2019 Subaru Ascent other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Immediately after pushing the lift gate release button on the dash, a loud and constant alarm tone began. The gate would then not open using the button on the dash, remote, or handle on the exterior of the lift gate door. To access the items in the rear (and to stop the alarm), we needed to get the door open. We followed the owner's manual exactly to access the internal emergency release. We removed the plastic cover for the gear unit, then used a screwdriver to manually move the release to the right. Despite every amount of pressure we tried, including adding pressure by pushing down on the gate from the outside with one person while another tried the release procedure, the gate would not open. We ended up looking on YouTube, and found a video that this is not uncommon - and that the solution is to disconnect the battery or to remove fuse #14 on the fuse panel. With tremendous effort and using a pair of pliers, we finally removed the fuse. The alarm stopped but the gate (and other parts of the electrical system) were now off. We replaced the fuse and the door returned to normal function and opened using the handle on the lift gate. This is a tremendous safety issue. First, there is no easy way to open the gate manually from the interior in the case of an emergency (removing the safety cover and the use of a screwdriver or similar tool is required). Second, this emergency process failed completely, as the gate couldn't be opened at all using the manual release.

NHTSA complaint #11758028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The battery is draining so quick that the car doesnt start at all. The battery drained completely in 3 days and it’s happening more often.

NHTSA complaint #11681026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

All of a sudden my vehicle accelerated after placing it in reverse with my foot on the brake. There was a screeching sound and I immediately shifted into (at least) Park. In attempting to exit my garage again, it repeated the same events. I parked the car and never did leave my residence. No dash lights etc. I am afraid to now drive this vehicle. This occurred several days before this mentioned event, but responded OK the 2nd time. In May of 2025 I actually crashed into a car across the street from this happening. Others are definately at risk. This actually occured twice during my 1st year of ownership, but was overlooked until now. I intend to take it to my dealer and have my vehicle inspected. There were no warning lamps etc.

NHTSA complaint #11671503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

As a veteran and spouse of an active duty service member, we are currently fulfiling our overseas tour in South Korea. We were notified of the recall of our Subaru Ascent and made contact with Subaru via email for guidance on how to proceed as we are not within the continental United States. My email to them was as follows: Our family is currently stationed overseas in South Korea. Our family has been stationed here the past two years and will be completing an additional duty of two more years here in service of our country. I previously contacted Subaru addressing the concern of the Recall for our PTC Heater Ground Bolt which has been found to be unsafe and can lead to the vehicle catching on fire. It was disheartening to be told we could not be offered assistance as Subaru only services those in the U.S. Subaru prides itself as providing one of the safest vehicles for families on the market which is why we chose Subaru. What can be done to assist us? I look forward to hearing back soon.  Subaru responded with: Thank you for reaching out to Subaru of America. Regrettably Since we do not have a reciprocal agreement with Korea we would not be able to assist with the repairs until you return to the states. I do apologize as there would be no other loopholes that we will be able to provide to have the repair done. If fyou have any further questions, you can always give us a call back or email back in as well. Hope you have a good day ahead. We will not be able to ship our vehicle until all recalls have been fixed especially as this specific recall does come with a noted safety risk by Subaru and is as follows: This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a fire. I am submitting a claim to acquire assistance as to how to proceed. -thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11669652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2019 Subaru Ascent windshield cracked from no apparent reason while driving on freeway. There was a loud bang sound and there is a circular crack quite symmetrical in the middle of the windshield. The diameter of the circular crack was ~2 inches wide. There is no hairline fracture. In recollection, it didn't feel like there was any rock or particle that ricocheted off the windshield. It felt more like it cracked on its own.

NHTSA complaint #11542438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Oily blue smoke from exhaust upon start

NHTSA complaint #11532887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Blue smoke and hesitation as if motor will turn off. Blue smoke upon turning suv on.

NHTSA complaint #11532583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A/C Pipe Evaporator refrigerant leaking

NHTSA complaint #11516981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I parked my Ascent rear facing inside of my garage to unload my groceries. When i opened my hatch at the front button, the hatch only opened halfway. The hatch would not close with the push of the button and had to be closed manually. Once I returned to my Ascent to go somewhere, the hatch sensor beeped repeatedly, while driving, until coming to a complete stop. Once driving continued, the sensor continued beeping. This occurred with two straight vehicle drives. The entire course of the drive. I parked the Ascent in my garage and returned to the car the next morning and the Ascent would not start. AAA came to do a jumpstart with no remedy. We replaced the battery with a new, borrowed battery and the car started immediately with no beeping. We charged the old battery and replaced the new battery and the Ascent had no other issues, including easy startup and no beeping. There were no warning lights for any of the issues including the hatch or the battery.

NHTSA complaint #11511697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My vehicle won’t stay charged. We replaced the battery and still every single time I go out to start it it’s completely dead and I have to get it jumped.

NHTSA complaint #11501854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Since owning this vehicle, there have been three separate incidents where the windshield has failed after a small rock has struck it while driving on the highway. The first incident caused a significant chip causing a repair. The second incident was a crack that required total replacement and recalibration. The third incident caused another crack that will require another complete replacement and recalibration.

NHTSA complaint #11499448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear door knocked me to the ground because it didn’t go back up when it came in contact with my body and I couldn’t get out of the way fast enough

NHTSA complaint #11495781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Open CVT recall is not being taken care of in a timely manner. Safety sensitive issue and it’s been open coming up on a year.

NHTSA complaint #11486770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When starting it blows blue smoke out of tail pipes that lingers in the air. I Bought used on 7/23/22 and previous owner just said it did the same with them. It was taking to Subura dealer to be fixed and they don’t know what to do to fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11480214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving when all of the sudden the front windshield cracked it started on the passenger side.

NHTSA complaint #11474723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Windshield cracked while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11464767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Spent 5 hours at a tailgate/beach event with the rear lift gate open. I made sure that interior lights were off to avoid draining the battery with the lift gate open. When we were ready to leave, the car battery was dead. We were panicked because we have a 5mo old and had to track down another driver to borrow jumper cables. Once home, we discovered that the lift gate will always draw power from the battery unless you trick the hatch lock with an off-market device or carabiner clip.

NHTSA complaint #11462185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? WINDSHIELD How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CRACKED WINDSHIELD Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO

NHTSA complaint #11459841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2019 SUBARU ASCENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUBARU SAFETY RECALL WRK-21. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE USE OF A RENTAL VEHICLE AND STORAGE BE PROVIDED WHILE AWAITING THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11454015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have received numerous recalls on this model and failed to receive WUV-07. Now they have sent WRK-21 to replace WUV-07 and tell me the tools and reprogramming should arrive by May and they will contact me again. This is a drive train slippage issue (something I have been complaining about since I purchased the car) and very hazardous. I was planning 2 trips between now and then and I believe Subaru is uniquely slow in fixing this critical issue. Also in an unrelated matter I was forced to put 4 new tires on this vehicle already replacing the original tires after 29,000 miles. I do not believe Subaru did due testing diligence prior to releasing this model for weight/handling/tire strength.

NHTSA complaint #11451825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hi Issue #1: My Subaru never gives the MPG what they promised, on average I get 17 or 18 MPG mixed drive supposed to get 21MPG, whenever I complain to the dealership they give a standard answer about it depends on driving style never attempted to find the root cause. Never had this issue with my previous cars, I used to get the same as what they promised. So I feel not related to driving style. Issue #2: Blue smoke came multiple times, so not consistent reproducing not sure. Issue #3. My battery died many times couple of times had called roadside, later I got a jump starter and I have used it multiple times to start my car, and replaced the new battery under warranty and Subaru paid for it, but unfortunately, the new battery I got had also died and got it replaced by warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11426405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Have had to jump my battery start using a portable power supply at least 4 times. Various reasons, such as leaving the back hatch open for extended periods, leaving the accessories on for a little over 15 minutes etc. At times it appears to struggle to start as though the battery has not fully charged. These incidents has been happening shortly after the vehicle was purchased. They are happening less to date because I'm aware that i cant use ANY accessory for an extended period because of the risk of a dead battery.

NHTSA complaint #11425048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In June 2020, the front window cracked while I was driving even though I did not observe any rocks or other road debris hit the windshield. The crack has not spread further since that date.

NHTSA complaint #11421599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown. Electrical failures including eyesight, the dealers lie about the work they do, the latest was recent - they said sludge was everywhere which causes the timing to be off and said the entire engine needed to be replaced but refused to do so. I do not trust they were honest about the spot welds, as my VIN and contract were mysteriously changed after I took delivery. Battery dies, amp dies, head unit stops functioning for months at a time. Eyesight slams on brakes at last minute. I am told it’s normal to shut up and leave. For example the last time I took it in less than 30 days ago they said they changed the filters as well. They did not. According to them they owe me a new engine. I have Starlink and documents oil is changed by Subaru yet they claimed they had no record, and it is my fault so I need to replace engine.

NHTSA complaint #11419729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON LAST WEEK MAY 5TH 2021 WHILE I WAS DRIVINGTHECARHONE AFTER DROPPING MY DAUGHTERTOSCHOOL. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISE TO TAKE THE CAR IN. AS I DROVE THE ENGINE STARTED TO LAG AND ICOULDNOTDRIVE MORE THAN 45MILES. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. THIS CAR IS 2 1/2 YEARS OLD AND I'VE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. WHEN THE CVT WAS REPLACED THE CAR NEVER RUN THE SAME, I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT LAGS AND HESITATE DURIBG ACCELERATION. UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THEN THIS HAPPEN. I HAVE REPORTED THE ISSUE TO SUBARU OF AMERICA.

NHTSA complaint #11415842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DEAD BATTERY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR HAS ONLY $11,100 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR A JUMP AND GO TO THE NEAREST PLACE AND BUY A NEW BATTERY. THIS OCCURRED ON A SUNDAY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND ALL MAINTENANCE AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE AT A DEALERSHIP IN A TIMELY MANNER. I HAD NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A BATTERY PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #11414867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SMALL CRACK IN WINDSHIELD HAS SPREAD ACROSS ENTIRE WINDSHIELD RAPIDLY. WE DO NOT RECALL WHEN THE SMALL CRACK OCCURRED BUT THE CRACK SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD IN ROUGHLY TWO WEEKS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11405922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY SOME SOFT, SMALL DEBRIS AND CRACKED. I LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH A LOT OF OWNERS THEREFORE WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. WHILE IT HAPPENE

NHTSA complaint #11396578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.