2020 Subaru Ascent problems
Owners have filed 403 complaints about the 2020 Subaru Ascent with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 25.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 13.9%.
Complaints403
Crashes14
Fires2
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 25.1% · 101
Power train 13.9% · 56
Unknown or other 13.9% · 56
Visibility/wiper 12.2% · 49
Engine 7.2% · 29
Service brakes 6.5% · 26
Forward collision avoidance 4.5% · 18
Fuel/propulsion system 3.5% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 14 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Subaru Ascent in this data, 2020 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 83 in the last three years against 219 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 6,300 miles.
In owners' own words
The battery in our 2020 Subaru Ascent discharged completely on 4/15/21 requiring a jump charge. Subaru told us that with modern vehicle electronics, there is continous electrical draw even the vehicle is off, thus frequnt driving is necessary to keep the battery charged. We drive our vehicle regularly and are careful that no accessories are left on. We are fortunate that the battery discharged in our garage. Electrical system · reported at 8,000 miles
The battery is dying prematurely this is the second time.I took it in the first time and they told me it was a bad battery now it happened to me again the morning of my trip I had to remove the battery of my other car and install it to go in my trip once I got to my destination I parked it and removed the ground cable because I didn't want to stay stranded I will call Subaru today and see what they tell me. Electrical system · reported at 18,100 miles
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…