2020 Subaru Ascent Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 105 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 33% of its 322 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 6,000 miles. A related recall (22V907000) covers a PTC heater ground bolt issue, and one complaint reported a fire.
- Electrical System complaints
- 105
- 33% of 322
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 6,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report repeated dead batteries after the vehicle sits parked for a few days, sometimes recurring three or more times despite battery replacement or dealer testing showing no fault.
- Some drivers describe the push-to-start button failing to respond, with interior and exterior lights flashing rapidly before the vehicle becomes completely inoperative.
- Others report sudden loss of power-assist safety features while driving, including the EyeSight adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and backup camera shutting off.
- One owner reported a burning plastic smell and smoke from the floorboard that required stopping the vehicle and calling the fire department, along with a battery replaced three times and a radio system that resets on its own.
- A few owners describe the tailgate opening on its own or losing power along with dead batteries and malfunctioning CarPlay/Bluetooth systems.
When 2020 Subaru Ascent electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 20, 2019, latest Sep 4, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
- NHTSA lists 105 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 33% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
- Yes. Recall 22V907000, reported December 8, 2022, covers 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles where the PTC heater ground bolt may have been improperly fastened. Subaru advises owners to park away from structures and not leave the vehicle unattended while running.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2020 Ascent?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 6,000 miles.
- Did any 2020 Ascent electrical complaints involve fire?
- Yes, one of the 105 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Ascent reported a fire, with zero reported crashes and zero injuries.
- How does the 2020 Ascent compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 2020 Ascent had 105 electrical complaints (33% share), lower than the 2019 model's 163 complaints (37% share) but much higher than 2021's 18 complaints (18% share).