Subaru’s latest entrant, the Forester, aims at disrupting the family-oriented SUV market. It is a concoction of all the right elements like a capacious cabin, a fine-drawn interior design, and a comprehensive set of safety features. A new Ascent for sale is available at $31,995, which makes it an accessible choice. However, being based on a new platform, the midsize SUV seems riddled with problems and issues. It has 300 complaints registered to its name and the 2019 iteration has been called back a whopping 7 times. While most of its complaints are related to its electric system and structural integrity, buyers have been in awe of the vehicle. So, in a segment that hosts the likes of the Honda Pilot, the Ford Explorer, and the Toyota Highlander, does the Subaru Ascent deserve a benefit of the doubt? Let’s find out.
2019 Subaru Ascent User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Improper functioning of the airbags: The problems with the Ascent’s airbags system are dual. While in a handful of cases buyers have reported the non-deployment of the airbags, two complainants also recorded the Occupant Detection System to not identify passengers in the front seat. Either way, both issues can result in injuries, in case of a crash.
Electrical System Complaints
- Premature failure of the battery: Among the 2019 Subaru Ascent problems, the failure of the battery is the most common issue. Across the model year, buyers have reported the battery of the SUV losing its power and dying, without any cause or symptoms. While the battery does not work as intended even when jump-started, in most cases, buyers have had to get the unit replaced.
Mechanical Complaints
- Loss of power: In the list of Subaru Ascent issues, some buyers have also reported the vehicle losing its power, unexpectedly. While there is no known cause for the problem, complainants have recorded the failure to be symptomized by the vehicle’s hesitation to accelerate.
- Problems while starting the engine: Buyers of the 2019 Subaru Ascent have also reported the vehicle to form a thick cloud of black-gray smoke on a cold start. Though there is no solution to deal with the problem, one buyer noted a similar issue when the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds of around 65 MPH.
- Fuel odor inside the cabin: A handful of complainants have also reported the odor of the fuel entering the cabin through the air conditioning vents. Where an inspection was conducted, a speculated oil leak was found as the cause for the problem.
- Failure of service brakes: Several buyers of the 2019 Subaru Ascent have reported a squeaking noise from the vehicle when the brakes are depressed. In most cases, warped rotors were attributed as the cause of concern and the failure was noted at low mileage levels. It reduced the braking performance of the SUV, and consequently, the rotors had to be replaced.
Structural Complaints
- Cracked windshield: Subaru Ascent’s reliability issues are most commonly linked with its structural soundness. While the platform seems secure, several buyers have reported the windshield of the SUV to crack without any impact or incidence. As a result, it hinders the frontward visibility of the driver and warrants a replacement as the only possible solution.
2019 Subaru Ascent Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
9th Dec 2021 |
21V955000 |
Loss of drive power |
Due to a programming error in the Transmission Control Unit, the clutch might engage before the clamping of the drive chain, which can lead to a loss of drive power. |
Dealers will inspect the TCU and find data for a chain slip. If evidence is found, the transmission unit will be replaced, free of charge. |
|
2. |
29th July 2021 |
21V587000 |
Failure of fuel pump |
Due to the failure of the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank, the vehicle may stall, which can increase the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of cost. |
|
3. |
16th Apr 2020 |
20V218000 |
Inoperative fuel pump |
The low-pressure fuel pump may become inoperative, which can increase the chance of an engine stall. |
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of cost. |
|
4. |
2nd Dec 2019 |
19V856000 |
Separation of PCV |
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve might detach, causing the components to enter the engine, which can result in the loss of engine power. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the PCV valve, free of cost. |
|
5. |
2nd Dec 2019 |
19V855000 |
Incorrect measurement of hydraulic fluid pressure |
The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure |
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. Additional repairs may vary upon further inspection. |
|
6. |
10th July 2019 |
19V519000 |
Disconnected driveshaft |
Due to the loosening of the center support bolts, the driveshaft may disconnect. |
Dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly including the center support brace, free of charge. |
|
7. |
2nd Aug 2018 |
18V508000 |
Missing welds in B-Pillar |
Due to missing weld spots in the B-Pillar area, the vehicle’s structure might lack resilience. |
Upon inspection of the B-Pillar for missing bolts, dealers will replace the vehicle, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
If general notions are to be believed, debut iterations of new offerings are said to be riddled with problems. Similar is the case with Subaru’s new midsize SUV. The 2019 Ascent has its fair share of problems, each of which might have varied impacts. Yet, considering the brand’s proactive nature and general-purpose performance in the past, we feel it might be harsh to veto the vehicle. So, if you plan on buying the new Ascent, CarHP suggests buyers conduct due diligence and look out for other options from brands like Ford, Toyota, and Honda, before finalizing a decision.
