Federal safety data shows 6 recalls and 437 complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

437

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

19V8550002019-02-12

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.

If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V9550002021-09-12

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

19V5190002019-10-07

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.

If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 6 recalls

18V5080002018-02-08

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.

In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

22V9070002022-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

26V4360002026-07-07

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 437 issues reported over 1 model years, electrical system problems are the most common for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Electrical System123

02Power Train63

03Visibility/wiper60

04Unknown Or Other30

05Service Brakes15

437 total across 1 model years (2019–2019)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

20-21city

26-27hwy

$2,950-$3,050/yr

The 2019 Subaru Ascent delivers 22 to 23 MPG combined across 2 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Ascent - Automatic (AV-S8)

23mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Ascent Limited/Touring - Automatic (AV-S8)

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city26 hwy~$3,050/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2019 Subaru Ascent

38States

22%in top 3

Texas has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 38 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

TXTexas

6229%

CACalifornia

4577%

PAPennsylvania

3836%

FLFlorida

3726%

DEDelaware

2834%

COColorado

2454%

ILIllinois

2364%

OROregon

2163%

MNMinnesota

2133%

NCNorth Carolina

2123%

OHOhio

2103%

WAWashington

1933%

MOMissouri

1913%

NYNew York

1733%

OKOklahoma

1652%

GAGeorgia

1622%

NHNew Hampshire

1602%

MDMaryland

1532%

MIMichigan

1502%

NJNew Jersey

1472%

UTUtah

1452%

DCWashington DC

1442%

IN107

RI107

AZ104

TN86

CT84

MA82

WI78

NE74

ID72

SD69

ME62

VT61

AR58

VA50

IA49

NV35

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2019.

2019 Subaru Ascent: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2019 Subaru Ascent. There are 6 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Yes, 6 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Fuel economy ranges from 22 to 23 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $104 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems top the list with 437 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2019 compare to other Subaru Ascent years?

Each Subaru Ascent model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Subaru Ascent overview page.