2019 Subaru Ascent: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Subaru Ascent? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 431 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2019 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2019 Subaru Ascent trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2019 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has 431 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Ascent
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 431
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Subaru Ascent Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Subaru Ascent?
The 2019 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Subaru Ascent
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
- Test all visibility features, including wipers and defrosters.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Subaru Ascent, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2019 Subaru Ascent has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults being the most frequently reported issue. Transmission and visibility problems also appear prominent. However, the data is based on consumer reports and does not confirm manufacturing defects.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2019 model year.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component.
- Visibility/wiper problems are the third most common complaint category.
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Visibility/Wiper
All 2019 Subaru Ascent Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 158 | β | 4 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 82 | 2 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 66 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 57 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 48 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Brake System | 26 | 3 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Visibility | 15 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | 2 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | β | 1 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | 1 | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 75 MPH, a deer ran across the highway and hit the left driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A grayish smoke began to emit from the vehicle β¦
We have been dealing with issues with this vehicle since 2024. We had 3 open recalls which we took into the closest dealership to us and things were okay for a few months and then started having issues again. We live in a small town and it is hard to get to the dealership so we hβ¦
Component/System Failed: The vehicleβs CVT transmission and related transmission components. The transmission and associated components have been replaced multiple times by authorized Subaru dealerships. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the Faβ¦
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while the engine was idling, exhaust fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, immediately after starting the vehicle, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was inspectβ¦
I leased a 2019 Subaru Ascent (VIN: [XXX] ), which is equipped with the EyeSight driver-assist system. In the Spring of 2019, while driving in a parking lot at night with low visibility and snow, the vehicle struck a pole. Despite the imminent collision, the EyeSight system faileβ¦
Over the past few months the transmission has started randomly refusing to engage. When entering the expressway, you will press the accelerator, and the engine will rev and the vehicle will not accelerate at all. Then you let off the accelerator, let the engine RPM drop back downβ¦
The break pads had to be renewed after 2.5 months because the ABS was engaging every time I used the breaks. At all speeds. 84,000 miles
The battery is draining so quick that the car doesnt start at all. The battery drained completely in 3 days and itβs happening more often.
While driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerateβthis is the second time this has happened, with the first incident occurring in June 2022. Each time I bring the car to the dealership, Iβm told that because the issue cannot be recreated on the spotβ¦
All of a sudden my vehicle accelerated after placing it in reverse with my foot on the brake. There was a screeching sound and I immediately shifted into (at least) Park. In attempting to exit my garage again, it repeated the same events. I parked the car and never did leave my rβ¦
As a veteran and spouse of an active duty service member, we are currently fulfiling our overseas tour in South Korea. We were notified of the recall of our Subaru Ascent and made contact with Subaru via email for guidance on how to proceed as we are not within the continental Unβ¦
I purchased the car brand new in 2019. Shortly after purchasing, the transmission started having hesitation and slipping. I took the car back to the Subaru, and they replaced the transmission under warranty. Unfortunately, they replaced it with another full transmission, and veryβ¦
When trying to maintain highway speeds (65 to 70 MPH) and driving in mountainous terrain of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New York, the vehicle will shudder as if it is loosing power. The vehicle will rapidly loose speed. No warning code is issued. The only way to solve issue is dβ¦
My vehicle smokes when starting it. A lot of white smoke that can fill a parking lot. The smoke has a strong chemical smell.
Transmission belt broke while driving resulting in a catastrophic failure.
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 shouβ¦
I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited model with 96,xxx miles as of January 2025. In 2023, there was a safety recall for the PTC heater ground bolt sent first class mail for multiple year Ascent models. This recall was completed by local subaru dealership on 3/27/2023 stating "WRL β¦
Yes, inspect it. Bought 2019 Subaru Ascent from Carvana, March of 2022. 5 months later, the transmission started to low screech and hard shift. I took it to Osteen Subaru dealership. They test drove it, then reprogrammed transmission. Same day while leaving their parking lot, harβ¦
STARTED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE 30 MILES FOR AN APPOINTMENT. WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF THE INTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE EYE SIGHT TURNED OFF, CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKED, PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. TPMS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THISβ¦
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the hood was flapping up and down. The contact was concerned that the hood might release and crash into the front windshield. The brake pedal was depressed but was slow to respond. The TPMS warning liβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
2019 Subaru Ascent Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Subaru Ascent Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 431 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (158 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (82 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (66 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Subaru Ascent?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Subaru Ascent, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 431 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Subaru Ascent. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Subaru Ascent?βΎ
The 2019 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Ascent reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.