Subaru continues showing a strong focus on multi-role vehicles that can adapt between daily commute and touring. The Subaru Ascent follows the same lines. The SUV also makes for a good option as a family vehicle. The SUV registers 3 recalls and 188 complaints for the 2020 model year. The problems with the SUV range from parasitic battery drains to driver aid defects. However, the car manages to earn a 5-star safety rating. Subaru typically offers prompt and reliable after-sales services. Which is a piece of good news for the potential buyers. The Ascent shares the market space with the likes of the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, and the Mazda CX-9. The car finds the 6th spot on the CarHp list of top 10 SUVs for 2020.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Brakes - The 2020 Subaru Ascent comes across a few braking issues. Users report the car shuddering with heavy vibrations during the application of brakes. Few cases report instances of brake failure. Users depress the brake pedal but the brakes do not engage. Few users also report cases of rogue acceleration while applying brakes. This compromises the safety of the user and the vehicle. This also increases the chances of crashing.
- Powertrain - Most powertrain issues with the Ascent relate to the transmission and gearbox. The SUV gearbox tends to jam in the ‘park’ mode. This prevents the shifting of gears. Users also report gear-grinding and the SUV lurching forward from a complete stop. These powertrain issues are time-consuming and financially demanding.
- Fuel Pump - Fuel pump failures are common to Subaru Ascent users. Fuel pump failures result in vehicle stalling.
Electrical Problems
- Battery - Parasitic Battery drain is the most common problem with the Subaru Ascent. Customer complaints report rapid battery drains with the SUV when parked. This requires jump-starting the car or replacing the vehicle battery.
- Engine - Engine stalling is common with the Subaru Ascent. Under driving conditions, engine stalling can result in a drastic loss of speed. This is due to a loss in drive power. This abrupt drop in speed increases the chances of a crash.
- Driver aids - Driver aid defects are common to the Subaru Ascent. Forward collision avoidance malfunction fails to recognize incoming obstacles. This results in crashing. Auto Emergency Braking malfunctions fail to apply brakes under emergency scenarios. This too increases the chances of crashing.
Structural Problems
- Windshield - Shattering or cracking of the windshield is a common issue for Subaru Ascent users. Subaru claims the environmental temperature changes to be the cause of the issue.
- Body frame - Few user complaints report the SUV hood wobbling under driving conditions. Users also report a few cases of water leakage in the vehicle cabin due to poor insulation.
Safety Problems
- Airbags - The SUV is prone to airbag deployment malfunction. This increases the chances of injury and compromises user safety.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 9, 2021 |
21V955000 |
Drive chain may break causing loss of drive power. |
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, resulting in a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. |
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. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on February 7, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in May 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. |
|
2 |
December 9, 2021 |
21V954000 |
Tie-rods may separate. |
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21. |
|
3 |
July 29, 2021 |
21V587000 |
The fuel pump may fail. |
A failure of the fuel pump may result in engine stalling while driving, increasing the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on 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. |
Should you buy the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent has been one of the economic and versatile choices for a family-focused SUV. The 2020 Ascent offers a decent driving experience both for the city commute and touring. As a package, the SUV offers a list of standard features, a comfortable cabin, and a versatile drive. Subaru also offers generous warranty coverage and genuine aftersales services with the buy. The SUV registers 3 recalls and 188 user complaints with the NHTSA for the 2020 model year. The Ascent comes across a varied set of problems. However, driver aid malfunctions and parasitic battery drains remain the most common. Overall, the SUV earns a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and CarHp approves the car.
