2020 Subaru Ascent recalls and problems
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 5 safety recalls and 325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2020 Subaru Ascent vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2020 Subaru Ascent recalls
Recall 26V-436: Equipment
Problem: 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Recall 22V-907: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-954: Steering
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Recall 21V-955: Power Train
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Recall 21V-587: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
2020 Subaru Ascent problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 101 | |
| Power Train | 60 | |
| Unknown or Other | 57 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 49 | |
| Engine | 29 | |
| Service Brakes | 26 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 18 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | |
| Visibility | 11 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Suspension | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield — 11
- Structure › Body — 9
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 8
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 5
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
- Lane Departure › Assist — 3
- Lane Departure › Warning — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,200 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Subaru Ascent complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Ascent years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent: 26V-436 (equipment), 22V-907 (electrical system), 21V-954 (steering), 21V-955 (power train), 21V-587 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (101 reports), followed by power train (60). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,200 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.