While parked, for no reason, the battery discharged to the point the car would not start and I could not open the tail gate. The car had been driven for 2 hours the day before. The car was parked at a campground with the tail gate open for a few hours but the other doors were not open. In the evening I closed the tail gate. Th…
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While parked, for no reason, the battery discharged to the point the car would not start and I could not open the tail gate. The car had been driven for 2 hours the day before. The car was parked at a campground with the tail gate open for a few hours but the other doors were not open. In the evening I closed the tail gate. The next morning about 10:00 am I tried to drive off and the battery was dead and other electronic devises would not work (door locks, electric tailgate etc.) This could have been very serious as I had a hard time locating help to jump start the car. If I had needed to drive for an emergency as if my wife had a medical issue the car's malfunction would have been very serious! This problem has been reported on the internet for Subaru Ascents and I feel it is a safety defect and Subaru should be required to fix it. I do not trust this car. It is a 2020 Ascent with about 10,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11423497
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Battery on 2020 Subaru Ascent with 4000 miles has drained in a short time ( a week) twice. Left my wife and I stranded in Utah mountains in winter. Found someone who jumped it for us. Thought it was a one time issue. Just occurred again after 9 days of not driving it. Had to call the Subaru assistance line to get help. Functioni…
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Battery on 2020 Subaru Ascent with 4000 miles has drained in a short time ( a week) twice. Left my wife and I stranded in Utah mountains in winter. Found someone who jumped it for us. Thought it was a one time issue. Just occurred again after 9 days of not driving it. Had to call the Subaru assistance line to get help. Functioning again after the jump. We are in our 70"s and this issue could leave us or anyone else in a bad situation if help is not close by.
NHTSA ODI #11420338
1,600 miles · May 16, 2021
Electrical System
MY CAR CONTINUES TO NOT START AFTER PERIODS OF NON USE. 2020 SUBARU ASCENT CANNOT JUMP CAR BATTERY ON OUR OWN.... RATHER WE HAVE TO RELY ON ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEIR BATTERY JUMPING TOOLS. CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALER 2 TIMES FOR REPAIR FOR THE ISSUE. AND WILL BE NEEDING TO BE SERVICED AGAIN THIS WEEK. FOR THE 1ST REPAIR.…
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MY CAR CONTINUES TO NOT START AFTER PERIODS OF NON USE. 2020 SUBARU ASCENT CANNOT JUMP CAR BATTERY ON OUR OWN.... RATHER WE HAVE TO RELY ON ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEIR BATTERY JUMPING TOOLS. CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALER 2 TIMES FOR REPAIR FOR THE ISSUE. AND WILL BE NEEDING TO BE SERVICED AGAIN THIS WEEK. FOR THE 1ST REPAIR... CAR WAS UNSTARTABLE AND DISABLED TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO BE TOWED ON A FLAT BED. DEALER REPLACED THE MAIN FUSE BLOWN. I WAS UNABLE TO LOCK CAR WHILE WAITING FOR SERVICE PUTTING INSIDE OF CAR AND CONTENTS AT RISK. WAS WITHOUT CAR FOR A WEEK. FOR THE 2ND REPAIR.... CAR WAS ABLE TO BE JUMPED BY ROADSIDE AND WE DROVE THE CAR FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALER. DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY SAME DAY. A WEEK AGO... I GOT STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT AT CLOSING TIME AT DUSK. NOW... NOW I'M STUCK AT HOME UNABLE TO START VEHICLE.... WITH A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. ROADSIDE HAS JUMPED MY CAR 6 TO 7 TIMES SINCE I STARTED MY LEASE. CAR HAS @2,100 MILES ON IT. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR OTHER OWNERS WHEN GOOGLED AND NO PERMANENT FIX IS BEING OFFERED. THIS MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE AND CREATES POTENTIAL FOR UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ME THE DRIVER AND MY PASSENGERS WHICH INCLUDES YOUTH UNDER THE AGE OF 18. PLUS... THIS IS 10+ INTERACTIONS FOR EXPOSURE TO COVID IN PUBLIC.
NHTSA ODI #11416814
10,000 miles · May 15, 2021
Electrical System
THE CAR EXPERIENCED BATTERY DRAIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST SIGN OF A PROBLEM WAS THE ABSENCE OF SOUND FROM THE STEREO WHILE THE CAR WAS OPERATING. THE VERY NEXT MORNING THE CAR DID NOT POWER ON, WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY RESOLVING ALL ISSUES. THE CAR IS KEPT LOCKED AND POWERED OFF IN A…
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THE CAR EXPERIENCED BATTERY DRAIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST SIGN OF A PROBLEM WAS THE ABSENCE OF SOUND FROM THE STEREO WHILE THE CAR WAS OPERATING. THE VERY NEXT MORNING THE CAR DID NOT POWER ON, WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY RESOLVING ALL ISSUES. THE CAR IS KEPT LOCKED AND POWERED OFF IN A GARAGE AT ALL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11416717
18,000 miles · Apr 26, 2021
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE STARTED BEEPING WHILE IT WAS OFF AND SITTING IN THE CARPORT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BEEPING WAS COMING FROM THE REAR LIFT GATE. WE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK LEADING US TO ASSUME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE USED THE KEY HIDDEN INSIDE THE FOB AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND ATTEMPTED …
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THE VEHICLE STARTED BEEPING WHILE IT WAS OFF AND SITTING IN THE CARPORT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BEEPING WAS COMING FROM THE REAR LIFT GATE. WE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK LEADING US TO ASSUME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE USED THE KEY HIDDEN INSIDE THE FOB AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. WE WERE ABLE TO JUMP THE CAR OFF AND THE BEEPING STOPPED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE BATTERY AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE BECAUSE THE CURRENT ONE WAS "BAD". OF NOTE, THE BATTERY HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED 2 MONTHS PRIOR DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION THAT REVEALED ANOTHER "BAD" BATTERY. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE OCT 2019 AND THIS IS THE THIRD BATTERY THAT I HAVE HAD IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11414031
15,555 miles · Apr 22, 2021
Electrical System
AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE CAR FAILED TO START. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD. NOTHING HAD BEEN LEFT ON THAT WOULD HAVE DRAINED THE BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CHARGE THE BATTERY, AND THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO FAIL TO HOLD CHARGE. CONTACTED DE…
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AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE CAR FAILED TO START. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD. NOTHING HAD BEEN LEFT ON THAT WOULD HAVE DRAINED THE BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CHARGE THE BATTERY, AND THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO FAIL TO HOLD CHARGE. CONTACTED DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SUBARU OF AMERICA. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE BATTERY SO WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE ISSUES. TRAVEL TIME TO THE DEALERSHIPS ARE BETWEEN 1 1/2-2 HOURS.
NHTSA ODI #11413344
15,000 miles · Apr 19, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
15000 MILES AND BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AND LEFT ME STRANDED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. HAD TO GET TOWED TO DEALERSHIP
NHTSA ODI #11412876
12,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Electrical System
I AM DOING SHORT HAUL DRIVING AND MY BATTERY DRAINS AND EVENTUALLY GOES DEAD. I DO A LONGER DRIVE WHEN I EXPERIENCE SLOW ENGINE TURNOVER WHICH INDICATES A DRAINED BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #11408619
8,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Electrical System
THE BATTERY IN OUR 2020 SUBARU ASCENT DISCHARGED COMPLETELY ON 4/15/21 REQUIRING A JUMP CHARGE. SUBARU TOLD US THAT WITH MODERN VEHICLE ELECTRONICS, THERE IS CONTINOUS ELECTRICAL DRAW EVEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THUS FREQUNT DRIVING IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. WE DRIVE OUR VEHICLE REGULARLY AND ARE CAREFUL THAT NO AC…
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THE BATTERY IN OUR 2020 SUBARU ASCENT DISCHARGED COMPLETELY ON 4/15/21 REQUIRING A JUMP CHARGE. SUBARU TOLD US THAT WITH MODERN VEHICLE ELECTRONICS, THERE IS CONTINOUS ELECTRICAL DRAW EVEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THUS FREQUNT DRIVING IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. WE DRIVE OUR VEHICLE REGULARLY AND ARE CAREFUL THAT NO ACCESSORIES ARE LEFT ON. WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE BATTERY DISCHARGED IN OUR GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11408610
13,000 miles · Apr 16, 2021
Electrical System
THE BATTERY ON MY 2020 ASCENT DIES UNEXPECTANTLY AND FREQUENTLY. IT'S HAPPENED SIX TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THREE TIMES ON EACH OF THE BATTERIES IT'S HAD. PERIODICALLY THE CAR JUST WON'T START.
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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
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2020 Subaru Ascent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year