2020 Subaru Ascent Safety Report
2020 Subaru Ascent: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Electrical and Powertrain Reliability Concerns with Multiple Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
Reliability Score
The 2020 Subaru Ascent receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Ascent:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure/Malfunction Multiple reports of CVT failure, requiring replacement, sometimes multiple times. Issues include slipping, jerking, loss of power, and fluid migration into electrical components (ECM). |
High | Common | 50000-100000 miles |
| Electrical System Issues (Ptc Heater Ground Bolt, General Malfunctions) High number of electrical complaints, including a recall for a melting ground terminal increasing fire risk. Other issues include lane assist malfunctions and general electrical failures. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Engine Oil Leaks (Cam Carriers, Timing Cover, Oil Pan) Reports of significant oil leaks due to RTV sealant issues, potentially requiring engine reseal or replacement due to 'sludge'. |
Medium | Occasional | 60000-80000 miles |
| Suspension/Steering Component Failure (Struts, Tie Rods) Complaints of loud noises over bumps, requiring strut replacement. A recall exists for improper fit of front tie rod ends leading to loss of steering control. |
Medium | Occasional | 60000-70000 miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure Recall issued for low-pressure fuel pump failure causing engine stall while driving, increasing crash risk. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Subaru Ascent:
The most frequent complaint category, with 82 reports, including issues related to wiring, PTC heater ground bolt (recall), and general electrical malfunctions affecting various systems.
44 complaints related to visibility, including issues with wipers, headlights (DRL failure), and sunroof cracking.
37 complaints, primarily concerning the CVT transmission, including failures, slipping, jerking, and a recall for a TCU programming error leading to loss of drive power.
13 complaints, including instances of the emergency brake engaging unexpectedly.
5 complaints, including reports of oil leaks, 'sludge' leading to engine replacement, and PCV valve failure causing catastrophic engine failure.
7 complaints, primarily related to loud noises over bumps and premature strut wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Subaru Ascent
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Subaru Ascent received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 309 owner complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries reported. Four recalls address significant safety concerns, including fire risk from electrical issues, loss of drive power from transmission problems, loss of steering control from tie rod issues, and engine stall from fuel pump failure. While it performs well in crash tests, the high volume of complaints and critical recalls suggest potential reliability and safety issues in daily operation.
What are common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Subaru Ascent are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (82 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (44 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (37 complaints). Specific common problems include CVT transmission failures, engine oil leaks, premature strut wear, and various electrical malfunctions, some of which are addressed by recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has 4 recalls. These include recalls for a melting ground terminal in the electrical system (fire risk), a Transmission Control Unit programming error (loss of drive power), improper fit of front tie rod ends (loss of steering control), and a low-pressure fuel pump failure (engine stall).
Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has significant transmission problems. There are 37 power train complaints, and a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000) for a TCU programming error that can cause a loss of drive power. Owner complaints frequently mention CVT transmission failures, slipping, jerking, and even fluid migration into electrical components.
What are the most serious safety concerns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The most serious safety concerns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent include the fire risk from the electrical system ground bolt recall, the potential for loss of drive power due to the transmission control unit recall, loss of steering control from the tie rod recall, and engine stall due to the fuel pump recall. Additionally, numerous owner complaints detail catastrophic CVT failures and significant engine oil leaks that could lead to engine replacement.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2020 Subaru Ascent's significant number of owner complaints and four critical recalls, particularly concerning the electrical system and powertrain. Thoroughly check for completed recall repairs and consider an extended warranty, especially for the transmission and engine.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Subaru Ascent
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The data includes 309 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Subaru Ascent an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.