2020 Subaru Ascent Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 58 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 18% of all 322 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 22,500. A related recall (21V955000) covers a TCU programming error that can cause drive chain slip.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 58
- 18% of 322
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 22,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the CVT slipping intermittently, often in the 55-65 mph range, with a noticeable RPM rise and hesitation in vehicle motion.
- Some describe sudden loss of power or acceleration while driving, including one case where the transmission stopped responding entirely and no gear would engage.
- Several owners report lurching or jerking between 20 and 50 mph, sometimes accompanied by vibration, wobbling, or an acrid smell.
- A few complaints describe the drive chain snapping or a loud noise from the transmission followed by a total loss of acceleration, requiring towing.
- One owner reported the gear shifter failing to move out of park on an incline, with grinding sounds and reference to the NHTSA recall campaign.
- Another owner described the automatic parking brake unexpectedly engaging while backing up a trailer, requiring the infotainment system to disable it.
When 2020 Subaru Ascent transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 16, 2020, latest Aug 27, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
- NHTSA lists 58 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ascent, which is 18% of the 322 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
- Yes. Recall campaign 21V955000, reported 2021-12-09, covers a Transmission Control Unit programming error that could let the clutch engage before the drive chain is ready, and dealers reprogram the TCU and inspect the chain.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically start on the 2020 Ascent?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 22,500 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Ascent.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries associated with the 58 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ascent.
- How does 2020 compare to other Ascent model years for this problem area?
- The 2019 Ascent has 88 complaints (20% share) and the 2021 Ascent has 19 complaints (19% share) in this area, compared to 58 complaints (18% share) for 2020.