← New search

2019 Subaru Ascent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ascent years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent are substantially higher than the model-year median of 52.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

239 reports with mileage · 202 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 160 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports6 fire reports4 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

66 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2025
Visibility/wiper

Subaru windshild in my 2019 Ascent have been replaced twice in 30,000 miles due to very inadequate glass. I'm struggling to get Subaru to acknowledge their responsibility to replace this current cracked windshield with a new part, as per my reading of a settlement that they should be following [XXX] ). They are currently tryi…

Read full complaint

Subaru windshild in my 2019 Ascent have been replaced twice in 30,000 miles due to very inadequate glass. I'm struggling to get Subaru to acknowledge their responsibility to replace this current cracked windshield with a new part, as per my reading of a settlement that they should be following [XXX] ). They are currently trying to send me to a 3rd party repair business to do the repair, but supposedly they have fixed the part on more recent versions of the car. By comparison, I had a Toyota Highlander for 11 years and never once had to replace the windshield glass. Yes, it took a beating, but never once cracked like this glass does. It's not up to the task, and clearly dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11643538

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2024
Visibility/wiper

The windshield cracked with no obvious damage. The crack did not start at a chip. Cracked while not driving and no recent rock hits.

NHTSA ODI #11633422

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Visibility/wiper

Yesterday I got in my vehicle first thing in the morning and there was a crack at the bottom of my windshield. I’m not parked anywhere near anything that could’ve caused a crack, so it appears to have just randomly cracked for no reason. This morning as I’m just sitting at the bus stop with my kid the crack got a little bigger.

NHTSA ODI #11551291

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
Visibility/wiper

Sunroof glass broke. No apparent reason.

NHTSA ODI #11533547

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
Visibility/wiper

Windshield broke for no reason. Crack not associated with any damage or weather incident.

NHTSA ODI #11533546

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2023
Visibility/wiper

There is a chronic leak in the sunroof. This causes water to run down the C pillar under the carpet. The carpet has 3 inch thick molded foam attached to the bottom. The water sits in the metal floorboard pan, under the molded foam, so it sucks it up like a sponge, but the carpet never gets wet and shows signs of a leak. The deal…

Read full complaint

There is a chronic leak in the sunroof. This causes water to run down the C pillar under the carpet. The carpet has 3 inch thick molded foam attached to the bottom. The water sits in the metal floorboard pan, under the molded foam, so it sucks it up like a sponge, but the carpet never gets wet and shows signs of a leak. The dealer has serviced the sunroof yet it continues leak every time. The vehicle stays moldy and strong smells of mold never go away, also the thick foam won’t dry completely out due to the design of the flooring underlay.

NHTSA ODI #11526122

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2022
Visibility/wiper

Multiple cracks/chips in windshield with normal driving

NHTSA ODI #11476088

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2022
Visibility/wiper

On the week of February 24th, 2022 we had a snow/ice storm that caused significant buildup on my windshield and after clearing it off and running the defrost and I noticed cracking on the windshield. I have heard of several consumers that have had problems with Subaru windshields around the same time (2015-2019) and were having…

Read full complaint

On the week of February 24th, 2022 we had a snow/ice storm that caused significant buildup on my windshield and after clearing it off and running the defrost and I noticed cracking on the windshield. I have heard of several consumers that have had problems with Subaru windshields around the same time (2015-2019) and were having the same cracking issues for the same defrost issue and cracking without cause. Have had the crack since February as the cost of the windshield will be exorbitant due to the eye sight camera and calibration.

NHTSA ODI #11473636

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2022
Visibility/wiper

Please note: I have already had the windshield replaced once. This is the second windshield on this vehicle. My windshield was hit by a rock on the front passenger side and it "spidered" instantly. For the past month it has spidered a little more. After washing my car on 6/21, the spidering has extended across the windshield …

Read full complaint

Please note: I have already had the windshield replaced once. This is the second windshield on this vehicle. My windshield was hit by a rock on the front passenger side and it "spidered" instantly. For the past month it has spidered a little more. After washing my car on 6/21, the spidering has extended across the windshield to the driver's side in the driver's line of sight. Washing my car didn't cause this (nor should it!) because I have driven in the rain for the past month. We have a 2013 Subaru Forester and it just now has a chip that spidered. This is not normal!! Additionally, approximately 2 weeks ago I noticed the front section of my sunroof was cracked and had spidered nearly all the way from back to front of the glass. No chip is apparent. I am paying out of pocket on these repairs because my insurance rates go up when I go through insurance. The price tag for these 2 windows is $1800. This is getting ridiculous!

NHTSA ODI #11470707

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Visibility/wiper

My Subaru Ascent 2019 is 2.5 years old. The windshield has developed a crack on its own on a long drive. The crack first appeared at the bottom of windshield near front passenger seat, and has started spreading sideways towards driver side in a zig-zag fashion. It's about 10 inches long now. I called Subaru service center and in…

Read full complaint

My Subaru Ascent 2019 is 2.5 years old. The windshield has developed a crack on its own on a long drive. The crack first appeared at the bottom of windshield near front passenger seat, and has started spreading sideways towards driver side in a zig-zag fashion. It's about 10 inches long now. I called Subaru service center and informed them about the crack. The service center said one of their managers will call me to discuss. I'm waiting for the call. I had a similar random crack appear on the sunroof 6 months after purchasing the car. It also appeared on a long drive. Subaru inspected and initially refused to cover the sunroof under warranty. They later came around and replaced the sunroof on their own and without charge to me.

NHTSA ODI #11445370

Official recalls

9

26V436000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jul 7, 2026

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.

22V907000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Dec 8, 2022

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.

21V955000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

Dec 9, 2021

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.

21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jul 29, 2021

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.

20V218000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Apr 16, 2020

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.

19V855000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Dec 2, 2019

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.

19V856000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Dec 2, 2019

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.

19V519000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Jul 10, 2019

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.

18V508000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Aug 2, 2018

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.