2020 Subaru Ascent: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Subaru Ascent? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 311 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2020 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2020 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.
2020 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 2020 Subaru Ascent has 311 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Ascent
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 311
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- 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 2020 Subaru Ascent Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 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 2020 Subaru Ascent
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect visibility/wiper components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect visibility/wiper components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 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
Complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent are concentrated in electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and visibility/wiper issues. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, though the low confidence level and limited model year range warrant caution in interpretation.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2020 model year.
- Transmission/drivetrain and visibility/wiper issues are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively few (5 out of 311 total).
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Visibility/Wiper
All 2020 Subaru Ascent Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2020 Subaru Ascent Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. 4 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.
2020 Subaru Ascent Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 311 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 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 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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Subaru Ascent, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 311 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Subaru Ascent. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 4 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 2020 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2020 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 2020 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.