2020 Subaru Ascent problems

POWER TRAIN

1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership, and any failed components should be available for inspection upon request while the vehicle remains in their possession. 2.The transmission malfunction is affecting the vehicle's ability to accelerate, maintain speed, and operate predictably. This creates a potential safety risk when the vehicle loses power or experiences unexpected changes in operation while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The concern is heightened because transmission failure can leave the vehicle unable to safely continue operating and can cause collisions with other vehicles on the road. 3.Yes. The dealership was able to reproduce the issue, which caused the check engine light to illuminate and confirmed that there is an active problem requiring further diagnosis/repair. 4.The vehicle has been inspected and evaluated by the Subaru dealership/service center. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Subaru of America has reviewed my case and the repair history but has declined assistance with the repair or to open a case. 5.Yes. The dealership was able to reproduce the issue, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The transmission problem was also associated with operation that prompted me to have the vehicle inspected. The check engine light illuminated when the dealership replicated the condition. This current transmission is a replacement transmission done by Subaru do to a previous recall of the same issue. The current transmission only has 83,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11758390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds. Over the last month the transmission started to slip while accelerating , especially up hill. There would be a grinding noise and RPMs would jump. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed it was the transmission via camera test. I called Subaru of America for goodwill help with the cost knowing that there is a know issue with the transmission. They refused due to the mileage, 121,010. •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission is slipping •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car is hesitant to go from a starting position. The car will jerk back and forth when trying accelerate when merging or crossing a road. I am also very concerned of catastrophic failure at high speeds. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealer has confirmed the transmission is bad via camera teat. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Just the dealership •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No dash lights just the feeling and sounds.

NHTSA complaint #11753615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

My strut bearings have been replaced several times in the drivers sides, my shock and strut has been replaced twice on the drivers side and now the passenger side is doing the same thing. The dealership tells me that there is nothing wrong but research shows this car has known suspension issues. My passenger side front has a loud metallic grinding sound when turning the wheel in park. I’m told this is the brakes which makes no sense. The car feels like it is on ice or sailing down the road, and the car does not maintain an alignment causing the insides of tires to wear out after 15,000-20,000 miles and need to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11751605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint regarding a known exhaust manifold/flex pipe failure affecting my 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle was diagnosed by a Subaru dealership with a “broken flex pipe on the header” causing excessive exhaust noise and exhaust leak concerns. Repair estimate was slightly over $2,000. After researching the issue, I discovered numerous reports from other Subaru Ascent owners describing identical failures involving cracked exhaust manifold welds and failed flex pipe sections. Subaru has also issued TSB 09-106-23 involving exhaust manifold weld cracking and redesigned replacement components for this issue. Symptoms began in the low 70,000-mile range and progressively worsened before formal diagnosis at approximately 83,000 miles. This appears to be a widespread defect involving emissions/exhaust components. Many owners online report loud cold-start exhaust noise, cracked manifold welds, failed flex pipe sections, exhaust fumes/smells, and expensive manifold replacement repairs. My concern is both the widespread nature of the defect and Subaru’s handling of complaints regarding the issue. Initially, Subaru denied assistance because the vehicle has a branded title. After documentation was provided showing federally mandated emissions-related coverage/extensions were active for this VIN regardless of title status, the denial basis changed to mileage. After explaining symptoms began prior to the mileage threshold, Subaru then cited lack of dealership service history after my ownership despite the vehicle being regularly maintained by a local mechanic. I am requesting NHTSA review whether this exhaust manifold/flex pipe defect represents a broader reliability and emissions-related defect trend affecting Subaru Ascent vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11739638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly from the Subaru dealership. There was nothing prior to this that indicated there was a problem. I bought the car from a certified dealership 8 months ago and it was a certified pre owned vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11738197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly from the Subaru dealership. There was nothing prior to this that indicated there was a problem. I bought the car from a certified dealership 8 months ago and it was a certified pre owned vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11738197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing. This information comes directly from the Subaru dealership. There was nothing prior to this that indicated there was a problem. I bought the car from a certified dealership 8 months ago and it was a certified pre owned vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11738197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and then tightened inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle puttered and a grinding noise was heard emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed during the first visit to be the transmission module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted sporadically. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer on the second visit where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures reoccurred approximately 5,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on the third visit where it was diagnosed that the tie rod end and bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer on the fourth visit where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle towed to the same dealer on a fifth occasion where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11735635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and then tightened inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle puttered and a grinding noise was heard emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed during the first visit to be the transmission module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted sporadically. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer on the second visit where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures reoccurred approximately 5,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on the third visit where it was diagnosed that the tie rod end and bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer on the fourth visit where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle towed to the same dealer on a fifth occasion where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11735635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

In December 2025, I had brake replacement, tire service, and wheel alignment performed at Monro Auto Service located at [XXX] child were traveling on the highway during a winter storm when the brakes began making a loud banging noise. My wife was unable to immediately locate a service location and was forced to continue driving for an extended period in winter storm conditions while in fear for her safety and that of our child. When she was finally able to reach a second Monro location between [XXX] and [XXX] , a technician discovered that one brake caliper bolt was missing entirely and a second was dangerously loose. The vehicle had been driven at highway speeds in a winter storm with an improperly and incompletely assembled brake system for an extended distance before help was found. The second Monro location secured the caliper bolt and confirmed the vehicle safe to continue. The original Fairport location was contacted and their manager acknowledged the issue but has failed to provide any meaningful resolution after nearly four months. In a formal BBB complaint response, Monro Inc. confirmed that the caliper bolt had not been properly secured and acknowledged filing an insurance claim for resulting rim damage — an implicit admission of negligence. I am filing this complaint because an improperly assembled brake system — specifically a missing caliper bolt — represents a serious and potentially fatal safety hazard. If this is a pattern of negligence at Monro locations, other consumers may be at risk. BBB Complaint Case #XXX is on file documenting Monro's formal response and admission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11735368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2020 Subaru Ascent struggles to retain power when accelerating, especially from stopping and especially when the fuel is low. The vehicle stalls or loses some power when trying to accelerate. The check engine light is not on and there is no other indication that there is a problem with the vehicle. I have discussed it thoroughly with my mechanic and we both think it sounds like a fuel pump issue. He looked at the other Subaru recalls and thinks my vehicle should be included in the other Subaru fuel pump recall (NHTSA ID Number: 21V587000). Does my vehicle qualify for this fuel pump recall? Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11732360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2020 Subaru Ascent struggles to retain power when accelerating, especially from stopping and especially when the fuel is low. The vehicle stalls or loses some power when trying to accelerate. The check engine light is not on and there is no other indication that there is a problem with the vehicle. I have discussed it thoroughly with my mechanic and we both think it sounds like a fuel pump issue. He looked at the other Subaru recalls and thinks my vehicle should be included in the other Subaru fuel pump recall (NHTSA ID Number: 21V587000). Does my vehicle qualify for this fuel pump recall? Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11732360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Subaru retailer, which confirmed in writing that water was present inside the vehicle and that mold was covering interior surfaces, including the child’s car seat. The only diagnostic test performed was a car wash to check for a sunroof leak, which did not replicate the issue. The retailer indicated that further diagnostic work would require significant interior disassembly and cleaning at the owner’s expense before the source of the leak can be determined. The manufacturer was contacted regarding this issue and declined assistance, citing “lack of required maintenance.” The specific maintenance and its relationship to the water intrusion have not been identified, and the source of the leak has not yet been diagnosed. The retailer also stated that technicians would not enter the vehicle due to the extent of the mold contamination. As a result, standard recall repairs have not been performed while the vehicle remains in this condition. A dealership technician also documented in a recorded inspection that water was present beneath the carpet, that the source of the leak could not be identified without further disassembly, and that the extent of mold contamination created an unsafe working environment. This condition creates a potential health and safety concern due to mold exposure inside the passenger cabin, particularly for a child occupant. In addition, excessive interior moisture has caused window fogging, which may impair visibility while driving. No warning lights or prior indicators were observed before the issue was discovered. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru retailer. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11728801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Subaru retailer, which confirmed in writing that water was present inside the vehicle and that mold was covering interior surfaces, including the child’s car seat. The only diagnostic test performed was a car wash to check for a sunroof leak, which did not replicate the issue. The retailer indicated that further diagnostic work would require significant interior disassembly and cleaning at the owner’s expense before the source of the leak can be determined. The manufacturer was contacted regarding this issue and declined assistance, citing “lack of required maintenance.” The specific maintenance and its relationship to the water intrusion have not been identified, and the source of the leak has not yet been diagnosed. The retailer also stated that technicians would not enter the vehicle due to the extent of the mold contamination. As a result, standard recall repairs have not been performed while the vehicle remains in this condition. A dealership technician also documented in a recorded inspection that water was present beneath the carpet, that the source of the leak could not be identified without further disassembly, and that the extent of mold contamination created an unsafe working environment. This condition creates a potential health and safety concern due to mold exposure inside the passenger cabin, particularly for a child occupant. In addition, excessive interior moisture has caused window fogging, which may impair visibility while driving. No warning lights or prior indicators were observed before the issue was discovered. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru retailer. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11728801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Subaru retailer, which confirmed in writing that water was present inside the vehicle and that mold was covering interior surfaces, including the child’s car seat. The only diagnostic test performed was a car wash to check for a sunroof leak, which did not replicate the issue. The retailer indicated that further diagnostic work would require significant interior disassembly and cleaning at the owner’s expense before the source of the leak can be determined. The manufacturer was contacted regarding this issue and declined assistance, citing “lack of required maintenance.” The specific maintenance and its relationship to the water intrusion have not been identified, and the source of the leak has not yet been diagnosed. The retailer also stated that technicians would not enter the vehicle due to the extent of the mold contamination. As a result, standard recall repairs have not been performed while the vehicle remains in this condition. A dealership technician also documented in a recorded inspection that water was present beneath the carpet, that the source of the leak could not be identified without further disassembly, and that the extent of mold contamination created an unsafe working environment. This condition creates a potential health and safety concern due to mold exposure inside the passenger cabin, particularly for a child occupant. In addition, excessive interior moisture has caused window fogging, which may impair visibility while driving. No warning lights or prior indicators were observed before the issue was discovered. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru retailer. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11728801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to take it for diagnostics and I did that at a Subaru retailer, but the case manager told me that this recall is being completed for the previous owner of the vehicle and cannot help me with anything, which was never disclosed when I was buying the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11726964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to take it for diagnostics and I did that at a Subaru retailer, but the case manager told me that this recall is being completed for the previous owner of the vehicle and cannot help me with anything, which was never disclosed when I was buying the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11726964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to take it for diagnostics and I did that at a Subaru retailer, but the case manager told me that this recall is being completed for the previous owner of the vehicle and cannot help me with anything, which was never disclosed when I was buying the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11726964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train – Automatic Transmission – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at Lithia Reno Subaru. Diagnostic scan identified multiple transmission-related codes including P0137, P0700, P2096, P1867, P0867, P2723, and P0841. The technician documented the root cause as: "Found pressure sensor leaking oil through all harnesses." According to the dealership diagnosis, the transmission hydraulic pressure sensor failed and allowed transmission fluid to migrate into the vehicle's electrical wiring harness system. Fluid traveled through the transmission harness and continued into the bulkhead and engine harnesses, contaminating multiple electrical systems. Due to the extent of contamination, the dealership determined that all three harnesses must be replaced. The repair estimate is approximately $8,933. Transmission fluid entering the wiring harness can disrupt communication between the transmission control system and other powertrain components. This electrical contamination can cause erratic transmission operation or sudden loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion, increasing crash risk. Subaru has issued recalls and service bulletins involving CVT transmission and hydraulic pressure sensor failures in earlier Ascent vehicles using the same drivetrain. My March 2020 vehicle appears to have experienced the same failure pattern. Despite the documented component failure and extensive wiring contamination, the manufacturer declined to fully cover the repair. I request that NHTSA review this failure mode to determine whether hydraulic pressure sensor seal failures allowing transmission fluid to migrate into wiring harness systems represent a broader defect affecting Subaru Ascent vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11723189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam carriers to heads, timing cover, oil pans, etc.). Transmission failure at 37,000miles which needed replacement. In dealership service for 52 days at that time. Transmission symptoms continued after replacement. Car hesitates while accelerating making it dangerous to accelerate to speed needed to merge into traffic. Same transmission symptoms occurring now that were present prior to complete transmission failure in 11/2021 that left me in middle of busy freeway with a disabled car. Subaru not taking transmission symptoms seriously. Continuous brush off from service and Subaru. Car is a lemon. Subaru not standing by product. Oil should not be leaking from every orfice of engine.

NHTSA complaint #11719539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam carriers to heads, timing cover, oil pans, etc.). Transmission failure at 37,000miles which needed replacement. In dealership service for 52 days at that time. Transmission symptoms continued after replacement. Car hesitates while accelerating making it dangerous to accelerate to speed needed to merge into traffic. Same transmission symptoms occurring now that were present prior to complete transmission failure in 11/2021 that left me in middle of busy freeway with a disabled car. Subaru not taking transmission symptoms seriously. Continuous brush off from service and Subaru. Car is a lemon. Subaru not standing by product. Oil should not be leaking from every orfice of engine.

NHTSA complaint #11719539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car has 82,000 miles, has been maintained and requires an engine replacement due to 'Sludge'. Reading a lot of forums that indicate this is a common situation with this make and model and likely due to manufacturer's defects.

NHTSA complaint #11717930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.