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Subaru Ascent

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2023 Ascent is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2023 Subaru Ascent has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2023 Subaru Ascent owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"When placing or receiving calls the other person can't hear you even though you can hear them. Been told there is an update which addresses this to be applied next week when I take it in. It works fine if you just connect with Bluetooth and not Apple Car Play"

Anonymous A., TX (2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"don't receive messenger on display try different setting but the problem is not resolved"

Anonymous, QC (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Apple CarPlay intermittently fails to pair and intermittently drops connection. Typically occurs every few hours. Not resolved."

Anonymous A., MD (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

""If you subscribe to SiriusXM radio you get continuous and excessive weather alerts whenever youre close to a storm on the display screen that you have to divert your attention from the road to click to close, sometimes at the rate of one every couple seconds. The infotainment system including Apple CarPlay become completely unusable. This, combined with the stabilization and driving assistance systems always deactivating with any rain makes this an extremely disappointing vehicle for driving in inclement weather, which I was under the impression was supposed to be one of Subarus areas of strength. Needless to say, this is my first and last Subaru, and I am puzzled by CRs typically enthusiastic reviews of the carmaker.""

Anonymous A., MD (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Hardware replacement

"Bluetooth would not connect to the phone"

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other in-car electronics problem

"The 12 volt charging outlets in the car keep failing."

Anonymous, OR (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The USB ports on the back of the center console for the center row passengers stopped working. Bringing it in to get fixed under warranty this week."

Anonymous A., TX (2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Phone stops operating with the car. Numerous failures continue. Dealer updates and repairs but it continues."

Anonymous, TN (2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"Same related problem tied to mother board."

Anonymous, FL (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

""Would not accept commands, cancels commands with no other recourse, beginning 2 years after delivery""

Anonymous, OH (2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Would not respond to any voice commands"

Anonymous, UT (2023 Subaru Ascent Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"at 9000 miles"

Anonymous A., MA (2023 Subaru Ascent Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Vehicle brakes became problematic at 10k miles. Needed brakes repaired due to shaking and vibration."

Anonymous, TX (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"This was a known issue subject to a technical service bulletin. First encountered at 9,000 miles (repaired under warranty) and again at 24,000 miles. Since the first warranty service, new parts became available to permanently remedy the issue, and these were installed under warranty. The issue appears to be satisfactorily resolved."

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Regular brake failure

"Brake pedal began sticking at 10000 miles (car was less than 2 years old). Subaru replaced brakes and rotors and more. 6 months later stuck at red light during a storm when brakes wouldn't disengage. Took a week to get the car back with some excuse about insufficient lubricant."

Anonymous, VA (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Rotors

"Known issue resolved by warranty service and newly designed parts as a part of a technical service bulletin. First noticed at 9000 miles and repaired. New parts available and installed at 24,000 miles as per TSB."

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Couldn't start car because dead battery. No warning of a battery problem"

Anonymous, IL (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"Had several issues with the keyless entry. Both keys were updated and issues have not been experienced yet."

Anonymous A., SD (2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Rear tailgate does not accept commands from key fob or using the buttons on the door itself."

Anonymous, OH (2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"All the gaskets including one of the head gaskets and the bolts had to be replaced. Initially thjey said it was because of the previous dealer had not tightened the bolts properly. But the repair said that a new torque value had been specified by Subaru. The car was in the shop for 17 days. the repair was covered under warranty."

Anonymous A., CA (2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other/unsure

"Seat cooling fans become noisy when used about 5 minutes"

Anonymous, NC (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The battery died three times; after the third one my local dealer finally agreed to replace it. The car had ca. 12000 miles on it the first time it happened."

Anonymous, SC (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

"From the moment we got the Ascent, it lurched when shifting out of first, and from a stop. We had to adjust our driving style. Once again dealership said they couldnt reproduce."

Anonymous, MO (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Making noise since the beginning. Thought it was normal at first but my family told me it wasnt. Later it leaked water & windshield fluid. Due to hail damage repair now they both (dealer & repair shop) are pointing fingers."

Anonymous A., TX (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Rt Front strut defective, replace under warranty"

Anonymous, CO (2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Glass defects

"Windshield was distorted from the factory making my frontward vision difficult due to waves in my windshield"

Anonymous, TX (2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2023 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN
Sep 21, 2023
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
What should you do:
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V647000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4311
SUSPENSION
Jun 01, 2023
Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V392000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5
TIRES
Apr 07, 2023
A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V258000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4409
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