Subaru · Ascent · 2020
2020 Subaru Ascent
4
Recalls
311
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 4 recalls and 311 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: electrical system (82 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2020 Subaru Ascent page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is electrical system with 82 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2020 Subaru Ascent reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Subaru Ascent currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 311 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are electrical system (82), visibility/wiper (44), power train (37).
- Vehicle
- 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 311
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.0% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V907000December 08, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
NHTSA ID: 21V955000December 09, 2021
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy Status
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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 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.
NHTSA ID: 21V954000December 09, 2021
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
NHTSA ID: 21V587000July 29, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed 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.
Owner Complaints
311 totalPOWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 20, 2026
My 2020 Subaru Ascent struggles to retain power when accelerating, especially from stopping and especially when the fuel is low. The vehicle stalls or loses some power when trying to accelerate. The check engine light is not on and there is no other indication that there is a pr...
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ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Feb 26, 2026
I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer ...
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STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 26, 2026
Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized ...
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POWER TRAIN
Feb 16, 2026
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train – Automatic Transmission – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at...
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ENGINE
Feb 1, 2026
Car has 82,000 miles, has been maintained and requires an engine replacement due to 'Sludge'. Reading a lot of forums that indicate this is a common situation with this make and model and likely due to manufacturer's defects.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 29, 2025
i purchased this vehicle from Northwest Chevrolet in McKenna, Wa on [XXX] and they did not disclose to me that there were open recalls prior to my purchase. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 11, 2025
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent Issue: Cold weather software glitch If you are operating an Ascent or possibly other Subarus with the CVT in temperatures below -20F be certain to have either a small wrench or the appropriate size socket to loosen the ground clamp on the battery grou...
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SUSPENSION
Oct 27, 2025
Car is making loud noises while going over uneven roads. Only have 64,000 miles on it and I need to replace the struts.
POWER TRAIN
Jul 17, 2025
Replaced front multi plate transfer clutch at 96,987 miles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 18, 2025
Although the NHTSA form does not include a transmission category, this complaint concerns a critical transmission-related defect in my 2020 Subaru Ascent, which caused oil migration into the wiring harness and contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM). This complaint con...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 311 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2020 Subaru models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Subaru Ascent Years
2021 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.1r96c2019 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.8r431c2022 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.1r52c2023 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.3r38c2024 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.43c2025 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.8c
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2020 Subaru OutbackAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.6r888c2020 Subaru ForesterAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.588c2020 Subaru LegacyAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.6r120c2020 Subaru ImprezaAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.1r83c2020 Subaru CrosstrekAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.64c2020 Subaru WRXAnother 2020 Subaru option for same-year comparison.1r17c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has received 311 owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2020 Subaru Ascent are electrical system (82 reports), visibility/wiper (44 reports), power train (37 reports).
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.