10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,974 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2019 Subaru Ascent drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2019 Subaru Ascent Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #33

Feb 142022

Ascent

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have received numerous recalls on this model and failed to receive WUV-07. Now they have sent WRK-21 to replace WUV-07 and tell me the tools and reprogramming should arrive by May and they will contact me again. This is a drive train slippage issue (something I have been complaining about since I purchased the car) and very hazardous. I was planning 2 trips between now and then and I believe Subaru is uniquely slow in fixing this critical issue. Also in an unrelated matter I was forced to put 4 new tires on this vehicle already replacing the original tires after 29,000 miles. I do not believe Subaru did due testing diligence prior to releasing this model for weight/handling/tire strength.

- Lebanon, PA, USA

problem #32

Aug 012021

Ascent

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while the contact was attempting to shift gear, the gear selector failed to operate as designed. The failure occurred on cold starts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Wellesley, MA, USA

problem #31

Dec 282021

Ascent

  • miles
2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. The car only has about 25,000 miles on it now. I have had several incidents when driving on a curved road about 30 miles an hour the transmission jerks and causes the whole car to shudder abruptly sevral times in a row. Also when backing up and I completely stop the car before putting into drve, it jerks and makes a load noise. I have had the car into the Subaru dealer several times for these drivetrain problems and they say they never made a repair. They say they drove it and did not find the problem. They should have taken the transmission cover off and inpected the transmision chain and componnts. There was a prwvious transmission recall and now another one. Since the dealr allowed this problem to continue the transmission probably has mechanical damge.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #30

Dec 202021

Ascent

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering is so sensitive that it exhausted driver. Lane control is exhausting. Transmission looses power, but mechanics say nothing registering. The car smokes on cold start and white exhaust smells terrible. This is worse in summer when transmission is hot. Hatch can-??t be left open when camping because it ran my battery dead. There is no lighting at the back of car and front interior lights, LED, time out.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #29

Apr 012019

Ascent

  • 30 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that occasionally at start-up and while driving up an incline, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 30. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Olympia, WA, USA

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problem #28

Nov 292021

Ascent

  • 47,915 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting from PARK to DRIVE, the RPM abruptly went up from 1,200 to 4,000. The contact shifted the vehicle into NEUTRAL to check if the accelerator pedal was stuck but found no obstruction to the pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle and slowly drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact called a local dealer but was unable to schedule a date to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,915.

- Flagstaff, AZ, USA

problem #27

Nov 272021

Ascent

  • 53,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would resume normal operation soon after failure. The contact called a dealer and an appointment was made to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- Staunton, VA, USA

problem #26

May 282021

Ascent

  • miles
On Friday, June 28th, we were driving the Ascent, towing our 4100 lb. camper from Tehachapi, CA, headed north toward Las Vegas. When we stopped for gas in Tehachapi, we checked all fluids including the oil. Then at about 86 miles outside of Las Vegas coming up a steep grade in hot conditions, we hear a noise that sounded like it could be valve flutter. We drove for another minute (there was no shoulder), and noted that no warning lights were on. Then we heard a louder knocking sound and saw the oil temp indicator start moving quickly to hot, and immediately pulled off onto the shoulder. After our tow to the Las Vegas Subaru dealer, it became apparent that the battery was also dead (this was the second battery replaced under warranty, and we have had to jump both batteries at least monthly over the last 2 years). Last Monday, June 14, Subaru notified us by phone on a recorded line that the investigation had concluded. They determined towing excessive weight to be the cause of the engine failure (thrown rod). We verified the make and model and registration of our camper with Subaru, which at a dry weight of 4134 pounds, is 100 lbs. less than the Airstream used in Subaru's promotional materials. We disclosed to Subaru that the camper has few miles on it and we tow with empty tanks and less than 100 pounds of cargo (2 adults and one toddler). We also told them that on our two prior trips towing, the transmission has revved frequently and it sounds like it can't find the right gear. Subaru has not provided us a copy of either inspection report, and we have been without the vehicle for nearly a month. We are asking Subaru to repair the engine under warranty (39k miles). This sudden failure put our family's safety at risk. We were forced to stop the car in the middle of a high-speed highway without safely moving to an exit- we waited in excessive heat, barely off the road in deep sand without a shoulder for an hour- we were almost hit by a semi truck as we braked.

- Mariposa, CA, USA

problem #25

Mar 102021

Ascent

  • 50,000 miles
Purchased the Ascent new, have had the vehicle in multiple times with transmission complaints only to have "updates done", transmission recently went completely out while turning across traffic in front of oncoming traffic, vehicle towed to closest dealership, transmission replaced, drove less than 30 miles, car still hesitating while trying to switch gears around 40mph and whining noise (same as initial 3 complaints prior to transmission going out completely). Went to closest dealership related to concern of driving on freeway for safety, was told transmission needed 2 updates (as previously told prior to transmission going out). Now 5th visit while still under factory warranty but will only warranty new transmission for 1 year. Vehicle also had a recall on cvt transmission/chain slip. Car is a safety hazard for myself and others on freeway yet I continue to be sent home with "cvt updates and a continued whining noise" even after this led to transmission failure completely previously. Be very cautious when purchasing a Subaru, issues started on car around Feb. 2020 or 30,000 miles, transmission completely out at 50,000

- Lancaster, CA, USA

problem #24

Mar 122021

Ascent

  • 44,000 miles
Vehicle has continued to make squealing noise and shuddering since previous transmission recall was addressed. This has occurred at speeds from 10-75 mph. It happens multiple times per week, sometimes multiple times each day. Vehicle run time has ranged from approximately 5 minutes to 2+ hours. Vehicle has been checked multiple times by the dealership where it was purchased, who reports that nothing is wrong with it. I have a video of this, but it cannot be uploaded.

- Montevallo, AL, USA

problem #23

Feb 052021

Ascent

  • 19,567 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Several times our 2019 Subaru Ascent battery has drained down to low levels requiring jump starts. This last time was this winter and -15 degrees outside and was very dangerous for her. The alternator does not seem able to keep up with the load. I have heard of many other people having this problem. It sat overnight on both occasions.

- Hinckley, MN, USA

problem #22

Dec 242020

Ascent

  • 19,330 miles
On 24th December vehicle in motion on a highway whining noise observed and transmission disengages, RPM increased. In a few seconds transmission error message flashed in console, in addition check engine light comes on and all driver aids disabled, struggled to take control and pull off highway safely. Vehicle 20 months old less than 20,000 miles. Second instance of transmission failing after wuv07 recall completed in January 2020. !St instance of transmission failure in city streets @35mph similar behavior transmission light, check engine light and drivers aids disabled, incorrectly diagnosed by master technician as valve body failure after the wuv07 recall the fuel efficiency also dropped. A couple of days prior to 24th December contacted Subaru of America about a shudder noticed observed while driving. Enclosed image has repairs related to transmission, in addition during the 2nd repair the starter also failed and starter was also replaced. In conclusion two unsafe transmission failures in motion after wuv07 recall.

- Lithia, FL, USA

problem #21

Aug 012019

Ascent

  • 6,991 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle would independently shift out of the drive position. As a result, there was a loud knocking and screeching noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after shifting back into the drive position, the accelerator pedal would apply on its own causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to control the speed of the vehicle. The contact managed to make it to their destination safely. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6991.

- Portland,, OR, USA

problem #20

Jan 052021

Ascent

  • miles
Car just doesnt start and needs to be jumped randomly, yet dealership service dept could find no probelms. Also wierd lags, noises occuring while driving. This car is too new and has 18,000 miles on it, shouldnt be having these types of problems. Happened numerous times since purchase 2019 and 2020, most recent Jan 2021 brought into dealership service larry miller Subaru bosie id.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #19

Aug 122020

Ascent

  • 21,000 miles
Currently my car is being repaired at Subaru dealership had issues with vibration they are seeing if it's a transmission problem apparently there was a recall with the 2019 Subaru Ascent I never received one but I am having transmission issues and they are looking into what the deal is I'm just wondering why I never got a recall this is dangerous god for bid my car or to slow down or stop when I'm driving I don't understand why I never got the notice

- Wantagh, NY, USA

problem #18

Jun 282020

Ascent 4-cyl

  • 18,000 miles
When trying to accelerate around a truck on a highway, the car refused, felt like it was going to stall and every light on the dashboard lit up. My speed was probably around 60mph, when I tried to quickly get around this truck. It was full of furniture that I felt was loaded in an unsafe manner. This is the second time the car has done this and the cvt chain slip was supposedly fixed in a recall N December. This time Subaru said it was a leaky gasket in the inter cooler??

- Severna Park, MD, USA

problem #17

Feb 022020

Ascent

  • 11,841 miles
Check engine light - diagnosis ' vehicle loses power after rapid acceleration above 45mph. A whooshing sound occurs and then acceleration is limited. All warning lights flash including 'check engine.' This has occurred once about a month ago and diagnosed as a poorly replaced gas cap'although it was actually on securely. It occurred 2 weeks later 3 more times within two days. I brought it in with the lights on and issue still occurring to Subaru pacific. They cleared codes and tried to recreate issue without success. They released the car back to me after corporate deferred to them. Upon driving out of dealership, the same thing happened only after acceleration above 18 mph'all warning lights back on and sputtering/jerking/loss of power. Whooshing sound. Dealer is in possession of the car again to look into it. Also, there tends to be a grey-blue hue to the exhaust each time car starts.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #16

Jan 132020

Ascent

  • 18,000 miles
Car was shaking while idling/ shifting hard/ studdering while trying to shift and not shifting while going up an incline. The transmission was damaged from the slack in the cvt belt and now has to be completely replaced. Also the battery died. No doors were left open and no lights were left on. No reason to have a dead battery other than a large parasitic drain while the car is off.

- Hadley, PA, USA

problem #15

Jan 022020

Ascent

  • 1 miles
In low speed when wanting increase speed, the engine loses power and briefly sputters and then recovers and accelerates. Usually happens when trying to accelerate when going up hill and from slow, right turns. Usually at highway speed, it can quickly accelerate.

- Vienna, VA, USA

problem #14

Feb 012019

Ascent

  • miles
It suddenly loses power while driving and all of sudden it gets power and jumps.this happens almost 2 or 3 days in a week.it happens in city street.

- Morrisville, NC, USA

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