NHTSA (USA)
The official notice
Defect
This page covers 15 recalls, 431 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate the 2019 Ascent owner reports, with many describing warning lights, infotainment and camera failures, and erratic behavior from the EyeSight driver-assistance system, including instances where automatic emergency braking or collision warnings failed to activate. The continuously variable transmission draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners reporting rough or shuddering behavior, hesitation, and in some cases repeated replacements of transmission components. Visibility and wiper complaints round out the top three, with owners describing streaking, poor wiper performance, and camera or sensor obstruction affecting driver-assist features. A smaller but recurring thread involves exhaust concerns, where owners report fumes entering the cabin and loud ticking from the exhaust manifold area.
431
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Subaru Ascent has 14 recalls, the most serious involving multiple drivetrain and fuel system defects that can each cause a sudden loss of engine power or drive while the vehicle is moving.
Several issues cluster around the powertrain and drivetrain. A faulty crankcase ventilation valve can break apart and send debris into the engine, causing it to fail. A transmission hydraulic sensor can misread fluid pressure, triggering slipping, vibrations, and abnormal noises before eventually cutting power to the wheels entirely. Separately, a software error in the transmission control unit can allow the drive chain to engage before it is fully clamped, and if the chain slips or breaks, the vehicle loses drive power with no warning. The front portion of the driveshaft can also detach if its center support bolts loosen, which creates both a loss of drive and a road hazard for other vehicles.
The fuel system has its own concerns: the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail, causing the engine to run rough, stall, or refuse to restart. This defect was filed across multiple campaigns covering essentially the same pump failure.
On the electrical side, an improperly secured ground bolt on the auxiliary heater can cause the terminal and surrounding wiring to overheat and melt, raising the risk of a fire inside the vehicle.
Two structural and labeling issues complete the picture. Some vehicles may be missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, which reduces the body's ability to protect occupants in a crash. There is also an incorrect gross axle weight rating on
The official notice
Defect
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
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."
Safety Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 are expected to be mailed August 25, 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.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight limit label on your vehicle shows an incorrect gross axle weight rating, which could lead to overloading and cause handling problems or tire failure.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail you a corrected compliance label. A Subaru dealer can install it for you at no cost if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ground bolt securing the PTC heater's ground terminal may not be properly fastened, potentially causing the terminal and nearby components to melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if needed, the ground wire and connector holder at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt securing the ground terminal on the auxiliary heater may not be tight enough, causing the ground terminal and nearby parts to overheat and melt.
What the fix does
Dealership will replace the heater ground bolt and ground wire and connector holder if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the transmission control unit may cause the drive chain to slip or break, resulting in loss of power to the wheels while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transmission chain guide and update the transmission control unit software. The transmission assembly will be replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the transmission control unit may cause the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully secured, risking chain slippage.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, check for chain slippage, and inspect the chain guide. If damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, which could prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel pump can stop working, which prevents fuel from reaching the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to run rough, fail to start, illuminate the check engine light, or lose power suddenly while driving.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer for a fuel pump replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission hydraulic sensor may give incorrect readings of the hydraulic fluid pressure in the transmission.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit and replace the hydraulic sensor harness if needed. Transmissions with low drive chain tension will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive crankcase ventilation valve may fail. If you keep driving, pieces of the failed valve can enter the engine and cause it to stop working.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the PCV valve and inspect it. If parts separated, the dealer removes the cover and pan to find them, or replaces the engine block if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum crankcase ventilation valve can separate internally, allowing loose parts to enter the engine and cause sudden loss of power while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the valve at no cost. If separated parts can't be located, the engine short block will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A hydraulic sensor in the transmission may fail, causing the transmission to slip, vibrate, and produce unusual noises. The check engine light may illuminate. Continued driving could result in loss of power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Transmission Control Unit software. If trouble codes are found, the hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced. If low drive chain tension is confirmed, the entire transmission assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts holding the center support for the driveshaft can loosen, causing the front part of the driveshaft to disconnect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly and center support brace at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain 2019 Ascent vehicles may lack spot welds on or near the B-Pillar (the vertical support between front and rear doors), which weakens the vehicle's structural integrity.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds. If found, the vehicle will be replaced at no cost to the owner.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
