Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Ascent
How the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Ascent compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Ascent: The Crosstrek averages about 100 complaints per year, while the Ascent averages about 129, with the Ascent also having more recalls (25 vs. 16). Both show windshield and electrical issues, but the Ascent has more power train complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Ascent more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that averages about 100 complaints per year over a decade, with the most common issues involving the windshield and wiper system. Owners frequently report windshields cracking easily, sometimes without a clear impact, and electrical gremlins like heated seats turning on by themselves. While the overall complaint rate is moderate, the high number of visibility complaints suggests you should budget for potential windshield repairs.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that generates about 129 complaints per year, with electrical system and power train problems leading the list. Owners describe serious issues like batteries dying repeatedly, transmissions slipping without warning, and windshields cracking from minor strikes. The higher annual complaint rate and more frequent recalls mean this model demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 997 Better | 1,033 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 25 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 | 34 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.7 Better | 129.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 | 29 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners report windshields cracking easily, sometimes from the inside or with no obvious impact, even on new vehicles with low mileage. This can lead to costly replacements and reduced visibility if not addressed promptly.
Complaints include heated seats activating on their own and getting dangerously hot, as well as loud roaring noises on startup. These issues can be distracting and may indicate underlying wiring or control module faults.
Some owners describe a loud roaring sound when starting the engine, and others note that the auto start/stop feature can shut off the engine unexpectedly when the driver's door is opened or seatbelt unbuckled. This could pose a safety risk in certain situations.
A few reports mention a high-frequency ringing or whining noise at highway speeds, which may point to drivetrain or transmission concerns. While not widespread, it's worth listening for during a test drive.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
Subaru Ascent
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM292
- 02POWER TRAIN185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER152
- 05ENGINE104
Owners report repeated battery failures, with voltage dropping below 11.5V and leaving the vehicle immobilized. There are also intermittent ignition-control malfunctions that can cause the car to die without warning.
Transmission slippage is a recurring complaint, sometimes without warning lights, and can progress to the vehicle suddenly stopping or losing power. This is a serious safety concern that may require expensive repairs.
Windshields crack easily from minor rock strikes, and some owners have needed multiple replacements in a short time. Driver-side mirrors may also vibrate, making it hard to see clearly, especially at night.
Some owners report unusual tire wear, needing replacements as early as 15,000 miles, and other unresolved issues without warning lights. These can add unexpected maintenance costs.
“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehic…”
“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobiliz…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
Subaru Ascent — 25 recalls
The defect: 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 risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 letter…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
The defect: 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.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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. Suba…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Ascent: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has fewer complaints per year (about 100) compared to the Subaru Ascent (about 129), suggesting the Crosstrek may be less troublesome overall. However, both have notable issues: the Crosstrek with windshields and electrical quirks, the Ascent with more severe electrical and transmission problems. In practice, the Ascent's higher complaint rate and more frequent recalls mean you should be extra cautious and thorough when buying used.
Key differences
- The Ascent has a higher annual complaint rate (129 vs. 100) and more recalls (25 vs. 16), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Electrical system complaints dominate the Ascent (292) and include battery failures and immobilization, while the Crosstrek's electrical issues are fewer (154) and often involve heated seats or noises.
- Power train complaints are more common on the Ascent (185) with reports of transmission slippage, versus the Crosstrek (79) where issues are less frequent and often noise-related.
- Both models share windshield cracking complaints, but the Ascent also has reports of vibrating mirrors and premature tire wear.
- Inspect the windshield carefully for any cracks or chips, especially along the edges, as many owners report spontaneous cracking.
- Test the heated seats to ensure they do not turn on unexpectedly or get excessively hot without the button pressed.
- Check the battery health and ask for service records; repeated battery failures are a common complaint.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission slippage or hesitation, and watch for any warning lights, especially the automatic transmission oil light.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and windshield for both models.
- For the Ascent, specifically test the battery and charging system, and ask about any prior battery replacements.
- For the Crosstrek, check the windshield for cracks and test all electrical components, including heated seats and infotainment.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises (whining, roaring) and feel for any transmission hesitation or slippage.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 3 |
| 2025 | 44 | 15 |
| 2024 | 119 | 50 |
| 2023 | 34 | 45 |
| 2022 | 31 | 55 |
| 2021 | 115 | 102 |
| 2020 | 69 | 322 |
| 2019 | 284 | 441 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Ascent in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Subaru Ascent total complaints
- 1,033
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Subaru Ascent total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
- 129.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Ascent top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM