Subaru Ascent Recalls

The Subaru Ascent has 20 recalls covering 2019 through 2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 vehicles where a front lower control arm ball joint nut can loosen, the retention pin can fail, and the ball joint can separate from the control arm while driving, causing loss of vehicle control.

On the 2023 model year, there are two additional concerns. Factory-installed all-season tires on 20-inch wheels may have sustained internal bead damage during mounting, which can lead to sudden air pressure loss while driving. The driveshaft center support bolts can also loosen and allow the front end of the driveshaft to disconnect, which can result in a crash.

The 2020 model year has a steering issue where incorrectly machined tie rod end mounting holes can cause the tie rods to deform and eventually separate from the housing, leaving the driver without steering control.

The 2019 and 2020 model years share several drivetrain concerns. A software error in the transmission control unit can allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, causing the chain to slip or break and cutting power to the wheels. The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing the engine to stall or refuse to restart.

The 2019 model year carries the heaviest recall load across multiple systems. The PCV valve can break apart and send fragments into the engine, causing sudden power loss. The driveshaft center support bolts can loosen and the front driveshaft can disconnect. A hydraulic sensor in the transmission can misread fluid pressure, causing slipping, vibrations, and eventual loss of drive power. The auxiliary heater ground terminal bolt may not have been tightened properly, allowing the terminal and surrounding wiring to overheat and melt, raising the risk of fire; this ground terminal issue also extends through 2022 models. Going back to structural concerns, some 2019 vehicles may be missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, which reduces the body's ability to protect occupants in a crash. A compliance label on 2019 models lists an incorrect gross axle weight rating, which could lead to overloading, poor handling, or a tire failure.