Subaru Ascent Engine Problems
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Subaru Ascent across 7 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (47).
- 104engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 30 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 104 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 1 an injury.
Subaru Ascent engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ascent | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2024 Ascent | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2022 Ascent | 9 | 16% | 60,000 |
| 2021 Ascent | 12 | 12% | 300 |
| 2020 Ascent | 29 | 9% | 5,495 |
| 2019 Ascent | 47 | 11% | 8,300 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My 2021 Subaru Ascent (40,000 miles) suffered multiple major mechanical failures that pose ongoing safety concerns: 1. Engine Oil Leak: The vehicle developed an active engine oil leak at 20,000 miles, posing a risk of fluid contacting hot exhaust/engine components under the hood or causing low oil…
Oil leaking from upper and lower oil pan. Oil seeping from head gasket and CVT chain pump cover. RTV sealant failure. $4800 to repair. Subaru needs to solve these oil leak issues. Leaking oil is bad for the environment and engine failure could cause accidents and injury.
On May 14, 2026, while driving a 2021 Subaru Ascent (approx. 94,291 miles) on a Texas expressway at highway speed during rush hour, I experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power. There were no warning lights, no safety system activation, and no advance indication of the failure. The…
The front exhaust pipe on my 2022 Subaru Ascent cracked at approximately 77,800 miles. The component is available for inspection. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed a rattle/fluttering noise coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership…
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Ascents have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints about engine for the Subaru Ascent. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Ascent engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Subaru Ascent problems
- Electrical System problems (293)
- Power Train problems (186)
- Visibility/wiper problems (152)
See all Subaru Ascent problems.