WE TOOK OUR 2019 ASCENT IN BECAUSE WE WERE HEARING SOME WEIRD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END ROUGHLY 5000 MILES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING RACK. THEY ASKED US TO ALLOW THEM TO ORDER A NEW STEERING RACK AND THEY WOULD CALL US AND SETUP AN APPOINTMENT TO …
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WE TOOK OUR 2019 ASCENT IN BECAUSE WE WERE HEARING SOME WEIRD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END ROUGHLY 5000 MILES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING RACK. THEY ASKED US TO ALLOW THEM TO ORDER A NEW STEERING RACK AND THEY WOULD CALL US AND SETUP AN APPOINTMENT TO CHANGE OUT THE RACK. ON SATURDAY THE AUG 17TH WE WENT ON A DRIVE WITH A TECHNICIAN TO SHOW HIM WHAT WE WERE FEELING IN THE TRANSMISSION. HE DROVE IT FOR PROBABLY 15 TO 20 MINUTES, SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPEEDS. HE TOO NOTICED SOME WEIRD SHIFT POINTS. ALSO COULD HEAR THE FRONT END. WE LEFT IT THERE AND CALLED THEM TODAY (19TH) TO FIND OUT THAT IT ISN'T THE STEERING RACK. IT'S THE COIL SPRINGS HITTING SOMETHING CAUSING THEM TO CHIP. THE TECHNICIAN STATED, WE WILL GET WITH THEM ON A NEW UPDATED PART AND YOU CAN PROBABLY COME IN AND SWAP OUT CARS UNTIL WE GET THE PARTS IN. MEANING, GIVE BACK SERVICE VEHICLE FOR OURS. I TOLD HIM AT THAT POINT THAT I HAVE NO ISSUES WITH THEM KEEPING IT TO REASSURE IT'S SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY TO BE IN. HE SAID OK I APPRECIATE IT I'LL BE CALLING YOU TOMORROW. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEY DID A TORQUE CONVERTER DIAL IN AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL. HOPEFULLY ALL IS WELL AND IT DOES IN FACT FIX THE WEIRD SHIFTING AND HESITATION AT ALL SPEEDS. ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING.
NHTSA ODI #11245118
15,000 miles · Jul 30, 2019
Power Train
WHEN DRIVING CAR AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, THE CAR LOSES POWER, RPM INCREASE AND DECREASE SIGNIFICANTLY ACCOMPANIED BY A SCREECHING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 15K MILES AND HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES WITHIN A THREE WEEK PERIOD.
NHTSA ODI #11240739
12,000 miles · Jul 26, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN HOLDING SPEED CONSTANT BETWEEN APPROXIMATELY 20-35 MPH, OR UNDER VERY LIGHT ACCELERATION IN THIS RANGE, VEHICLE SEEMS TO JERK, SURGE, PULSE, OR SIMILAR. IT FEELS SIMILAR TO BEING IN THE CAR WITH SOMEONE LEARNING TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #11234998
8,500 miles · Jun 14, 2019
Power Train
CVT APPEARS TO BE FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING, RPMS WILL JUMP UP BY 1-2K, STAY AT THAT LEVEL FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THEN DROP DOWN. WHEN IT DROPS, CAR WILL SHUDDER OR ACCELERATE. OCCASSIONALLY A SCREECHING OR GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IS NOT PREDICTABLE. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS …
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CVT APPEARS TO BE FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING, RPMS WILL JUMP UP BY 1-2K, STAY AT THAT LEVEL FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THEN DROP DOWN. WHEN IT DROPS, CAR WILL SHUDDER OR ACCELERATE. OCCASSIONALLY A SCREECHING OR GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IS NOT PREDICTABLE. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS IF 65 AND ABOVE; AND IT HAS HAPPENED ON CITY ROADS AT SPEEDS OF 30. IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE TRIP; OR IT MAY GO A WEEK BETWEEN EVENTS. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE IT, SAYS IF THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT THEN THE "BEST CASE SCENARIO" FOR A DIAGNOSIS IS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AND FOR US TO BE STRANDED. A INTERNET SEARCH FOR "SUBARU ASCENT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS" REVEALS THAT THIS IS A RARE PROBLEM, BUT SEEMS TO DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECT ASCENTS BUILT IN AUGUST OF 2018. SUBARU ALLEGEDLY IS REPLACING THESE TRANSMISSIONS ONCE PROBLEM IS DIAGNOSED, BUT IF IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM THEN THEY SHOULD REPLACE THEM ALL PROACTIVELY.
NHTSA ODI #11220042
5,200 miles · Jun 10, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. WHILE DRIVING 70-80 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH SUBARU OF RIVERSIDE (LOCATED AT 8069 INDIANA AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 428-2314) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. WHILE DRIVING 70-80 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH SUBARU OF RIVERSIDE (LOCATED AT 8069 INDIANA AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 428-2314) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11218968
5,055 miles · May 29, 2019
Power Train
WITHIN 5000 MILES TRANSMISSION JUMP, REAR GEAR NOT WORK AND THE RAB LIGHT, DEALER TOLD ME HE MUST REPLACE! I FIND A LOT OF STORY ON WEBSITE, PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUE AND SAME AMOUNT OF MILEAGE
NHTSA ODI #11210528
14,000 miles · Mar 30, 2019
Power Train
THE SUBARU ASCENT WAS PURCHASED AUGUST 2018 (ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO) AND THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 14,000 MILES. THE CVT TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AROUND MARCH 16TH, 2019, CAUSING INTERMITTENT VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS WOULD OCCUR AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, AND WOULD OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER THE CA…
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THE SUBARU ASCENT WAS PURCHASED AUGUST 2018 (ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO) AND THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 14,000 MILES. THE CVT TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AROUND MARCH 16TH, 2019, CAUSING INTERMITTENT VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS WOULD OCCUR AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, AND WOULD OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CAR WOULD STRUGGLE INTERMITTENTLY TO MAINTAIN SPEED. INITIALLY THE PROBLEM WAS SPORADIC, BUT WITH EVERY DAY GREW MORE FREQUENT. AFTER BEING TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO BE EVALUATED, THE DEALER REPORTED THAT WHILE THE TECHNICIAN WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION OCCURRED AND THE CAR WAS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THE DEALER HAS ORDERED A NEW TRANSMISSION TO REPLACE THIS FAILED ONE. TOTAL TIME FROM ONSET OF PROBLEM TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS ABOUT 2 WEEKS WITH REGULAR DAILY DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11192554
6,000 miles · Jan 9, 2019
Power Train
OUR ASCENT STARTED HAVING A SQUEAL AND RPM JUMP AROUND 6000 MILES. THE CAR WOULD ONLY MAKES THIS NOISE ON ACCELERATION AND WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOCK UP UNTIL THE CHAIN/BELT WOULD RESEAT AND THE RPM RETURN TO NORMAL. IT THROWS NO WARNING CODES BUT HAPPENS RANDOMLY BUT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMI…
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OUR ASCENT STARTED HAVING A SQUEAL AND RPM JUMP AROUND 6000 MILES. THE CAR WOULD ONLY MAKES THIS NOISE ON ACCELERATION AND WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOCK UP UNTIL THE CHAIN/BELT WOULD RESEAT AND THE RPM RETURN TO NORMAL. IT THROWS NO WARNING CODES BUT HAPPENS RANDOMLY BUT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE, BUT SUBARU HAS REPLACED SOME AND THEY ARE DOING SAME THING. THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT LIKE IT IS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS TO FILE A CLAIM WITH SUBARU TO TRY TO GET THEM TO INITIATE A FIX FROM THE SUBARU ENGINEERS. TOTALLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT 65-70 AND THEN IT STALLS OUT BEFORE IT FIXES ITSELF.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
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.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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2019 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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