2020 Subaru Ascent recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent and 324 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (101), power train (59), unknown or other (57). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–23 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2020 ranks #7 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with more complaints than the average year (130). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
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.
Electrical system · wiring · interior/under dash
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.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
Steering · linkages · tie rod assembly
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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to accelerate and lost power. The contact also stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with chain slippage in the clutch, causing the loss of powe…
I have experienced problems with the rear lift gate on multiple occasions. It is working intermittently and locking me out. The beeping while the car is in motion is continuous and it drained the battery; I had to purchase a new battery. Another time we had to disconnect the battery (as suggested by the dealership) and reconnect it to fix the problem.
After replacing tires I started hearing noises from rear wheel. I searched online and it appears there is an issue with wheel bearings on several Subaru models (see YOUTUBE video by FIXBOOK dated July 12, 2026). The issue was confirmed by my Subaru dealer on 9/10/2026. Subary wheel bearings prior to 2026 were subject to poor design resulting in premature corrosion, complete fa…
Safety ratings
2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
Ascent
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Ascent Limited/Touring
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, most recently for equipment · other · labels (07/08/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Based on 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (101), power train (59), unknown or other (57).
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent safe?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 ranks #7 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with more complaints than the average year (130). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Ascent get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Subaru Ascent range from 22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2020 Subaru Ascent in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ASCENT, Ascent.