Name: 2020 Subaru Ascent
Brand: Subaru

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"the brakes and also rotors went bad much faster than would normally be expected. The dealership was able to get the rotors covered by subaru, but I had to pay for the brake job."

Anonymous, OH (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Pulsation or vibration

"the pulsation vibration issue is associated with the brake rotor issue"

Anonymous A., PA (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Front rotors had to be replaced After taking it back to the dealer 3x. Dealer claimed they fixed the problem the first two times."

Anonymous, WI (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Variable transmission control module reprogrammed once, several visits to the mechanic without any fix or explanation of the problem. The transmission vibrates very aggressively indicating serious problem, but the dealer will not acknowledge there is a problem."

Anonymous A., IL (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Rotors

"Brake rotors also went bad along with the pads--which we have learned is common with this vehicle. The manufacturer covered the cost."

Anonymous, OH (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The brakes that are installed on these vehicles have an extremely loud metallic grinding noise and the rotors warp with very low miles and no hard braking or overheating from hills. This vehicle is driven on mostly flat roads."

Anonymous A., IL (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"when coming down a steep hill or incline and braking you get a pulsation back thru the brake pedal and you can feel the pulsation with the ride had the rotors and changed (3rd time 35000 miles) was fine for 6 mos then started again"

Anonymous A., PA (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Because of warranty, had to have rotors ground down first to repair. Solved it for a while. Later had to replace rotors and brakes. Now starting to do same thing again. Never towed anything or carried heavy loads that should increase likelihood of this problem."

Anonymous, NY (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

"Transmission appears to slip or catch when ascending hills at highway speeds(new) - unable to replicate at mechanic"

Anonymous, BC (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Experienced this about a year ago and it happens often when shifting between park, reverse, and drive."

Anonymous A., WI (2020 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Had a problem when turning at a slow speed and uphill"

Anonymous, CT (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"It was a noise when I turned the car in a tight turn. Subaru dealer did a test drive, set it up for repair. Solved the issue."

Anonymous, TX (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission computer

"Transmission would surge going uphill. They had to re-install the software and not covered by warranty for some reason"

Anonymous, OR (2020 Subaru Ascent 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission leaks

"Front and rear transmission pump leaks"

Anonymous, CA (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Other major transmission & clutch problem

"I did not know anything was wrong with it, but when I was getting it serviced, they informed me there was a recall on the transmission. The entire transmission had to be replaced. It was fully covered by warranty."

Anonymous, MO (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Vehicle had only 51000 miles on it and the transmission had to be replaced so to slipping"

Anonymous, CT (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Subaru recalled the transmission and replaced it FOC"

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Transmission and multiplate clutch pack made noise with an occasional slip for 12 to 24 months prior to replacement. It kept passing Subaru transmission tests and inspections. Finally I recorded the slipping by video of tachometer jumping accompanied by squealing sound. Then the put it through th 12 page SOA diagnostic test for many many miles and FINALLY got it to fail. So basically SOA has developed a diagnostic test that a failing transmission will often pass. Genius!"

Anonymous, OR (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Transmission felt like it slipped in cold weather until engine warmed up. After I took it into the dealership for evaluation, the service department contacted Subaru and they authorized a new transmission replacement"

Anonymous A., CO (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"It would take plugging and unplugging your phone multiple times. Rebooting the system on the infotainment screen multiple times and finally rebooting your iPhone for it to finally pair again"

Anonymous A., NY (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Subaru has not updated its interfaces to pair newer phones with their audio and car play"

Anonymous, BC (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Android auto and Apple Car play would disconnect for no apparent reason. Dealer charged us $800 to fix it and it's still inoperable."

Anonymous, NY (2020 Subaru Ascent 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP"

Anonymous, TX (2020 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Oil pan gasket leaks"

Anonymous, CA (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Present on independent inspection when purchased used. Negotiated lower price to allow for cost of repair(s). Appears to be a seal. May be one mentioned in service bulletin."

Anonymous, GA (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Lower oil pan leak repaired under warranty."

Anonymous A., NE (2020 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Oil pan leak discovered during 63000 mile service and it was replaced."

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"See the previous explanation, as it ties into the wind noise issue."

Anonymous, OH (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"From the first rain fall, brand new suv, the interior smells like wet newspaper. I tuck the sunroof weather stripping in or down in the groove often as it lifts up continually. If the weather stripping was a higher quality the vehicle would be quieter inside."

Anonymous, NY (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Squeaks or rattles

"Since the original new purchase, there has been a buzz under the dashboard that is triggered at certain engine vibration points, and no one at the dealership was able to figure it out. It is maddening and makes me not want to ever buy another Subaru."

Anonymous, VA (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"something began rattling in the front dash, the part that is exposed to the windshield, it drives you mad and you want to smash whatever is rattling."

Anonymous, NY (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"All 4 door handles had a "chrome" finish.......all 4 peeled.....2 got replace under warranty while the other 2 were outside of warranty"

Anonymous, TX (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Tire wear is uneven

"Vehicle had the third set of tires installed by the selling dealer prior to purchase. this vehicle had less than 25K miles when purchased."

Anonymous, WI (2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Wheel bearings

"One rear wheel bearing (don't recall which side)started making a low growling noise and needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Door handle

"asked and answered"

Anonymous, TX (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"leak in freon"

Anonymous A., CA (2020 Subaru Ascent Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"CVT transmission is noisy. When I took it to the dealership, they said they could not duplicate the noise. It is as if the transmission cannot find thr right gear."

Anonymous, TX (2020 Subaru Ascent Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Subaru Ascent

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Engine Minor

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Engine Major

Fuel System/Emissions

Engine Cooling

Engine Electrical

2020 SUVs Reliability

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability