2020 Subaru Ascent VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 310 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (98), Power Train (52), Visibility Wiper (45).
Ascent reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Ascent before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2020 Subaru Ascent issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System98
- Power Train52
- Visibility Wiper45
- Unknown Or Other42
- Service Brakes16
- Visibility10
2020 Ascent recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Ascent. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V907000Dec 8, 2022Park outside until repaired
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Consequence: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 21V955000Dec 9, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
- STEERINGNHTSA 21V954000Dec 9, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Consequence: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Used-market value
2020 Subaru Ascent resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2020 Subaru Ascent on the road
68,342 2020 Subaru Ascent units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 Subaru Ascent stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
What you get in a 2020 Subaru Ascent report
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2020 Subaru Ascent — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has a reliability score of 58/100 based on aggregated recall and owner-complaint data.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Ascent problems?
The most-reported 2020 Subaru Ascent problem areas are: Electrical System (98), Power Train (52), Visibility Wiper (45).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru Ascent, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.