Last updated: 2026-08-24
Chevrolet Traverse vs Subaru Ascent: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet Traverse
Subaru Ascent
Choosing between the Chevrolet Traverse and the Subaru Ascent? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Traverse currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Chevrolet Traverse is more reliable than the Subaru Ascent, scoring 70/100 vs 69/100.
Key Differences
- 1Subaru Ascent has 3 fewer total recalls
- 2Chevrolet Traverse has 2.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Chevrolet Traverse scores 1 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Chevrolet Traverse vs Subaru Ascent: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chevrolet Traverse | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 70/100 | 69/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 7 |
| Total Recalls | 19 | 16 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 7.2 | 9.2 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 4 (1 tied) | 2 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Ascent?
| Component | Chevrolet Traverse | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 2.2Low | —None |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.1Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Chevrolet Traverse vs Subaru Ascent Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chevrolet Traverse | Subaru Ascent | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/1000R / 6C | 76/1000R / 1C | Tie |
| 2025 | 75/1000R / 132C | 76/1000R / 8C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2024 | 73/1000R / 107C | 76/1000R / 43C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2023 | 72/1002R / 62C | 71/1003R / 36C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2022 | 73/1001R / 76C | 70/1001R / 50C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2020 | 62/1008R / 188C | 58/1004R / 310C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2019 | 62/1003R / 358C | 55/1008R / 431C | Chevrolet Traverse |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse scored 76/100 and the 2026 Subaru Ascent scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Chevrolet Traverse vs Subaru Ascent: Common Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Traverse more reliable than the Subaru Ascent?
- Based on our data, the Chevrolet Traverse is more reliable with an average score of 70/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
- The Chevrolet Traverse has more recalls (19) compared to the Subaru Ascent (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Traverse has a lower complaint rate at 7.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 9.2 for the Subaru Ascent. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Subaru Ascent safer?
- Both the Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Ascent received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Chevrolet Traverse comparisons
Decided between Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Ascent? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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