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2023 Subaru Ascent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Ascent do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 1 of 44 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Steering complaints

1 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2026
Service BrakesSteeringUnknown Or Other

I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are abnormal and aff…

Read full complaint

I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are abnormal and affecting the vehicle’s operation and ownership experience. 1. Steering Noise (Inside Cabin). The steering assembly inside the cabin. Whenever I make any type of turn, either left or right, I hear a noticeable clicking/clocking noise coming from inside the steering column area. I want to clarify that this noise is not coming from the wheels, tires, suspension, or steering components connected outside the cabin. The sound is specifically coming from the steering wheel/steering column area inside the vehicle. I have had this concern checked, and the only suggestion provided was to replace the suspected component. The dealer did not provide written confirmation of the diagnosis but verbally advised that they could replace the component and see if it resolves the issue. However, since there is no guarantee that the replacement will correct the problem, I do not feel comfortable spending my own money on a repair that has not been confirmed. I have also spoken with multiple third-party mechanics, and some have verbally indicated that this type of steering noise is a known issue that can occur after a few years and may be related to the clock spring (spiral cable/ribbon) or another internal steering column component. Because this appears to be a known manufacturer-related concern and not a result of misuse or neglect, I request that the issue be properly repaired at no cost. 2. Rear Brake Squeaking Noise. The rear brake pads and rotors are new, but the brakes continue to make a noticeable squeaking/squealing noise. The noise usually occurs after driving for some time, especially in warm weather when the brakes reach normal operating temperature.

NHTSA ODI #11755178

Official recalls

4

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.

23V647000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Sep 21, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.

23V392000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Jun 1, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.

23V258000 · Tires

Apr 7, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.

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.