This page covers 4 recalls, 38 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Subaru Ascent.
22 mpg combined
10.7 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
For the 2023 Ascent, complaints spread across brakes, visibility, and the forward collision avoidance system, with no single issue dominating by a wide margin. On the braking side, owners report unexpected hard braking events while using cruise control, the vehicle slows sharply or stops in open highway conditions with no obstacle present, including on bridges in clear daylight. The forward collision avoidance system draws similar complaints, with owners describing unintended interventions and, in a few cases, sudden steering inputs while the EyeSight driver assist system is active. Visibility and wiper complaints round out the top three reported systems. A smaller cluster of reports describes battery-related failures, with voltage dropping enough to strand the vehicle. One recurring detail in the cruise control complaints is that tapping the brake does not always disengage the system during an unwanted acceleration or braking event.
38
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Subaru Ascent has 4 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious being a front suspension defect where a loose ball joint nut can cause the ball joint to separate from the lower control arm, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control.
On the drivetrain side, the center support bolts on the driveshaft can loosen and allow the front of the driveshaft to disconnect, which can also cause loss of vehicle control. There are also two tire recalls that describe the same underlying issue on vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels: the tire bead may have been damaged during factory mounting, and while the damage is not visible, it can lead to a sudden and complete loss of air pressure while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The center support bolts holding the driveshaft may loosen, causing the front end of the driveshaft to disconnect.
What the fix does
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces and install new bolts at no cost to you.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball joint castle nut on the front lower control arm may be improperly tightened, causing the retention pin to fail and the ball joint to separate from the arm.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the lower control arm and replace it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Factory-installed all-season tires on 20-inch wheels may have been damaged during mounting and could fail suddenly, even if damage is not visible.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail instructions to replace the original all-season tires at a dealership. If winter tires are installed, do not re-install the original tires; contact your dealer instead.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inner edge of the tire that seats on the wheel rim may have been damaged during wheel assembly, potentially causing tire failure.
What the fix does
All four tires will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
