat cushion/cover failure. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. There were no warning lamps or messages before the problem appeared. The first symptoms were increased road feel through the driver seat and visible deterioration/ripping of the seat cushion/cover. Cause is UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733168April 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobilized. Brake warning light activated. Vehicle would not move even after a jump start. Passengers had to exit in a live traffic lane. A second vehicle was used to transport a replacement battery. The original battery is in my possession and available for inspection. A subsequent failure occurred when the original battery was reinstalled for a manufacturer-required diagnostic. Vehicle again would not start. KNOWN DEFECT: Subaru TSB 07-213-22R (revised 03/28/24) covers the 2023-24 Ascent battery and acknowledges the factory specification as inadequate, directing dealers to replace the battery, tray, cover, and holding rod with higher-capacity parts. This TSB was not proactively applied to my vehicle. The dealer did not identify or disclose it at earlier service visits where the battery concern was reported and "could not be reproduced." No recall or proactive owner notification has been issued. Dealers are not applying the TSB preventively. A complaint is open with Subaru of America Customer Advocacy. The manufacturer has declined to reimburse the out-of-pocket emergency replacement and has required a dealer diagnostic that has been repeatedly blocked by manufacturer/dealer procedural requirements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731955April 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Subaru Ascent that I purchased new from Herb Gordon Subaru in Maryland. The incident occurred while driving on I-95 at approximately 75 mph with my family, including children, in the vehicle. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete powertrain failure without any prior warning indicators. This created an immediate and serious safety risk on a busy highway. Fortunately, we were able to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic and avoid a collision. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had undergone regular maintenance, and there were no indications of any imminent powertrain failure. While a routine fluid service had been recommended, it was not presented as urgent and was planned to be completed at a later time. Following the incident, I conducted further research and learned that the vehicle had previously been subject to a manufacturer recall involving engine harness/ECM-related issues, which had been completed prior to the sale. This material information was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase and only came to my attention after the failure occurred. Had I been informed of this recall history at the time of purchase, it would have reasonably influenced my decision-making, and I would have reconsidered or sought further clarification before proceeding. The estimated repair cost is approximately $11,000. Subaru of America has offered $2,000 in goodwill assistance, which I consider inadequate given the severity of the failure and the associated safety concerns. This matter raises concerns regarding non-disclosure of material recall history at the time of sale, potential underlying defect, and possible breach of the implied warranty of merchantability. In addition this recall is not even recorded in the NHTSA website.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731928April 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731662April 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
In 2024, 2025, and 2026, I have had 2 incidents in each year where the cruise control is set to 60 to 65 mph and the cruise control then accelerates the car past 100 mph. When this occurs, tapping the break does NOT disengage the cruise control. All 6 times I have had to slam the breaks to a full dead stop while the car tries to accelerate anyway. April 4, 2026 and April 14, 2026 are the most recent occurrences and all occurrences so far for this issue have been during a downhill road incline. The dealer has dismissed the problem every time and has been unable to fix or reproduce the problem on demand. The random frequency of this problem can easily lead to a significant accident for the driver or others in the vicinity. And the lack of resolution from the Subaru dealer has lead me to report the issue here in hopes that if this is occurring for other vehicles that the company takes an actual resolution to solve the issue in their cruise control function.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730964April 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I had catastrophic transmission failure. The car was completely inoperable. Thankfully this only happened in a parking lot. If this were yo happen while merging into traffic it could have been very dangerous. This was the second cvt in this vehicle. The 1st transmission was replaced around 52kmiles. The second transmission lasted not even 13 months sndless than 15k miles. Subaru replaced the transmission for a 3rd time at a cost of 1k to me. I no longer have the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729610April 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. First noticed transmission was slipping with a large load in vehicle May 2025 at 4 years and 8 months after purchase at about 40,000 miles on odometer. The issue was subsequently not noticed under typical load until slipping transmission signs reappeared December 2025. Made appointment in March 2026 due to a planned trip to [XXX] mid-February to mid-March. Failed transmission poses critical safety risks including loss of acceleration, stalling in traffic and unexpected deceleration. Subaru of New England was able to install the transmission at about 50% of the initial estimate over $12,000 (final paid $5400). Subaru of America file was claimed (Case # XXX-XXX) for the balance, but any further reimbursement was rejected. Issue 2: Driver window alternating between getting stuck fully opened as well as reversing to the open position when trying to roll up. The failure of window regulator and channel run was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles. Had to purchase and replace the Subaru window regulator and channel run. Power window failures in the open position create significant safety risks including vehicle theft, interior damage from weather and occupant vulnerability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728873April 2, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
My eyesight camera keeps failing, it just started like a week ago I had it scanned and it is saying there is an error with the eyesight camera, I have not had an issue with it until now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728594April 1, 2026
Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
I am a CPST. I use the Joie Mint Latch with my own child. On multiple occasions I have found on multiple occasions that when securing the lower rigid latch it will flip to green (secure) when it is not actually latched. It is during install when "jiggling" it into position. I am concerned parents who arent as well educated on car seats may not double check the latch before traveling and their child may not be safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727976March 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
The hood acts like it is going to come loose whenever I : 1> Meet a semi-truck on a two lane road. 2> If following a truck on interstate. 3> Driving when windy. The flex in hood is very unnerving for fear it is going to blow off when in traffic. The body shop has adjusted latch today but did not correct the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727258March 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Traveling back home from our vehicle downhill the vehicle started aggressively started to downshift that caused disengaging it was scary and almost wrecked into a tree. The car was very hot and smoking . We were stranded and afraid to move the car as we sat for over an hour and had to walk two miles in the dark to home with two children . We could not get tow truck or ride as we had no service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726475March 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
While driving under normal road conditions at approximately 35mph, the side airbags in the vehicle deployed unexpectedly without any collision, impact, or apparent external cause. There were no warning lights, alerts, or prior indications of any system malfunction before the deployment. The sudden airbag deployment startled the driver and created an immediate safety risk, including potential loss of vehicle control and risk of injury to occupants. The vehicle had not struck anything, and there were no road hazards or events that would reasonably trigger airbag deployment. The vehicle has since been inspected by insurance representatives and a dealership, and repair estimates have been completed. At this time, the cause of the deployment remains UNKNOWN. This incident raises serious concerns about a potential defect in the airbag system or related sensors, as the airbags deployed without a triggering event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725906March 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that there was a failure related to the brake pedal design. The contact stated that there was an approximate one-inch difference in spacing between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in previous model vehicles. The contact stated that there was an approximate four-inch gap between the brake and accelerator pedals, while previous models had an approximate three-inch space. The contact stated that the difference created a hazardous driving condition and increased the risk of unintended pedal application. Additionally, there were several instances where a crash could have occurred due to the pedal spacing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that several complaints were received with the same issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,040.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725797March 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2022 Subaru Ascent. Noticed progressive strong odor in the car. After rain had significant fluid accumulation in the front passenger ceiling, inside front passenger door (sloshing), and wet carpets on the floor on the passenger side. Serviced by Subaru dealer water specialist who reported (1) clogged moonroof drains and "popped off connector" leading to flooding of the entire front passenger ceiling; (2) detached vapor barrier in the passenger door allowing water to collect inside the door and drain into the car; (3) significant concern for mold based on the extent of damage and odor accumulating over time. Told by dealer the drains could be unclogged and they'd repair the popped off connection with a zip-tie fastener since it was not tight enough before, re-affix the vapor barrier in the door, but otherwise their expressed SAFETY concern related to the extent of suspected mold and the poor effects that would have on the health of us and our children. Told the mold was unlikely to fully remediate despite usual efforts, as it creates a fibrous web that is very difficult to ever fix, and the recommendation was that we probably not drive the car again. Told no water damage of any etiology is covered under any Subaru warranty. Dealer refused at first to give documentation about the service or recommendations. Later gave but left off mold documentation - we requested they add it back on, if we choose to sell or trade in the vehicle later we refuse to do so without the mold and associated health risks being public knowledge for a future owner of this vehicle. We also reported that our Subaru Eyesight (collision avoidance system) had been intermittently shorting out, online reports show this can be related to drain floods. No report/update thus far by Subaru on this, also not included in report. We filed a complaint with Subaru of America but have not been called back despite two weeks of repeated calls to them for an update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721168February 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the passenger door window behind the driver burst, then began falling into the car. The safety issue would have occurred if one of my grandchildren were sitting there. Also, the startling event of it just bursting and possible causing a jerk in the car. The dealer said that they have not heard of this and would not repair under warranty (brand new car, purchased in September). Police investigated and saw nothing that would have caused an outside force to break the window. No warnings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714272January 29, 2026
SEAT BELTS, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'condensation build up on the interior of roof (seat belt area)' due to unlocated water intrusion. The dealer attributes this to 'leaf debris' in the front cowl area and rear hatch hinge despite the leak occurring at the rear C-pillar (and notably cargo area and front footwells showed no moisture making this physically impossible). Despite confirmed moisture exposure to critical passive restraint systems, the dealer relays that the manufacturer has issued a verbal-only warranty denial (stating no addl records exist aside from the initial technician report) and suggest the only repair be carpet replacement, with refusal of confirmation of the source of the leak and no proposal of replacing the 2nd-row seatbelt retractors nor provide a written safety guarantee. The vehicle is covered by an active 8yr/120,000-mile Subaru Gold Plus Added Security Plan (Agreement #*******, started on 8/2/21), yet the manufacturer is refusing to honor the contract for the defect or the resulting biohazard ('mold spouts' documented by their technicians on carpeting and into the foam). This unaddressed moisture creates an unreasonable risk of internal corrosion and failure of the seatbelt G-sensor/locking mechanisms on both sides. Also as an immunocompromised owner (due to medication for multiple sclerosis to such an extent that requires monthly IVIG infusions), the documented mold is a significant health hazard. Vehicle has only 15,166 miles. Correspondence with dealer and SoA as well as agreement# are available on request. Date of incident was when taken to dealership (events in summer/fall 2025)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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