Subaru Ascent Recalls

The Subaru Ascent has 19 recalls covering 2019 through 2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 models where front lower control arm ball joints can separate from a loose castle nut, causing sudden loss of vehicle control while driving.

The 2023 model year also has two other significant issues: driveshaft center support bolts that can loosen and allow the front end of the driveshaft to disconnect, raising crash risk, and factory-installed all-season tires on 20-inch wheels that may have been damaged during mounting and can fail suddenly without visible warning.

The 2020 model year has a front tie rod recall where incorrectly sized mounting holes can cause the tie rods to deform and eventually separate from the steering housing, resulting in a complete loss of steering control.

The 2019 and 2019-2020 model years carry the heaviest recall load. On the drivetrain side, the same driveshaft center support bolt loosening issue that affects 2023 models also applies to 2019 production, and a transmission control unit software error on 2019-2020 vehicles can allow the drive chain to slip or break, cutting power to the wheels. A separate transmission hydraulic sensor fault on 2019 models can cause the transmission to slip, vibrate, or lose drive power entirely. The low-pressure fuel pump can fail on 2019-2020 vehicles, causing the engine to stall or refuse to restart. On 2019 models specifically, the crankcase ventilation valve can break apart and send fragments into the engine, causing engine failure and sudden power loss. There is also a fire risk on 2019 models from a loose ground bolt on the auxiliary heater that can cause the terminal and surrounding wiring to overheat and melt; this same heater ground bolt issue extends through 2022 model years. Rounding out the 2019-specific concerns, missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar can reduce the structural strength of the body in a crash, raising the risk of injury to occupants.