2020 SUBARU ASCENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. This model year has 311 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2020 Subaru Ascent Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 100 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 55 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 53 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 49 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 311 most recent complaints
My 2020 Subaru Ascent struggles to retain power when accelerating, especially from stopping and especially when the fuel is low. The vehicle stalls or loses some power when trying to accelerate. The check engine light is not on and there is no other indication that there is a pr…
Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized …
I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer …
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train – Automatic Transmission – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at…
Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of tradition…
Car has 82,000 miles, has been maintained and requires an engine replacement due to 'Sludge'. Reading a lot of forums that indicate this is a common situation with this make and model and likely due to manufacturer's defects.
I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and will pull on the steering wheel. I’ve also brought my car back to the dealership a handful of times to have it hooked up to a computer and also someone ride with m…
Although the NHTSA form does not include a transmission category, this complaint concerns a critical transmission-related defect in my 2020 Subaru Ascent, which caused oil migration into the wiring harness and contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM). This complaint con…
i purchased this vehicle from Northwest Chevrolet in McKenna, Wa on [XXX] and they did not disclose to me that there were open recalls prior to my purchase. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Replaced front multi plate transfer clutch at 96,987 miles.
The CVT transmission has failed and been replaced three times despite proper maintenance. Subaru has replaced the transmission multiple times under warranty, but the failure continues to recur. •First CVT replacement at 50,542 miles •Second CVT replacement at 88,175 miles •T…
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent Issue: Cold weather software glitch If you are operating an Ascent or possibly other Subarus with the CVT in temperatures below -20F be certain to have either a small wrench or the appropriate size socket to loosen the ground clamp on the battery grou…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine service, where it was discovered that the cam carrier was leaking from the engine. While having an oil change, the mechanic informed the contact that there were no…
Car is making loud noises while going over uneven roads. Only have 64,000 miles on it and I need to replace the struts.
Unknown PCV valve failure caused catastrophic engine failure on interstate highway (70 mph speed limit). Luckily there was room to pull to the side and no one got hurt. This part was recalled in 2019 models due to possible loss of control from engine failure. Dealer tore down eng…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the undercarriage while driving over bumps in the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independ…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur…
The driver's side headlamp assembly (one complete piece, LED lighting) has a thin strip at the top that is used for daytime running lights. These are automatically on when the vehicle is on and it's not yet dark. In early 2024, this driver's side thin strip daytime running light…
My 2020 Subaru Ascent experienced a sudden failure of critical safety systems due to CVT fluid leaking through the transmission pressure switch into multiple electrical components. This fluid leak damaged several wire harnesses and the Engine Control Module (ECM). The check engin…
The driver front seat bottom frame has came loose and rocks back and forth when driving, especially during start and stops. It was serviced and the dealer stated the movement comes from the side rails of the seat and is referenced via bulletin 12-288-20 stating its a known issu…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
Recalls for 2020 Subaru Ascent
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2020 Subaru Ascent — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 311 NHTSA owner complaints, 5 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (100 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (100 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (55 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (53 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 311 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?▾
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The largest issue: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2020 Subaru Ascent
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.