CarModelProblems.com

2019 Subaru Ascent Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
432Complaints
9Recalls
10Crashes
6Fires
8Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (35.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System155 · 35.9%RecalledRecall 22V907000
Power Train80 · 18.5%RecalledRecall 19V855000 · Recall 21V955000 · Recall 19V519000
Visibility/wiper66 · 15.3%No official action
Engine47 · 10.9%RecalledRecall 19V856000
Service Brakes26 · 6%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System16 · 3.7%RecalledRecall 21V587000 · Recall 20V218000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM155 · 35.9%
POWER TRAIN80 · 18.5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER66 · 15.3%
Unspecified / other57 · 13.2%
ENGINE47 · 10.9%
SERVICE BRAKES26 · 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16 · 3.7%
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD12 · 2.8%
SUSPENSION10 · 2.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY7 · 1.6%

Percentages are the share of the 432 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 9 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 19V855000 · 2019 · reported 12/02/2019

If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 21V955000 · 2021 · reported 12/09/2021

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 2021 · reported 07/29/2021

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 20V218000 · 2020 · reported 04/16/2020

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 19V856000 · 2019 · reported 12/02/2019

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 19V519000 · 2019 · reported 07/10/2019

If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 18V508000 · 2018 · reported 08/02/2018

In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

NHTSA campaign 22V907000 · 2022 · reported 12/08/2022

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · 2026 · reported 07/07/2026

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“FOUND MY BATTERY DEAD AND MY REAR TRUNK DOOR OPEN. I HAD CLOSED IT AND PARKED MY CAR IN MY GARAGE THE EVENING OF THE…”NHTSA complaint 11337910 — filed 07/07/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“KEEPING THE REAR GATE OPEN, OR EVEN JUST OPENING AND CLOSING THE REAR GATE WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED, DRAINS THE BATTERY RAPIDLY. THIS CAN…”NHTSA complaint 11331205 — filed 06/27/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“LIFT GATE NOT WORKING. GETTING STUCK CLOSE AND DRAINING THE BATTERY. AT ONLY 17000 MILES WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TWICE. WHEN TRYING…”NHTSA complaint 11330929 — filed 06/25/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

520188220191352020143202188202246202318202421202582026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 155 of 432 NHTSA complaints (35.9%), followed by power train (80), visibility/wiper (66), unspecified/other issues (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?

432 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?

Yes — 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V855000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2019 Subaru Ascent's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.