2026 Subaru Ascent recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 Subaru Ascent and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (2), unknown or other (1), service brakes (1). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Ascent model year from 2019 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 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.
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
This happened three individual times, all traveling at highway speed under similar conditions. The panel began flashing in red claiming that no driver was responsive and threw on the ABS breaks. I was able to regain control after disengaging the adaptive cruise control system. At the time the the daytime road conditions were clear, I was clearly visible to the driver monitor…
My company FANCY S owns this 2026 Subaru Ascent, purchased new on XXX from Subaru of Glendale. The vehicle is under Safety Recall 26V-436 (Subaru WRH-26) for an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label, a non-compliance with FMVSS No. 110. Subaru's interim letter in XXX said the corrective label is "not yet available," and Subaru does not plan to mai…
The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and independently came to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Safety ratings
2026 SUBARU ASCENT SUV N/A AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Ascent?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (2), unknown or other (1), service brakes (1).
Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent safe?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Ascent model year from 2019 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Ascent get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Subaru Ascent range from 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 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.