YearToAvoid

2019 Subaru Ascent Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 163 Electrical System complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 37% of all 441 complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 10,500. Four fires were reported, and one related recall (22V907000) covers a PTC heater ground bolt issue.

Electrical System complaints
163
37% of 441
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
10,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle catching fire while parked or shortly after driving, in some cases traced to an electrical ignition source under the hood.
  • Battery drains and dies when the rear hatch or a door is left open for an extended period, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Dashboard warning lights and multiple systems (engine, transmission, braking, and driver-assist features) illuminate or shut off simultaneously while driving.
  • Owners report the vehicle failing to start after sitting overnight, with towing services describing the batteries as defective and needing repeated jump-starts.
  • Some owners link electrical malfunctions to a loose transmission wiring harness that also affects shifting and safety-feature operation.

When 2019 Subaru Ascent electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 23, 2019, latest Aug 6, 2026.

2019 Subaru Ascent electrical system complaints: complaints filed per quarter262019 Q12020 Q12021 Q12022 Q12023 Q12024 Q22026 Q3
163 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (26).

Electrical System recalls for the 2019 Subaru Ascent

  1. NHTSA 22V907000Dec 8, 2022Electrical System271,694 vehiclesPark Outside

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Electrical System complaints by Ascent model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2019163 (37%)
  2. 2020105 (33%)
  3. 202118 (18%)
  4. 20223 (5%)
  5. 20234 (9%)
  6. 20244 (8%)
  7. 20252 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
NHTSA lists 163 Electrical System complaints for the 2019 Ascent, which is 37% of the 441 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Subaru Ascent electrical system?
Yes. Recall 22V907000, reported December 8, 2022, covers a PTC heater ground bolt that may not be properly fastened. Subaru advises owners to park away from structures rather than avoid driving.
Did the electrical issues cause any fires?
NHTSA data shows 4 fire reports tied to Electrical System complaints on the 2019 Ascent, with no crashes or injuries recorded in this data.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2019 Ascent?
The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints is 10,500 miles, though some owners reported issues as early as several hundred miles.
Is the 2019 Ascent worse than later model years for electrical problems?
Yes, relative to other Ascent years. The 2019 model shows 163 electrical complaints (37% share), compared to 105 (33%) in 2020 and far fewer in 2021 through 2025.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.