What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2019–2021) Ascent?

Ascent owners have made 28 complaints about the 2019–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 20th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with some electrical and interior concerns.

Common 2019-2021 Subaru Ascent Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Ascent owners have to deal with.

  1. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

    The impellers inside of Denso branded fuel pumps may have been excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing. This leads to them cracking, absorbing fuel, and deforming so badly that they stop sending fuel to the engine. Subaru…

    Continue reading article "Denso Fuel Pump Failure"

  2. CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery

    Too many owners of newer Subaru vehicles are waking up to cars that won't start due to dead batteries. The batteries aren't defective, but just lack the capacity to handle the electrical system draw particularly while the vehicle is turned …

    Continue reading article "CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery" Overhead view of the battery inside a Subaru engine

  3. Cracked Windshields

    Since 2015 there has been a surge in complaints about Subaru windshields that crack spontaneously. Many believe this is due to a design switch to 'acoustic glass.' Owners want compensation from Subaru because windshield replacements come wi…

    Continue reading article "Cracked Windshields" Image from inside the a 2016 Forester cabin showing a large horizontal crack along the bottom of the windshield.

  4. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2019–2021) Ascent Key Numbers

  1. 1 model year

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 28 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 20th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 1st Generation Ascent Owners

  • Partially dismissed

    Tomasian, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1. Partially dismissed

      After being consolidated with another lawsuit, the case was partially dismissed because some of the plaintiffs do not allege their vehicles continued to have problems once Subaru made repairs.

    2. Case Filed

      Subaru dead battery problems have caused a lawsuit that alleges 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent SUVs are equipped with batteries that drain and die.

  • Partially dismissed

    Dalen, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Partially dismissed

      After being consolidated with another lawsuit, the case was partially dismissed because some of the plaintiffs do not allege their vehicles continued to have problems once Subaru made repairs.

    2. Case Filed

      A class-action lawsuit was filed because of battery problems in certain Subaru vehicles because the automaker's decision to install batteries with insufficient capacity to power the vehicle's electrical components when turned off.

  • Sampson, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Subaru class action lawsuit includes 2013-2021 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which includes pre-collision braking and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, the lawsuit includes 2013-2021 Subaru vehicles equipped with lane keep assist (LKA).

Recent 1st Generation (2019–2021) Ascent News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

What Ascent Owners Say About This Generation

Defects in the Subaru's Electrical System Constantly Drain the Underpowered Batteries

Twice my 2020 Subaru Ascent's battery has been dead. It has been driven every day for at least 20-30 minutes. Nothing was left on, or open. There is obviously an elecrical issue draining the battery.

2020 Ascent Owner