2023 Subaru Ascent Brakes Problems

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

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

I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America regarding a safety defect in my 2023 Subaru Ascent (VIN: [XXX] ) and their failure to honor warranty and recall obligations. Subaru issued recall TSB 06-92-24 to address front brake vibration by replacing rotors and pads with upgraded parts. My vehicle received this repair in September 2024. Less than 9,000 miles later, the exact same symptoms returned—steering wheel shaking and brake pulsation. In April 2025, Subaru resurfaced the upgraded rotors instead of replacing them, violating their own TSB, which prohibits unnecessary resurfacing and mandates rotor replacement if runout exceeds 0.05 mm. An independent inspection dated April 9, 2025, confirmed: Left front rotor measures 29.0 mm with 0.5 mm runout (10x Subaru’s limit) Right front rotor also measures 29.0 mm Subaru’s dealership claimed the rotors were 30.09 mm and 29.50 mm—inaccurate and misleading Subaru returned the vehicle in an unsafe condition with documented brake system defects. Their customer service insists the vehicle is “operating as designed,” despite clear evidence to the contrary. I am requesting regulatory review and a full buyback or enforcement of proper warranty compliance. Photos, inspection documents, and invoices are available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11653634

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

Formal Complaint Summary (VIN: [XXX] ) I am submitting this formal complaint concerning a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited (VIN: [XXX] ), which continues to experience brake-related safety defects despite recall repairs and repeated service attempts during the warranty period. Subaru of America issued Service Bulletin 06-92-24 in July 2024, which extended warranty coverage and acknowledged systemic issues with front brake components—specifically brake pulsation, squealing, pedal softness, and vibration. Subaru developed new components and repair protocols to address these issues, including new rotors, tie bars, pad kits, and a revised installation process. In September 2024, I brought the vehicle to CMA’s Subaru of Winchester after experiencing symptoms covered under the recall. Subaru replaced all required recall components. However, the defect returned in March 2025, while driving from Indianapolis to Winchester, now worse than before—resulting in violent steering wheel vibration, loud grinding noises, and unsafe braking behavior, particularly during downhill braking. Instead of replacing the parts again, Subaru resurfaced the upgraded rotors—despite the bulletin’s warnings against doing so. This resurfacing served as a temporary patch, not a true fix, and failed to resolve the underlying safety issue. I have made 21 lease payments totaling $13,707.96 and paid a $6,000 down payment, totaling $19,707.96 in out-of-pocket costs. Subaru has offered only a $2,500 goodwill payment, which I rejected. Relief Requested: I am requesting a full reimbursement with buy back under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Investigation to the reoccurring break issues despite being serviced for a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11653574

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

There was a SUDDEN and UNINTENDED acceleration without the driver input while braking to park going approximately 1 - 2 MPH. Our safety was at risk. The vehicle was not in our control. A police report was generated. Rather than stopping we crashed into the apartment building causing significant damage to both the apartment and our vehicle. There were no warnings, no automatic braking to avoid the collision, the air bags did not deploy. The total damages are still being determined by the dealer and insurance company.

NHTSA ID

11612133

Incident

Jul 28, 2024

unknown defects in some vehicles that could cause sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input Yes, our safety was at risk. The vehicle was clearly not in our control. A police report was generated. The car plowed through the garage no control to brake The damages are being inspected by insurance. There were no waring lights that I could see

NHTSA ID

11610317

Incident

Aug 4, 2024

Brakes have been replaced once and serviced once afterwards. The vehicle now needs the brakes serviced again. This will be the third time taking the vehicle in for this problem. I am unsure if the vehicle is safe to drive. The only trip I am now planning is back to the dealership to have the brakes done. Again.

NHTSA ID

11563206

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Right around the 10,000 mile mark I started noticing a shake when braking. I was pretty concerned about this as the car only has the mentioned 10,000 miles. I took it to the dealership where I bought the car. They were able to fix the problem by replacing the rotors and break pads. I was informed that the rotors were warped and had hot spots. The vehicle no longer shakes when braking, but I’m worried that it will happen again in another 10k miles. It may be an issue with the size of the brakes compared to the weight of the vehicle. This causes the rotors to heat up more than intended which leads to warping and hot spots.

NHTSA ID

11552358

Incident

Oct 22, 2023

The brake pedal is too high for people of average height, especially women, to use properly. Our feet slip underneath the brake when using it. When our heels are on the floor, our toes barely touch the brake pedal, and going from the gas to brake pedals smoothly is impossible with our heels on the car floor. Holding our right legs up above the floor causes extreme hip pain, as well as inaccuracy when transferring between the gas and brake pedals. The fact that the brake pedal is so far forward of the gas pedal also causes inaccuracy when switching from gas to brake. My shoes have gotten caught on the brake pedal many times in the transition, costing me valuable time in depressing the brake. I contacted the Subaru dealership and they said the entire brake pedal and arm would have to be replaced and they didn’t know how to do that. I would have paid for it. I contact Subaru Corporate and they left me a voicemail but then didn’t answer any of the times I called back. I am having to get hand controls installed in order to drive safely. It’s costing thousands. Subaru needs to acknowledge this is a huge problem and change the design of its brake pedal going forward, as well as offer replacement brake pedals for those of us who already own Ascents. Please see the Subaru Ascent Forum for others’ complaints. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11526899

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

I own a Subaru 2023 Ascent ([XXX]) that I purchased in December 2022. Since I got the car, the car has been nothing but a headache and has been full of issues. The car was making a squeaking noise from the break from the day we got it. I took it to the dealer (within a month, 600 miles), and after a few times going to them, they suggested it had poor brake pads. As per their recommendation, the dealer changed the brake pads. After driving another 1000 miles, the bolt of calipers came off in the middle of the road, and the car started making stuttering noise. Luckily the breaks were still functioning, so I could drive back to the dealer. I took it back to the dealer, and they told me they could fix the car once and for all. After another 2000 miles today, the car brakes failed again when I dropped the kids. I almost hit the tree in front of me, but luckily no one got hurt. I called the roadside assistance as the car was undrivable. The dealer told us that a bolt of brakes came off on the driver's side. They are currently working on fixing the breaks. This incident has made us scared and questions the car's unreliability. This car is supposed to be the safest, and that was the reason we bought this in the first place. This incident has shocked us so much that we are scared of driving it, and it's prudent for us to return the car. We are looking for an immediate solution related to returning the car and giving us our full money back. Appreciate you looking into our issue. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11520151

Incident

May 2, 2023