Subaru Ascent, representative photo
Representative 2019 model. Photo: SsmIntrigue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2020 Subaru Ascent recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2020 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
5
Park-it warnings
1
Complaints
322
Latest campaign
Jul 7, 2026

Recall summary by component5

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsPark‑itLatestCampaign IDs
Equipment1–Jul 7, 2026
26V436000
Electrical system11Dec 8, 2022
22V907000
Power train1–Dec 9, 2021
21V955000
Steering1–Dec 9, 2021
21V954000
Fuel system, gasoline1–Jul 29, 2021
21V587000

Safety recalls5

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
1Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Jul 7, 2026Latest campaign
Jul 7, 202626V436000

Equipment: other labels

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 26V436000
What's wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Campaign
NHTSA 26V436000 · Jul 7, 2026
Dec 8, 202222V907000

Electrical system: wiring interior/under dash

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Park outside, away from structures
DetailsHide details for campaign 22V907000
What's wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Risk
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Campaign
NHTSA 22V907000 · Dec 8, 2022
Dec 9, 202121V955000

Power train: automatic transmission control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V955000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V955000 · Dec 9, 2021
Dec 9, 202121V954000

Steering: linkages tie rod assembly

The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V954000
What's wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Risk
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V954000 · Dec 9, 2021
Jul 29, 202121V587000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery fuel pump

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V587000
What's wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V587000 · Jul 29, 2021
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component322

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
322Complaints filed
6Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
5Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical system10131010
Power train5818000
Unknown or other5617010
Visibility/wiper4915000
Engine299100
Service brakes268202
Fuel/propulsion system144100
Forward collision avoidance124403
Visibility113000
Structure103000
Suspension82000
Exterior lighting52000
Lane departure41000
Air bags41405
Vehicle speed control31000

10 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Wheels

    “After replacing tires I started hearing noises from rear wheel. I searched online and it appears there is an issue with wheel bearings on several Subaru models (see YOUTUBE video by FIXBOOK dated July 12, 2026).”

    Filed 09/11/2026 · ODI 11763590
  • Exterior lighting

    “Subaru has a known problem/design with their LED daytime running lamps on the Ascent model. Dealerships are seeing a high failure rate of these LED lights, and it is always with the left side headlamp assembly.”

    Filed 09/04/2026 · ODI 11762193
  • Power train

    “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.”

    Filed 08/27/2026 · ODI 11759965

Other Subaru Ascent model years

All years: 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019

Other Subaru models

All Subaru models and years →

2020 Subaru Ascent recall questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The most recent, 26V436000 (reported July 7, 2026), concerns equipment. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Electrical system is the most-reported component, named in 101 complaints out of 322 filed with NHTSA (31%). Across all complaints, owners reported 6 crashs and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

Check a specific Subaru by VIN

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