Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
47 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRL-22
Recall Date: Dec 8, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRK-21
Recall Date: Dec 9, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRL-21
Recall Date: Dec 9, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRG-21
Recall Date: Jul 29, 2021
Consumer Complaints
369 ComplaintsSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
At around 18,000 miles when applying the brakes, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. By 20,000 miles the vibration was excessive affecting the ability to steer straight when braking. The dealer told me that they were aware of the issue with this year/model. Diagnosis, warped rotors. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced pads under warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 36000 miles had the same issue, this time dealer indicated that there was a "fix to the issue", new rotors and pads were installed again covered by warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 49,000 miles, the same braking issue, dealer replaced rotors and brakes, this time NO WARRANTY, $610 out of pocket to replace brakes for a know design defect.
Corrective Action:
At around 18,000 miles when applying the brakes, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. By 20,000 miles the vibration was excessive affecting the ability to steer straight when braking. The dealer told me that they were aware of the issue with this year/model. Diagnosis, warped rotors. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced pads under warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 36000 miles had the same issue, this time dealer indicated that there was a "fix to the issue", new rotors and pads were installed again covered by warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 49,000 miles, the same braking issue, dealer replaced rotors and brakes, this time NO WARRANTY, $610 out of pocket to replace brakes for a know design defect.
Additional Notes:
At around 18,000 miles when applying the brakes, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. By 20,000 miles the vibration was excessive affecting the ability to steer straight when braking. The dealer told me that they were aware of the issue with this year/model. Diagnosis, warped rotors. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced pads under warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 36000 miles had the same issue, this time dealer indicated that there was a "fix to the issue", new rotors and pads were installed again covered by warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 49,000 miles, the same braking issue, dealer replaced rotors and brakes, this time NO WARRANTY, $610 out of pocket to replace brakes for a know design defect.
Mfg Campaign: 11497538
Recall Date: Dec 15, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received an email regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received an email regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received an email regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mfg Campaign: 11497557
Recall Date: Dec 15, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
Front windshield has cracked for a second time. The initial windshield purchased with the vehicle cracked, and was replaced in 2020. The second windshield has now cracked, and is pending repair.
Corrective Action:
Front windshield has cracked for a second time. The initial windshield purchased with the vehicle cracked, and was replaced in 2020. The second windshield has now cracked, and is pending repair.
Additional Notes:
Front windshield has cracked for a second time. The initial windshield purchased with the vehicle cracked, and was replaced in 2020. The second windshield has now cracked, and is pending repair.
Mfg Campaign: 11497335
Recall Date: Dec 13, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot, the windshield suddenly cracked without impact. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,200. The contact stated that they reached a settlement with the manufacturer where they paid for the majority of the windshield repair.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot, the windshield suddenly cracked without impact. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,200. The contact stated that they reached a settlement with the manufacturer where they paid for the majority of the windshield repair.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot, the windshield suddenly cracked without impact. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,200. The contact stated that they reached a settlement with the manufacturer where they paid for the majority of the windshield repair.
Mfg Campaign: 11495335
Recall Date: Nov 29, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Corrective Action:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Additional Notes:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Mfg Campaign: 11494651
Recall Date: Nov 23, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Corrective Action:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Additional Notes:
Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.
Mfg Campaign: 11494651
Recall Date: Nov 23, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery would drain to the point where it would need to be jumped to start. I carried a jump starter in the car during the cold months. Finally took car to be inspected and they told me that the problem was my battery and that I needed to replace it with a $465 battery. I’ve been dealing with this issue for 2 years and now I have found out that the car has a defect that drains the battery.
Corrective Action:
Battery would drain to the point where it would need to be jumped to start. I carried a jump starter in the car during the cold months. Finally took car to be inspected and they told me that the problem was my battery and that I needed to replace it with a $465 battery. I’ve been dealing with this issue for 2 years and now I have found out that the car has a defect that drains the battery.
Additional Notes:
Battery would drain to the point where it would need to be jumped to start. I carried a jump starter in the car during the cold months. Finally took car to be inspected and they told me that the problem was my battery and that I needed to replace it with a $465 battery. I’ve been dealing with this issue for 2 years and now I have found out that the car has a defect that drains the battery.
Mfg Campaign: 11494049
Recall Date: Nov 17, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Corrective Action:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Additional Notes:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Mfg Campaign: 11491836
Recall Date: Nov 1, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Corrective Action:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Additional Notes:
This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a RELIABLE car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.
Mfg Campaign: 11491836
Recall Date: Nov 1, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The car drains the battery prematurely overnight
Corrective Action:
The car drains the battery prematurely overnight
Additional Notes:
The car drains the battery prematurely overnight
Mfg Campaign: 11491707
Recall Date: Oct 31, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
We've had this car for a little over 2 years and have had 3 cracked windshields, seems like anything that hits it causes a crack. I've been driving for over 45 years and multiple cars and have had cracked windshields 2 or 3 times. This doesn't make any sense. Thank you.
Corrective Action:
We've had this car for a little over 2 years and have had 3 cracked windshields, seems like anything that hits it causes a crack. I've been driving for over 45 years and multiple cars and have had cracked windshields 2 or 3 times. This doesn't make any sense. Thank you.
Additional Notes:
We've had this car for a little over 2 years and have had 3 cracked windshields, seems like anything that hits it causes a crack. I've been driving for over 45 years and multiple cars and have had cracked windshields 2 or 3 times. This doesn't make any sense. Thank you.
Mfg Campaign: 11490861
Recall Date: Oct 25, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery gets drained if the trunk is open longer than an hour. Left the car trunk open during our camping trip while unloading and loading and in both the instance the battery drained and we we had to scramble for help to jump start the car. This happened last time exactly the same way when we were in the campsite as well.
Corrective Action:
Battery gets drained if the trunk is open longer than an hour. Left the car trunk open during our camping trip while unloading and loading and in both the instance the battery drained and we we had to scramble for help to jump start the car. This happened last time exactly the same way when we were in the campsite as well.
Additional Notes:
Battery gets drained if the trunk is open longer than an hour. Left the car trunk open during our camping trip while unloading and loading and in both the instance the battery drained and we we had to scramble for help to jump start the car. This happened last time exactly the same way when we were in the campsite as well.
Mfg Campaign: 11489103
Recall Date: Oct 13, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
My battery electric has been to hay wire from time to time and now my car is flickering all electric and car wont start. Locks wont work.
Corrective Action:
My battery electric has been to hay wire from time to time and now my car is flickering all electric and car wont start. Locks wont work.
Additional Notes:
My battery electric has been to hay wire from time to time and now my car is flickering all electric and car wont start. Locks wont work.
Mfg Campaign: 11489208
Recall Date: Oct 13, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
While parked, I adjusted the rear view mirror to my driving position. I heard a cracking noise and saw a crack go about three inches down from the rear view mirror on the windshield. Over night it spread from the mirror all the way down to the base of the windshield. I inspected the windshield for impact damage and found none.
Corrective Action:
While parked, I adjusted the rear view mirror to my driving position. I heard a cracking noise and saw a crack go about three inches down from the rear view mirror on the windshield. Over night it spread from the mirror all the way down to the base of the windshield. I inspected the windshield for impact damage and found none.
Additional Notes:
While parked, I adjusted the rear view mirror to my driving position. I heard a cracking noise and saw a crack go about three inches down from the rear view mirror on the windshield. Over night it spread from the mirror all the way down to the base of the windshield. I inspected the windshield for impact damage and found none.
Mfg Campaign: 11488678
Recall Date: Oct 10, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. Subaru of America has failed to repair after (1) year. The consumer has/will incur costs to make vehicle available during the limited times for CVT recall issues. The consumer has/will incur negative depreciation in resale value of the vehicle due to CVT issues. Subaru of America has not actively made the recall a priority. The vehicle has had (3) oil changes/services at a Subaru dealer since the recall was announced and zero times Subaru has remedy the CVT.
Corrective Action:
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. Subaru of America has failed to repair after (1) year. The consumer has/will incur costs to make vehicle available during the limited times for CVT recall issues. The consumer has/will incur negative depreciation in resale value of the vehicle due to CVT issues. Subaru of America has not actively made the recall a priority. The vehicle has had (3) oil changes/services at a Subaru dealer since the recall was announced and zero times Subaru has remedy the CVT.
Additional Notes:
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. Subaru of America has failed to repair after (1) year. The consumer has/will incur costs to make vehicle available during the limited times for CVT recall issues. The consumer has/will incur negative depreciation in resale value of the vehicle due to CVT issues. Subaru of America has not actively made the recall a priority. The vehicle has had (3) oil changes/services at a Subaru dealer since the recall was announced and zero times Subaru has remedy the CVT.
Mfg Campaign: 11487528
Recall Date: Oct 2, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The battery in my 2020 Subaru ascent died without any warning. The light would go on, back talegate wouldn’t open, nothing would work. I called AAA and they came out to test it. I was told it was completely dead, there were no cells left in it, as if the lights, radio and doors were left open for an extended period of time (I was in the grocery store for 15 minutes, nothing was left in). He was able to jump start it but after some time of charging the battery. The battery is not old. We purchased the car in Dec of 2021 from a dealer.
Corrective Action:
The battery in my 2020 Subaru ascent died without any warning. The light would go on, back talegate wouldn’t open, nothing would work. I called AAA and they came out to test it. I was told it was completely dead, there were no cells left in it, as if the lights, radio and doors were left open for an extended period of time (I was in the grocery store for 15 minutes, nothing was left in). He was able to jump start it but after some time of charging the battery. The battery is not old. We purchased the car in Dec of 2021 from a dealer.
Additional Notes:
The battery in my 2020 Subaru ascent died without any warning. The light would go on, back talegate wouldn’t open, nothing would work. I called AAA and they came out to test it. I was told it was completely dead, there were no cells left in it, as if the lights, radio and doors were left open for an extended period of time (I was in the grocery store for 15 minutes, nothing was left in). He was able to jump start it but after some time of charging the battery. The battery is not old. We purchased the car in Dec of 2021 from a dealer.
Mfg Campaign: 11486842
Recall Date: Sep 28, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Battery life issue
Corrective Action:
Battery life issue
Additional Notes:
Battery life issue
Mfg Campaign: 11486908
Recall Date: Sep 28, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected. The first time this occurred was at a Subaru Dealership, the second time was at a location where it was necessary for me to go home to my shop to get the battery disconnected.
Corrective Action:
2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected. The first time this occurred was at a Subaru Dealership, the second time was at a location where it was necessary for me to go home to my shop to get the battery disconnected.
Additional Notes:
2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected. The first time this occurred was at a Subaru Dealership, the second time was at a location where it was necessary for me to go home to my shop to get the battery disconnected.
Mfg Campaign: 11484963
Recall Date: Sep 17, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the issues. Had it back in again at 50000 miles (3 years old) and said they need replaced again on front, and now the rear as well.
Corrective Action:
The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the issues. Had it back in again at 50000 miles (3 years old) and said they need replaced again on front, and now the rear as well.
Additional Notes:
The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the issues. Had it back in again at 50000 miles (3 years old) and said they need replaced again on front, and now the rear as well.
Mfg Campaign: 11484783
Recall Date: Sep 16, 2022
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Since purchasing our 2020 Subaru Ascent, the transmission slips, resulting in a lengthy wait time until it revs to the next gear, and then there is a palpable "jolt" as the transmission appears to move into the next gear. In addition, when I press the gas pedal to accelerate, there is a definite hesitation before the car actually accelerates. Previously, we had brought the car in to the Subaru dealership for service regarding this issue, but Subaru indicated that there has not been a problem and they did not open the transmission to look at it. We are also concerned about transmission-related problems given the recent recall of the 2020 Subaru Ascent. We know this has a CVT transmission but in this case we know that this problem is not normal. (We have family members and friends with CVT transmissions.) We are bringing the 2020 Subaru Ascent in again this week, pointedly indicating these concerns with the transmission. Please advise.
Corrective Action:
Since purchasing our 2020 Subaru Ascent, the transmission slips, resulting in a lengthy wait time until it revs to the next gear, and then there is a palpable "jolt" as the transmission appears to move into the next gear. In addition, when I press the gas pedal to accelerate, there is a definite hesitation before the car actually accelerates. Previously, we had brought the car in to the Subaru dealership for service regarding this issue, but Subaru indicated that there has not been a problem and they did not open the transmission to look at it. We are also concerned about transmission-related problems given the recent recall of the 2020 Subaru Ascent. We know this has a CVT transmission but in this case we know that this problem is not normal. (We have family members and friends with CVT transmissions.) We are bringing the 2020 Subaru Ascent in again this week, pointedly indicating these concerns with the transmission. Please advise.
Additional Notes:
Since purchasing our 2020 Subaru Ascent, the transmission slips, resulting in a lengthy wait time until it revs to the next gear, and then there is a palpable "jolt" as the transmission appears to move into the next gear. In addition, when I press the gas pedal to accelerate, there is a definite hesitation before the car actually accelerates. Previously, we had brought the car in to the Subaru dealership for service regarding this issue, but Subaru indicated that there has not been a problem and they did not open the transmission to look at it. We are also concerned about transmission-related problems given the recent recall of the 2020 Subaru Ascent. We know this has a CVT transmission but in this case we know that this problem is not normal. (We have family members and friends with CVT transmissions.) We are bringing the 2020 Subaru Ascent in again this week, pointedly indicating these concerns with the transmission. Please advise.
Mfg Campaign: 11483888
Recall Date: Sep 11, 2022
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