Subaru Ascent years to avoid and best years
Newer Subaru Ascent years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 94 (441 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. From 2022 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 12 (from 45 complaints), 2022 at 13 (from 55 complaints), and 2024 at 17 (from 50 complaints). The Subaru Ascent 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 123 of 441 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2023
2022
2024
2025–26
Subaru Ascent reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Subaru Ascent. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 21.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 8 | 15 | 1 | Visibility | 21.5 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 17 | 50 | 1 | Visibility | 21.5 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 12 | 45 | 4 | Service brakes | 21.5 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 13 | 55 | 2 | Powertrain | 22.5 |
| 2021 → | 21 | 102 | 2 | Powertrain | 22.5 |
| 2020 → | 80 | 322 | 5 | Electrical system | 22.5 |
| 2019 → Most | 94 | 441 | 9 | Electrical system | 22.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.4L turbo; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/50R20, 245/60R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 22V907000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components. A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire. Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Ascent years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 12 (from 45 complaints), 2022 at 13 (from 55 complaints), and 2024 at 17 (from 50 complaints).
Which Subaru Ascent year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 94 (441 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. On the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 123 of 441 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Subaru Ascent owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Subaru Ascent years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2022 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Subaru Ascent years are too early to compare?
The Subaru Ascent 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Subaru Ascent use?
The Ascent 2.4L turbo US manual specifies 0W-20 synthetic, with 5W-30 only when 0W-20 is unavailable.
When did the Subaru Ascent launch in the US?
The first US Ascent model year is 2019 (1st generation / BT).
What tire sizes does a Subaru Ascent use?
Common US sizes include 245/60R18 and 245/50R20 depending on trim.