What problems does the Ascent have?
The Subaru Ascent's most commonly reported problems fall into three categories: drivetrain behavior (notably the CVT transmission and related oil-maintenance needs), electrical/software glitches (infotainment and EyeSight features), and safety/recall activity that can affect certain model years. Not every owner experiences these issues, but they appear frequently in owner forums, consumer guides, and recall notices, so readers should be aware if they’re considering a used or new Ascent.
Mechanical and powertrain concerns
Driveability and maintenance context
These items cover what owners often report about how the Ascent behaves on the road and what it takes to keep the powertrain in good shape.
- CVT performance: Some drivers notice shuddering, hesitation, or surging during acceleration, particularly at low speeds or when the engine is cold.
- Oil consumption: A subset of turbocharged 2.4L engines in the Ascent has been cited by owners as using more oil than expected between changes, requiring closer monitoring and more frequent top-offs.
- Tire and ride quality: The Ascent’s weight and suspension tuning can make the ride feel firm on rough pavement, and tire wear can influence noise and handling.
- General reliability signals: While many owners report solid reliability, occasional sensor or software-related reminders (oil level, maintenance warnings) can appear, sometimes prompting dealer checks.
Concluding: These mechanical and powertrain concerns are not universal, but they are the most commonly discussed topics among Ascent owners, so prospective buyers or lessees should verify maintenance history and recent CVT software updates when evaluating a vehicle.
Electrical and infotainment concerns
Software and compatibility notes
These items focus on the electronic systems that control infotainment, connectivity, and driver-assistance features.
- Infotainment glitches: Some owners report touchscreen lag, occasional reboots, or Bluetooth pairing issues that require resets or software updates.
- EyeSight limitations: Driver-assist systems that rely on cameras can underperform in heavy rain, snow, or low-contrast lighting, and may require calibration or software improvements to function optimally.
- Remote access and keyless features: Occasional hiccups with remote start, app-based controls, or door locking/unlocking have been noted, though these tend to be software-related fixes.
- Electrical accessory quirks: Instances of fuses, wiring harness connectors, or sensor alerts causing dashboard warnings have appeared in some model-years or after weather changes.
Concluding: Software updates and dealer calibrations can address many of these issues, but ongoing infotainment and EyeSight quirks mean buyers should check the most recent service history and confirm that any relevant updates have been applied.
Safety and recalls
Regulatory recall activity overview
This section summarizes recall-related issues and how they affect ownership and safety considerations.
- Recall activity across model years: The Ascent has seen recalls touching components such as airbags, braking systems, power liftgates, and related electrical systems. Specifics depend on the year and build batch of the vehicle.
- Importance of VIN-specific checks: Because recalls are model-year and VIN-specific, prospective buyers should verify recall status for a given vehicle via the NHTSA database or Subaru’s recall tool and ensure all open campaigns have been completed.
Concluding: If a used Ascent has outstanding recalls, the repairs are typically covered at no cost to the owner. Verifying recall history and confirmed repairs is a prudent step before purchase or lease renewal.
What to watch for when buying a used Ascent
Before buying used, consider these checks to reduce the risk of surprises after purchase.
- Request full service history, focusing on CVT software updates, oil-change intervals, and any maintenance notes related to the powertrain or electrical systems.
- Inspect for oil consumption signs: review records for oil top-offs between changes and ask the seller about any consumption patterns observed.
- Test-drive to evaluate CVT behavior: listen for unusual noises and notice any hesitation or abrupt transitions during acceleration.
- Check EyeSight and infotainment: test driver-assist features in various conditions if possible, and verify that the infotainment system responds reliably and that updates are current.
- Run a VIN recall check: confirm there are no outstanding recalls and verify that any completed campaigns are properly documented.
Concluding: A thorough pre-purchase inspection that focuses on drivetrain, electronics, and recall status will help you gauge whether a specific Ascent meets your reliability expectations.
Summary
The Subaru Ascent remains a roomy, safety-oriented SUV with strong appeal for families and large cargo needs. The most frequently reported problems center on driveability with the CVT and oil consumption in turbocharged engines, plus a range of electrical/infotainment quirks and recall activity that varies by model year. Prospective buyers should review service and recall history, ensure recent software updates are in place, and consider a targeted pre-purchase inspection to mitigate risk. When well maintained, many Ascent owners report solid performance and ownership satisfaction.
