2020 Subaru Ascent Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
83/100
#2 most-complained of 7 Ascent years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Subaru Ascent ranks 2nd worst of 7 model years, with 322 complaints, a complaint index of 83, and 5 recalls. Electrical system issues dominate, making up 33% of complaints, with owners reporting battery drains, tailgate faults, and one fire incident.
- Complaints
- 322
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20.5 city / 26.5 hwy
Top 2020 Subaru Ascent problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System105 (33%)
- Visibility & Wipers60 (19%)
- Other58 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain58 (18%)
- Engine33 (10%)
- Brakes26 (8%)
- Fuel System14 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (4%)
- Structure & Body11 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (3%)
What owners report
- Battery drains repeatedly and requires multiple jump starts, with dead batteries and tailgate opening on its own.
- Push-to-start system fails to engage reverse gear despite the engine running, leaving the vehicle unresponsive.
- A burning plastic smell and white smoke rose from the floorboard, forcing an emergency stop and fire department call.
- Windshields develop cracks from small chips while driving under 45 mph, with repairs failing to hold.
- Engine bay fills with raw fuel smell on startup or while parked, noticeable inside and outside the cabin.
- A shredded serpentine belt caused overheating and smoke under the hood shortly after purchase.
2020 Subaru Ascent recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V436000Jul 7, 2026Other541,237 vehicles
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."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
- 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.
- NHTSA 21V955000Dec 9, 2021Transmission & Powertrain198,255 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2020 Subaru Ascent fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Ascent years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
- Among 7 model years of the Ascent, 2020 ranks 2nd worst based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of 83 and 322 complaints logged.
- What is the main problem with the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint area, accounting for 33% of all complaints (105 of 322), with a median failure mileage of 6,000 miles.
- Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Ascent, covering electrical system grounding, transmission control unit programming, front tie rod fit, fuel pump failure, and an axle weight rating label issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2020 Ascent compare to other years?
- The 2020 Ascent has a complaint index of 83, worse than 2021 (50), 2022 (67), 2023 (17), 2024 (33), and 2025 (0), but better than 2019 (100).
- What year Subaru Ascent should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2019 and 2020 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83, while 2023 and 2025 rank as the best years with indexes of 17 and 0.