Subaru Ascent Complaints (2022)

55 consumer complaints on file.

#11746584June 25, 2026
ENGINE
The front exhaust pipe on my 2022 Subaru Ascent cracked at approximately 77,800 miles. The component is available for inspection. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed a rattle/fluttering noise coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership. Subaru has issued TSB 09-106-23 acknowledging this is a known design defect affecting 2019-2023 Ascents, and has redesigned the part to correct the issue. Despite being within the 8 year/80,000 mile federal emissions warranty period, the dealership denied warranty coverage, claiming coverage only applies in California and Maryland. This is incorrect - the federal emissions warranty applies nationwide. The dealership quoted over $1,000 out of pocket for a known manufacturing defect on a 4 year old vehicle. The cracked exhaust pipe poses a safety risk as exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle cabin. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether Subaru is improperly denying federal emissions warranty claims on affected vehicles outside of California and Maryland.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746149June 24, 2026
STEERING, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer replaced the rear radar sensor module and sealed it with silicone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#11677586July 31, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the same dealer had previously repaired the brakes under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer even though the contact had safety concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672190July 9, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The front panel of the moonroof cracked from the inside without any impact or clear cause. I brought the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer, Troncalli, for inspection, but they were unable to determine why it happened. I purchased this vehicle for my wife and kids, and now there’s a cracked piece of glass directly above their heads. After doing some research, I found that this appears to be a common issue, often attributed to temperature fluctuations or body flexing. It seems Subaru used the same thin glass on the moonroof panels as they do on their windshields, which seems to be the problem. The vehicle is only three years old, yet Subaru has declined to cover the damage. I am hesitant to pay out of pocket to replace the panel, knowing the issue still exists on newer models, including the 2025s. My concern is that even after repair, it could easily happen again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659057May 5, 2025
ENGINE
camshaft carrier oil leakage need to be reseal. there was oil leakage at 36,000 miles and dealer fixed it under warranty. now at 80,000 it is doing it again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646879March 6, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission slipping when vehicle is cold in the morning, got into a busy street and car wouldnt move due to transmission slipping and almost got into a collision due to transmission slipping and car not moving. I was able to recreate the problem the very next day. My driveway is at an incline, the only movement on car out of my driveway is due to gravity downhill on my driveway. Issue has been present since vehicle was purchased, dealer is never able to recreate the problem. I have a video of the car while transmission is slipping and not moving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645950March 3, 2025
AIR BAGS
I hit a car that went through a red light. Despite hitting him squarely, and my front end bending, the airbags did not deploy
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11642929February 15, 2025
Other/I am not sure
Were in a car accident of a speed of 32 MPH. Were told we would have to get rid of the carseat due to a hard wreck.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11642928February 15, 2025
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Air Bags did not deploy going at 32 MPH and during a head on front collision.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11635099January 9, 2025
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt down and getting doused in water. It is the middle of winter and I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that would've been had I needed to remove my 3 children from their car seats or if I would've smacked my head and passed out. I was very lucky to walk away unharmed, but many valuables were lost in my car from this.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617218September 30, 2024
POWER TRAIN
At approximately 10000 miles the drive train (transmission) developed a shuddering while driving. This occurs at any speed but more frequently at 45-60 MPH. The frequency of this problem has increased with the vehicle which now has 45202 miles. It is now occurring periodically at acceleration from a complete stop. The problem has been reported to the dealer at every service. It was evaluated by the service department for a 4-day period in which they could not duplicate the problem. However, they only drove the vehicle 20.2 miles during this evaluation. It is unknown if this may lead to a safety issue, but it produces a very uncomfortable driving experience and distraction while driving. There is no warning lamp associated with this problem at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609222August 18, 2024
ENGINE
Stopped car turned car off, smoke started to come from under the hood on right side. Turned car on and “low oil” came on, turned car off and exited car. The smell of oil was noted and a light white colored smoke was continuing to rise from under hood. Proceeded to call dealership for advice
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603540July 20, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, WHEELS
2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also did not look over the car since its new they also sent me on my way and I asked for an inspection nothing. I call the dealership a week ago to speak to the service manager so I can get the info for the extended warranty since I am having these issues and its close to 20K miles now and they have not done anything regarding the issue. Waited never sent the info and before I could take it to the dealer ship a few days later I had a blowout. I replaced the tire with the spare but the tire is bald and you cant see it its on the inside there patchy and the brake pads are to small they admitted that they are small for the car and rotors and they would not under a recall but a service bulletin cover the brake pads and resurface the rotors there warped and pulsing its not safe at all. The blow out happened on the sidewall where the bead is where the wheel is mounted just blew. The manager did not offer a vehicle and advised me they had none even with 4 kids I am willing to take any vehicle. I have not received the service and Subaru has not serviced my car as they should and they now claim they have no service records which I provided info and nothing. They want $160 for labor $140 for alignment and $1200 for tires. Its not my fault the service was not done and overlooked I have taken it to that dealership since I purchased it. Called Subaru of America they are dragging there feet the dealership has had my car on the donut since 7/17/24 still waiting on SOA I was told 2 business days and still nothing no vehicle had to get a rental. I do not want the car it is not safe. I almost died
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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