How common are engine problems in the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

NHTSA lists 33 engine complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 10% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent engine?

No related recall is listed for the engine problem area on the 2020 Ascent in this data.

What is the most common engine complaint owners report?

Owners most frequently describe a strong raw fuel smell in the cabin, along with reports of the engine stalling unexpectedly while driving.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2020 Ascent is about 5,494 miles.

Are engine complaints worse in 2020 compared to other Ascent years?

The 2020 Ascent's engine complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, lower than the 2019 model's 12% and the 2025 model's 20%, though the 2019 model had more raw complaints (51).

2020 Subaru Ascent Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 33 engine complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 10% of its 322 total complaints that year. Owners most often report a raw fuel smell inside the cabin and unexpected stalling at low mileage, with median failure mileage around 5,494. No related engine recall is listed.

Engine complaints: 33; 10% of 322
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 5,495 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report a strong smell of raw fuel inside the cabin at startup, while idling, or when the vehicle is parked, sometimes noticeable outside the car too.
Some owners describe the engine stalling suddenly while driving at city speeds, with warning lights flashing before the vehicle loses power.
One owner reported the serpentine belt shredding shortly after a battery warning light and overheating indicator appeared, with coolant sprayed under the hood.
Several owners say the fuel smell intensifies when the climate control fan pulls in outside air, but disappears when set to recirculate cabin air.
A few owners describe transmission-related hesitation paired with engine symptoms, including delayed acceleration and a noticeable jolt when shifting.

When 2020 Subaru Ascent engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 25, 2019, latest May 15, 2026.

33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2019 to May 2026; peak Feb 2024 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Ascent model year

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

201951 (12%)
202033 (10%)
202114 (14%)
20229 (16%)
20236 (13%)
20244 (8%)
20253 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2020 Subaru Ascent?: NHTSA lists 33 engine complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 10% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent engine?: No related recall is listed for the engine problem area on the 2020 Ascent in this data.
What is the most common engine complaint owners report?: Owners most frequently describe a strong raw fuel smell in the cabin, along with reports of the engine stalling unexpectedly while driving.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2020 Ascent is about 5,494 miles.
Are engine complaints worse in 2020 compared to other Ascent years?: The 2020 Ascent's engine complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, lower than the 2019 model's 12% and the 2025 model's 20%, though the 2019 model had more raw complaints (51).