2023 Subaru Ascent recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 45 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (10), unknown or other (8), forward collision avoidance (7). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2023 ranks #3 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (130). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2023 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.
Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower arm
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
Risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Tires
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
Risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
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 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Ziex ZE001 A/S, Tire Size: 245/50/R20 102H, DOT Number: [XXX] Contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the front wheels turned outward, the contact became aware that there was severe inner-edge tire wear with missing rubber on the inner sidewall of the front tires. The contact stated the v…
2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehicle after shopping. •Opened rear hatch, loaded groceries and closed hatch. •Driver's door would not unlock using the key f…
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: ZIEX, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: 1R8KH DM2R 0323. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was rubber flying from the vehicle. The vehicle was driving to the shoulder of the road, and the driver became aware that the rear passenger's tire sidewalls were shredding, and…
Safety ratings
2023 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2023 Subaru Ascent.
Ascent
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Ascent?
Based on 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (10), unknown or other (8), forward collision avoidance (7).
Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent safe?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2023 a good year for the Subaru Ascent?
The 2023 ranks #3 of 8 Ascent model years for fewest complaints (2019–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (130). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Ascent get?
EPA ratings for the 2023 Subaru Ascent range from 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2023 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.