18 of the
558 complaints about the 2019 Subaru Ascent are about the
driver-assist systems — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
250 miles.
C
18
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Emergency Braking
527.8%
Warnings
422.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control
422.2%
Forward Collision Avoidance
211.1%
Blind Spot Detection
15.6%
Warnings
15.6%
Warning
15.6%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Subaru Ascent year
All the safety systems become disabled and check Engine light goes on because transmission fluid is being pumped Out of a faulty secondary pressure sensor part 31878aa020,( defective and replaced with 31878aa021), into the engines wiring at the car computer, transmission computer, and bulkhead connector in fuse box causing all sorts of engine codes. The setting of the engine code closes all the vehicles driver safety systems and changes the dynamic of the drivers driving experience. As the problem gets worse, it can render the car powerless on roads and highways making operation dangerous. I have my car parked in front of the house with the battery and electrical connectors unplugged. This problem is covered by one or more recalls and safety campaigns, but subaru refuses to fix mine and other peoples that I found on Facebook. Someone online listed a $6500.00 repair estimate. They just had it repossessed instead. This part causes the pressure differences that cause the jerky ride and is specifically alluded to in the recall, plus subaru even changed the part because it was defective.
NHTSA complaint #11755268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Ascent VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 72,093 miles I am submitting this complaint because my 2019 Subaru Ascent experienced a serious transmission-related electrical failure that may represent a broader safety defect. Sewell Subaru of Dallas diagnosed an internal failure of a transmission pressure sensor. According to the dealership’s written report, the failed pressure sensor allowed transmission fluid to leak into the electrical wiring harness. The transmission fluid then migrated through the wiring and into the bulkhead harness. The dealership advised that the fluid contamination had affected multiple parts of the vehicle’s electrical system and recommended replacement of the transmission wiring harness, engine wiring harness, bulkhead harness, Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), and related components. Because the wiring harnesses are routed throughout the engine compartment and vehicle, the repair also requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle, including disconnecting and removing numerous engine compartment components to access and replace the contaminated harnesses. The estimated repair cost was approximately $12,000. I also have video documentation of the dealership technician performing the inspection and explaining the transmission fluid contamination and migration through the wiring system. I am willing to provide the video, the dealership's written diagnosis, repair estimate, photographs, and any additional supporting documentation upon request. My vehicle falls within the published VIN range associated with Subaru recall WUV-07, which involved the CVT hydraulic pressure sensor harness and transmission hydraulic pressure system. That recall was later superseded by WRK-21. I understand that the published recall addresses electrical resistance and transmission hydraulic pressure readings rather than transmission fluid leakage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I leased a 2019 Subaru Ascent (VIN: [XXX] ), which is equipped with the EyeSight driver-assist system. In the Spring of 2019, while driving in a parking lot at night with low visibility and snow, the vehicle struck a pole. Despite the imminent collision, the EyeSight system failed to engage Pre-Collision Braking or provide any audible/visual warning to alert me of the obstacle. The system did not disengage or indicate it was unavailable due to weather; it simply failed to function, resulting in a collision. Following this incident, I immediately contacted Subaru of America to report the failure. At that time, Subaru representatives denied any defect existed and stated the system was not at fault. I have recently learned that this vehicle is part of the [XXX], et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc. class action 9[XXX]), which addresses defects in the Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Keep Assist systems. Crucially, I was never notified of this class action or the associated defect by Subaru. I received no mail, email, or other communication alerting me to this safety risk or my eligibility for repair/reimbursement. I only discovered this information via a third-party news source after the settlement claim deadline of September 27, 2025, had passed. Upon contacting the Settlement Administrator and Subaru of America in January 2026, I was told that because the administrative deadline has passed, no remedy is available. Subaru is effectively refusing to address a known safety defect on a confirmed affected VIN solely due to a missed deadline that I was never informed of. I am filing this complaint to document the failure of the EyeSight system and Subaru’s failure to properly notify lessees/owners of known safety defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11713281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, WACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I leased a 2019 Subaru Ascent (VIN: [XXX] ), which is equipped with the EyeSight driver-assist system. In the Spring of 2019, while driving in a parking lot at night with low visibility and snow, the vehicle struck a pole. Despite the imminent collision, the EyeSight system failed to engage Pre-Collision Braking or provide any audible/visual warning to alert me of the obstacle. The system did not disengage or indicate it was unavailable due to weather; it simply failed to function, resulting in a collision. Following this incident, I immediately contacted Subaru of America to report the failure. At that time, Subaru representatives denied any defect existed and stated the system was not at fault. I have recently learned that this vehicle is part of the [XXX], et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc. class action 9[XXX]), which addresses defects in the Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Keep Assist systems. Crucially, I was never notified of this class action or the associated defect by Subaru. I received no mail, email, or other communication alerting me to this safety risk or my eligibility for repair/reimbursement. I only discovered this information via a third-party news source after the settlement claim deadline of September 27, 2025, had passed. Upon contacting the Settlement Administrator and Subaru of America in January 2026, I was told that because the administrative deadline has passed, no remedy is available. Subaru is effectively refusing to address a known safety defect on a confirmed affected VIN solely due to a missed deadline that I was never informed of. I am filing this complaint to document the failure of the EyeSight system and Subaru’s failure to properly notify lessees/owners of known safety defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11713281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, WV
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
STARTED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE 30 MILES FOR AN APPOINTMENT. WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF THE INTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE EYE SIGHT TURNED OFF, CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKED, PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. TPMS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS HAS OCCURED 2 TIMES BEFORE. THE FIX FOR THE PREVIOUS ISSUES WAS TO CLEAN THE BATTERY TERMINALS.
NHTSA complaint #11636557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Upon starting the vehicle, the driver side mirror started smoking. Secured the vehicle and disconnected the battery. Removed the mirror assembly and notice the electrical wires powering the blind spot indicator of the mirror assembly was burned and melted. Picture of the damage was taken prior to removing the mirror assembly from the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11582940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has been not able to roll up driver side window for a year randomly. Suddenly 3 years old and battery is draining and RAB and Eyesight and engine light on. Took in and saying can’t replicate window after they DID replicate it 3 months ago and did not solve issue. Did battery parasitic draw and numerous parts of car are draining battery. Cannot find source.
NHTSA complaint #11522750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lino Lakes, MN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Left tailgate open for ~5 hours and the parasitic draw of that action left our battery dead. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere and had to get the battery jumped. After getting jumped... our electronics, especially the safety systems were no longer operable.
NHTSA complaint #11441184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lino Lakes, MN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Left tailgate open for ~5 hours and the parasitic draw of that action left our battery dead. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere and had to get the battery jumped. After getting jumped... our electronics, especially the safety systems were no longer operable.
NHTSA complaint #11441184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abilene, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
NHTSA complaint #11436311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abilene, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
NHTSA complaint #11436311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA Turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the Crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, with more than a dozen vehicles close behind). Emergency collision warning, EyeSight warning, check engine, RAB, and numerous dash error alterts illuminated. The parking brake turned on and off without human intervention (it's computer-controlled). The engine shut off and a multiple car fishtail began behind me. Fortunately, no one was hurt. I put the car in Neutral, lurched to the side of the road, and called OnStar. Calls to the dealer have not been returned. I drive elementary children to scouts and sporting events. I can't imagine the horror had they been harmed or worse.
NHTSA complaint #11435678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250 milesToms River, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
PURCHASED A NEW 2019 SUBARU ASCENT IN FEBRUARY 2019. AFTER HAVING IT HOME A FEW DAYS NOTICED A CHIP WITH A SMALL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE BOTTOM DRIVERS SIDE CORNER NEAR THE BLACKED OUT AREA, WHICH I DID NOT SEE WHEN I TOOK THE CAR. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO SHOW THEM. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW WINDSHIELD. A MONTH LATER I WROTE A LETTER TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MY LETTER. A YEAR LATER THE SMALL CRACK TURNED INTO A VERY LARGE CRACK AND ULTIMATELY I HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD IN MARCH, 2020, AND PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE ON MY INSURANCE POLICY.
NHTSA complaint #11387879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PURCHASED A NEW 2019 SUBARU ASCENT IN FEBRUARY 2019. AFTER HAVING IT HOME A FEW DAYS NOTICED A CHIP WITH A SMALL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE BOTTOM DRIVERS SIDE CORNER NEAR THE BLACKED OUT AREA, WHICH I DID NOT SEE WHEN I TOOK THE CAR. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO SHOW THEM. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW WINDSHIELD. A MONTH LATER I WROTE A LETTER TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MY LETTER. A YEAR LATER THE SMALL CRACK TURNED INTO A VERY LARGE CRACK AND ULTIMATELY I HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD IN MARCH, 2020, AND PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE ON MY INSURANCE POLICY.
NHTSA complaint #11387879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesHighlands Ranch, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT. I WAS JUST DRIVING IT AND I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK...AND THEN WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE CRACK WENT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #11383099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesHighlands Ranch, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT. I WAS JUST DRIVING IT AND I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK...AND THEN WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE CRACK WENT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #11383099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. WHILE DRIVING 14 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE EYESIGHT PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM; HOWEVER, IT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,400.
NHTSA complaint #11190303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 700 milesHillsboro, OR
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU ASCENT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY TO THE POINT WHERE THE TIRES SCREECHED ACROSS THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO THE DISTANCE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AFTER MINIMAL PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RUMBLING VIBRATION UNDERNEATH THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO A NEARBY GAS STATION AND CONTACTED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARR SUBARU (11635 SOUTHWEST CANYON RD, BEAVERTON, OREGON 97006, (503) 672-3370) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EYESIGHT ASSIST SAFETY FEATURE MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 1-34973274988. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700.
NHTSA complaint #11118736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.