Does the Subaru Ascent have reliability issues?
The Subaru Ascent is generally considered a solid, family-oriented SUV with standard all-wheel drive and strong safety features. While it tends to rank around the middle of its class for reliability, there have been recalls and some owner reports that prospective buyers should consider. This article examines current reliability impressions, common concerns, and what to check before buying.
A current reliability snapshot
Reliability ratings for the Subaru Ascent, like many mid-size three-row SUVs, vary by year and source. In recent evaluations from mainstream outlets, the Ascent is typically placed in the solid-to-good range for its class, with improvements seen in newer model years as Subaru refines its software, powertrain, and overall build quality. Consumers Reports and J.D. Power often note that Subaru vehicles tend to perform well on predicted reliability overall, but individual model years can differ due to updates and ongoing campaigns. For the latest year-by-year assessments, check the most current reports from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and Subaru’s own maintenance advisories.
What owners report
To give readers a grounded sense of what to expect in everyday use, here are recurring themes cited by owners and reviewers. The following list highlights common reliability-related topics without implying universal experience.
- Transmission and driveline: Some drivers report CVT nuances or shifts that feel abrupt at low speeds, while many others enjoy smooth performance; availability of software updates has helped address some issues.
- Infotainment and electronics: Occasional glitches, Bluetooth pairing hiccups, and screen freezes have been cited by a subset of owners, often resolved by updates or resets.
- Interior finish and fit: A minority of buyers report rattles, trim gaps, or squeaks in certain trims or early production runs, typically addressed in service visits.
- Miscellaneous niggles: Occasional reports of door latches, sensor warnings, or minor electrical quirks, usually resolved under warranty or shop service campaigns.
Ultimately, most owners of well-maintained Ascents report dependable performance for daily family use, with problems generally addressed under warranty or recall campaigns.
Notable recalls and service campaigns
Like many modern vehicles, the Ascent has been subject to recalls and safety campaigns covering a range of systems. To keep readers informed, this section outlines the general categories of recalls rather than year-by-year specifics. Always verify the current status for a given VIN on the NHTSA database or Subaru’s recall portal.
- Airbags and related components: Safety campaigns to replace or retrofit airbag modules as needed.
- Brake and brake-light systems: Updates or component replacements to address potential braking or signaling issues.
- Seat belts and pretensioners: Replacements or adjustments to ensure proper operation in a crash scenario.
- Engine, fuel, and electrical systems: Software updates or component inspections to address emissions, drivability, or fault warnings.
- Software/ECU updates: Campaigns to refresh infotainment, body control modules, or transmission control units for improved reliability.
If you’re shopping for a used Ascent, a thorough recall check is essential. Recalls do not necessarily indicate ongoing reliability problems, but they show where fixes have been mandated by regulators and manufacturers.
Model-year guidance and buying tips
Reliability can shift from year to year as Subaru updates components and addresses earlier issues. Here is practical guidance for buyers evaluating model years and planning maintenance.
- Prioritize later model years when possible: Substantial software and hardware refinements often appear in subsequent releases, reducing the likelihood of early-year quirks.
- Check for all outstanding recalls and service campaigns: Confirm that recall work has been completed on the vehicle you’re considering, and verify ongoing campaigns.
- Review maintenance history: Regular oil changes, transmission service where recommended, and adherence to scheduled maintenance correlate strongly with long-term reliability.
- Test drive with a focus on the CVT feel and responsiveness: A qualified technician can assess whether the transmission operates smoothly across RPM ranges.
- Inspect electronics and safety systems: Ensure the infotainment, navigation, cameras, and driver-assistance features operate correctly during the test drive.
Consumers who perform due diligence—recall verification, maintenance documentation, and a professional pre-purchase inspection—tend to fare better when evaluating a used Ascent.
Bottom line
Across model years, the Subaru Ascent generally offers solid reliability for a family, three-row SUV, with the caveat that some years have required recalls and routine fixes that are common in modern vehicles. Its all-wheel-drive pedigree and safety credentials remain strong selling points. Prospective buyers should check current reliability reviews for the exact year they’re considering and verify that all recall-related work has been completed.
Summary
In short, the Subaru Ascent is not known for widespread, chronic reliability problems, but it is not immune to recalls and model-year variability. When evaluating an Ascent, rely on up-to-date, model-year-specific reviews from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, confirm recall status via NHTSA and Subaru, and obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection to ensure it meets your reliability expectations. For the most current information, always consult official recall databases and the latest consumer reliability reports.
