Summary
The Subaru Ascent has 14 recalls covering the 2019 through 2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 models where front lower control arm ball joints can separate from the suspension while driving, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
The 2023 model year also has a tire recall specific to vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels, where the tire bead can be damaged during factory mounting. The damage is not visible from the outside but can cause a sudden loss of air pressure and loss of vehicle control while driving.
The 2020 model year has a steering issue where the front tie rod ends do not seat correctly in their housings, leaving them vulnerable to separating over time and causing a loss of steering control.
The 2019 and 2020 model years carry the heaviest recall load. A ground bolt on the auxiliary heater in 2019-2022 vehicles can be improperly tightened, causing the terminal and surrounding wiring to overheat and melt, raising the risk of a fire. On 2019 models specifically, there are several powertrain concerns: a faulty hydraulic sensor in the transmission can cause slipping, vibration, and eventually a loss of drive power; a software problem in the transmission control unit can cause the drive chain to slip or break and cut power to the wheels; the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and cause the engine to run rough, refuse to start, or lose power suddenly while moving; and a PCV valve can fail and shed pieces into the engine, leading to engine failure and a sudden loss of power. There is also a 2019 recall where the center support bolts for the driveshaft can loosen, allowing the front section of the driveshaft to disconnect while driving.
Rounding out the 2019 coverage, certain vehicles may be missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, which weakens the vehicle's structural integrity and raises the risk of injury in a crash.
