2023 Subaru Ascent Safety Report
2023 SUBARU ASCENT Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Subaru Ascent. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (36) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Subaru Ascent with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Subaru Ascent before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Ascent Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Ascent years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Subaru Ascent | 42 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | 48 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | 92 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | 309 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Subaru Ascent Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Subaru Ascent, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyService Brakes
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Subaru onlyTires
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Tires issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyAir Bags,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
Reliability Score
The 2023 Subaru Ascent receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Subaru Ascent:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended Acceleration Several owners have reported sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield Cracking Windshields are prone to cracking easily, with chips turning into cracks within minutes. |
High | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Service Brakes Service brakes have shown signs of failure, leading to sudden and unintended braking. |
Medium | Rare | 20k-40k miles |
| Tire Wear Tires have shown unusual wear, with some needing replacement at 15,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 15k-30k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Subaru Ascent:
Recalled due to potential issues, affecting 30,000-60,000 miles.
Recalled due to potential issues, affecting 30,000-60,000 miles.
Prone to cracking easily, with chips turning into cracks within minutes.
Unusual wear, with some needing replacement at 15,000 miles.
Recall Details for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Subaru Ascent by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
Consequence: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Subaru Ascent
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Subaru Ascent with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
I was entering an intersection to make a left-hand turn. I was driving at a low speed. My foot was pressing the accelerator and the car entered the intersection. In the middle of the intersection, the car wheels suddenly stopped turning. There was nothing in front of the car. Cars behind me began honking since my car stopped suddenly and unexpectedly while I saw a notice displayed on the car ...
When crossing a bridge at 40 mph with wide open lanes and shoulders the vehicle on cruise control suddenly braked aggressively and came to a full stop in the middle of a state highway bridge. Conditions were daylight, headed towards sun, no shadows on bridge. The road surface was smooth asphalt. There were shoulders as wide as the active lanes. There was no warning and very little time for a drive...
Incident Description – Event 1 On August 28, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m. while driving on Sugar Ridge Road, my 2023 Subaru Ascent suddenly jerked violently into the left lane without warning while the EyeSight Driver Assist system was active. I had to take immediate corrective action to maintain control and avoid a head-on collision. This behavior has occurred on multiple occasions under simi...
The passenger-side mirror on my Ascent has been damaged and removed since March 2025. I paid for the part on April 8, 2025 and was told it would arrive in a few weeks. As of July 1, 2025, the part has been delayed until August. The mirror is critical for visibility and safe operation. My wife drives this car daily with our infant. Subaru has refused to provide a rental, and the car is unsafe. I’ve...
The windshield on the 2023 is extremely susceptible to cracking easily. Chips turn to cracks within minutes
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 sympt...
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 acknowledge...
The warning lights on the car flashed and the car shut down. I was on the highway. I called 911 and they told me to quickly and safely exit the car. Less than a minute later, the engine combusted and the car was engulfed in flames.
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the Eyesight system was intermittently inoperable. A message indicating that the Eyesight function was disabled was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the Eyesight icon turned from green to white with a line across. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be replicated. The dealer advised the con...
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. Front windshield easily cracked from minor rock strikes 3 times within 20 months. Replacement with Subarus OEM glasses twice already within 3 months. Now a new crack needs repair or potential replacement. Defective windshield that cannot withhold minor impact is clearly serious safety concern, increased stress on owner and burden on insurance, and impact to vehicle ...
Unusual wear on tires - 7/32 at 8000 miles, 5/32 at 15000 miles, advised to replace all tires at 15000 miles. Existing recall WRH-23 covering vehicles manufactured between Dec 2022 and Jan 2023. My vehicle shows manufacturing date of March 2023 but I believe may be part of the same issue. See below Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall and stop sale for certain 2023 m...
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...
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
Windshield is delicate and very easily chipped. Windshield has three different chips from 4000 miles of paved road driving. Small chips have quickly spread into long cracks across the windshield.
On May 12, 2024 I placed my vehicle in Park. As I exited, it rolled back. The door knocked me down and the car rolled over my left leg, injuring my lower leg, ankle, and foot. Problem has not been reproduced. Vehicle has not been inspected. I phoned the dealer, who denied any knowledge of the problem.
The vehicle is stated to get 20 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the Highway and 22 MPG combined according to the monroney label that I have when I purchased the vehicle new in October 2023. I am only seeing about 15 -17. I drive mostly in the city. I took a highway trip once and got about 20 MPG after resetting the meter and a fresh fill up. I hear of other people in online forums getting a little bett...
The heated seats do not heat. They are luke warm and you can barely feel any heat. I took the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer and they determined there was no issue. Was told the seats are not suppose to get hot. So what is the point of heated seats then? There are several online groups for Subaru where owner discuss issues with their vehicles and give advice. There are many customers who are co...
The auto brakes are not accurate because it triggers them in unsafe situations.
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.
Subaru Eyesight will turn off randomly while driving or while parked (turn the vehicle off, unlock the door, sit for a minute or two and when restarting the vehicle, eyesight indicator is orange - off. Example - getting fuel at a full service gas station. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Our safety is put at risk. Once Eyesight is off it will not reset/restart, so you are driving w...
Showing 20 of 36 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Subaru Ascent
Has the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT have?
The 2023 SUBARU ASCENT has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
The 2023 SUBARU ASCENT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT involve unknown or other (6 complaints), visibility/wiper (6 complaints), service brakes (6 complaints). Other affected components include tires, forward collision avoidance, air bags,vehicle speed control,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT out of 36 total complaints (8.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT out of 36 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT is generally recommended. It has 36 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), 2. VISIBILITY/WIPER (6 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints), 4. TIRES (3 complaints), 5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
Be cautious of potential unintended acceleration and windshield cracking issues. Ensure regular maintenance, especially for service brakes and tires. The 2023 SUBARU ASCENT has 36 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
The 2023 SUBARU ASCENT receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 36 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Unintended Acceleration and Windshield Cracking.
What are the known issues with the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT?
Known issues with the 2023 SUBARU ASCENT include: Unintended Acceleration, Windshield Cracking, Service Brakes, Tire Wear. These are based on patterns found across 36 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
Yes, there are recalls for the driveline driveshaft and front suspension control arm lower arm.
What are the common issues with the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
Common issues include unintended acceleration, windshield cracking, service brake failures, and tire wear.
Is the forward collision avoidance system reliable?
The system has been reported as intermittently inoperable, so it's advisable to check its functionality regularly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential unintended acceleration and windshield cracking issues. Ensure regular maintenance, especially for service brakes and tires.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Subaru Ascent
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Subaru Ascent. The data includes 36 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16