The 2020 Subaru Ascent has a elevated safety risk profile with 3 recall campaigns and 322 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

322

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V9540002021-09-12

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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.

The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

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

Across 1 model years, 322 owners have filed complaints about the 2020 Subaru Ascent. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Electrical System82

02Visibility/wiper44

03Power Train40

04Unknown Or Other33

05Service Brakes14

322 total across 1 model years (2020–2020)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

20-21city

26-27hwy

$2,650-$2,800/yr

Across 2 configurations, the 2020 Subaru Ascent returns 22–23 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Ascent - Automatic (AV-S8)

23mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$2,650/yr5/10 Average

Ascent Limited/Touring - Automatic (AV-S8)

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city26 hwy~$2,800/yr4/10 Average

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

Where to Find 2020 Subaru Ascent

41States

21%in top 3

9% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 41 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

5719%

PAPennsylvania

3966%

CACalifornia

3916%

FLFlorida

3756%

ILIllinois

2774%

DEDelaware

2714%

COColorado

2464%

MNMinnesota

2163%

OROregon

2123%

NCNorth Carolina

2103%

OHOhio

1993%

WAWashington

1983%

DCWashington DC

1983%

MDMaryland

1943%

MOMissouri

1853%

NHNew Hampshire

1723%

MIMichigan

1602%

GAGeorgia

1522%

OKOklahoma

1482%

NYNew York

1392%

UTUtah

1292%

NJNew Jersey

1182%

INIndiana

1172%

AZ93

WI88

MA85

TN82

NE81

CT81

SD74

RI71

AR62

VT59

ID58

ME55

IA46

AL43

VA41

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2020.

2020 Subaru Ascent Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent a good car to buy?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent has 3 recalls on record. There are 3 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is electrical system, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

NHTSA shows 3 recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Depending on configuration, the 2020 Subaru Ascent delivers 22–23 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the number-one complaint area for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, based on 322 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.