2020 Subaru Ascent Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 18% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 22,500 miles.
- 58power train complaints
- 22,500median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 16 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 58 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Subaru Ascent power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ascent | 3 | 6% | — |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2022 Ascent | 14 | 25% | 87,500 |
| 2021 Ascent | 19 | 19% | 88,271 |
| 2020 Ascent | 58 | 18% | 22,500 |
| 2019 Ascent | 89 | 20% | 17,231 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:driveline:chain/belt; power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was skipping. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall…
1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership, and any failed components should be available…
The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds. Over the last month the transmission started to slip while accelerating , especially up hill. There…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2020 Subaru Ascents have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 58 owner complaints about power train for the 2020 Subaru Ascent (18% of the 322 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Subaru Ascent power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 22,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
Other 2020 Subaru Ascent problems
See all 2020 Subaru Ascent problems or power train problems across all Ascent years.