RoadVitals

2023 Subaru Ascent

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
45
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 7, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 45 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Subaru Ascent, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and visibility categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 283 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes1018.5%
  • Visibility611.1%
  • Tires & wheels59.3%
  • Electrical47.4%
  • Airbags35.6%
  • Engine35.6%
  • Other / unspecified35.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jul 7, 2026
541,237 units potentially affected
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRH-26View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Sep 21, 2023
4,311 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRN-23View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Jun 1, 2023
5 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRJ-23View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Ziex ZE001 A/S, Tire Size: 245/50/R20 102H, DOT Number: [XXX] Contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the front wheels turned outward, the contact became aware that there was severe inner-edge tire wear with missing rubber on the inner sidewall of the front tires. The contact stated the vehicle was rarely driven and had low mileage. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V436000 (Equipment); and the VIN was included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 14,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11765023
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
Mileage
14,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 8, 2026

2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehicle after shopping. •Opened rear hatch, loaded groceries and closed hatch. •Driver's door would not unlock using the key fob or by touching the keyless-access door handle. •Reopened and closed rear hatch to determine whether this would reset the condition. Driver's door still would not unlock. •Passenger door could be opened. •Used the interior passenger-door lock/unlock switch, which successfully unlocked the driver's door and the rest of the vehicle. •Entered vehicle, started it normally, drove home and parked it in the garage. Second occurrence – later the same day •Opened rear hatch, loaded items and closed hatch. •Driver's door was already unlocked; entered vehicle. •Vehicle would not start. •Pressing START/STOP produced no dashboard lights and no apparent electrical activity. •Left vehicle and went inside house for several minutes. •Upon returning, the vehicle had spontaneously entered an energized accessory/ignition state without anyone operating the START/STOP button. •Lights, ventilation fan and other accessories were operating. Engine was not running. •Vehicle would not start. •START/STOP button would not turn the electrical/accessory systems off. •Approximately 40 minutes later, the vehicle remained electrically powered and still could neither be started nor shut down. •The negative 12-volt battery terminal was disconnected as the only available means of shutting the vehicle down. The dealer been unable to assess the cause of the issue and suggested driving the vehicle until the problem reoccurs

NHTSA ID
11762923
Incident
Aug 19, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: ZIEX, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: 1R8KH DM2R 0323. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was rubber flying from the vehicle. The vehicle was driving to the shoulder of the road, and the driver became aware that the rear passenger's tire sidewalls were shredding, and the tread was separating. The contact's grandchildren were inside the vehicle during the failure. AAA Roadside Assistance was contacted. Roadside Assistance replaced the tire with the spare tire. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V258000 (Tires); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11757791
Incident
Aug 14, 2026
Mileage
25,000 mi
BrakesSteering
Filed Aug 6, 2026

I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are abnormal and affecting the vehicle’s operation and ownership experience. 1. Steering Noise (Inside Cabin). The steering assembly inside the cabin. Whenever I make any type of turn, either left or right, I hear a noticeable clicking/clocking noise coming from inside the steering column area. I want to clarify that this noise is not coming from the wheels, tires, suspension, or steering components connected outside the cabin. The sound is specifically coming from the steering wheel/steering column area inside the vehicle. I have had this concern checked, and the only suggestion provided was to replace the suspected component. The dealer did not provide written confirmation of the diagnosis but verbally advised that they could replace the component and see if it resolves the issue. However, since there is no guarantee that the replacement will correct the problem, I do not feel comfortable spending my own money on a repair that has not been confirmed. I have also spoken with multiple third-party mechanics, and some have verbally indicated that this type of steering noise is a known issue that can occur after a few years and may be related to the clock spring (spiral cable/ribbon) or another internal steering column component. Because this appears to be a known manufacturer-related concern and not a result of misuse or neglect, I request that the issue be properly repaired at no cost. 2. Rear Brake Squeaking Noise. The rear brake pads and rotors are new, but the brakes continue to make a noticeable squeaking/squealing noise. The noise usually occurs after driving for some time, especially in warm weather when the brakes reach normal operating temperature.

NHTSA ID
11755178
Incident
Jul 25, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2026

The vehicle exhibited transmission slippage but did not provide any warning lights or other symptoms . About 100 miles later, the Automatic Transmission Oil light came on (flashing YELLOW), and all other systems light up (both Yellow and Red) disabling front collision, auto vehicle hold, RAB, etc. Pulled to a safe location and left in park for 10-15 minutes per guidance. Had towed to dealer to determine issue, transmission failure on a 3.5 yr old vehicle with 80,019 miles.

NHTSA ID
11753964
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 9, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

On XXX, I was operating my vehicle heading Pocono PA, on I-80 in [XXX]. At approximately mile point 142.4, the vehicle's onboard Forward Collision Avoidance System (FCAS) suddenly and unexpectedly activated without any obstruction, hazard, or vehicle ahead. The abrupt, automated braking and system intervention caused an immediate loss of vehicle control, forcing the car into a 180-degree spin. The violent shift in momentum caused the vehicle to roll over on the highway before coming to a stop. No other vehicles were involved in the initiation of the crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11749348
Incident
Jul 3, 2026
Filed Jun 3, 2026

Sirius XM ads showing up and there’s no way to opt out. The ads are distracting/difficult to close and cover a good amount off my media system even while driving.

NHTSA ID
11741883
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 23, 2026

2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobilized. Brake warning light activated. Vehicle would not move even after a jump start. Passengers had to exit in a live traffic lane. A second vehicle was used to transport a replacement battery. The original battery is in my possession and available for inspection. A subsequent failure occurred when the original battery was reinstalled for a manufacturer-required diagnostic. Vehicle again would not start. KNOWN DEFECT: Subaru TSB 07-213-22R (revised 03/28/24) covers the 2023-24 Ascent battery and acknowledges the factory specification as inadequate, directing dealers to replace the battery, tray, cover, and holding rod with higher-capacity parts. This TSB was not proactively applied to my vehicle. The dealer did not identify or disclose it at earlier service visits where the battery concern was reported and "could not be reproduced." No recall or proactive owner notification has been issued. Dealers are not applying the TSB preventively. A complaint is open with Subaru of America Customer Advocacy. The manufacturer has declined to reimburse the out-of-pocket emergency replacement and has required a dealer diagnostic that has been repeatedly blocked by manufacturer/dealer procedural requirements.

NHTSA ID
11733168
Incident
Apr 6, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

05-62-18R

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

WRH-26R

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a non-compliance recall for certain 2026 model year Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles, 2025-2026 model year Forester & Forester Hybrid vehicles, and 2019- 2026 Ascent vehicles due to incorrect information listed on the certification label. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

SubaruNet Announcement (C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.

16-154-25R

POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

15-305-22R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

16-132-20R

POWER TRAIN

This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Ascent by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110—
2025151051.5
2024501047.7
2023Viewing454058.6
2022552054.0
20211022050.5
20203225050.0
20194419050.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.