The 2020 Subaru Ascent has a elevated safety risk profile with 3 recall campaigns and 318 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

318

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, 318 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 Train38

04Unknown Or Other33

05Service Brakes14

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

Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

20-21city

26-27hwy

$2,950-$3,050/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~$2,950/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 2020 Subaru Ascent

38States

22%in top 3

9% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 38 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

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 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 318 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.