2020 Subaru Ascent Reliability Report

Spontaneous windshield cracks make up most of these reports, appearing on parked or moving cars with no sign of impact and growing over days. The rest repeat problems seen elsewhere: batteries draining overnight, transmission slipping with a delayed jolt and hesitation on acceleration, and a hood that shakes and lifts at speed. One owner reports a dash clicking noise with the AC on that the dealer could not fix after two weeks. Several complaints involve frustration over slow recall communication or open recalls not disclosed at purchase.

Front brakes shudder and grind, with vibration felt through the steering wheel, worst at highway speed or going downhill. Dealers diagnose warped rotors and resurface or replace rotors and pads, but the problem keeps returning. Onset is typically between 6,000 and 20,000 miles, with repeat repairs reported at 36,000 and 49,000 miles, the last costing $610 once out of warranty. Some cars go through a third set of rotors. A separate complaint describes the parking brake engaging on its own.

Windshields crack without warning or impact, often with an audible crack while driving at 40 to 65 mph or overnight while parked. Cracks start at the lower edge, center, or near the mirror and can grow about 24 inches within days. Reported mileage spans 1,000 to 60,000, with many around 20,000 to 29,200. Dealers often blame a rock, deny warranty coverage, or refer owners to glass shops. One report describes tiny dots across the glass blocking the view.

The hood vibrates, flexes, and lifts at 50 to 65 mph or in gusty winds, and dealers call it normal. Glass is the other theme: sudden windshield cracks and a cracked sunroof with no chip, with windshield replacement plus EyeSight recalibration quoted over $1,000. Other reports include a power liftgate that locks out with an alarm until the battery is disconnected, water leaks causing mold on seats and carpets, and rust on metal window trim within months.

Problems here vary widely. One crash report describes the car surging forward in a driveway with no response from the brakes. Other reports include a PCV valve failure that destroyed the engine at highway speed, engine sludge requiring replacement at 82,000 miles, and an alternator failure that killed power steering and stalled the car in traffic. A serpentine belt shredded at 1,289 miles and caused overheating. Owners also describe a persistent gasoline smell at idle and jerking with high RPM but no acceleration.

Front struts fail, causing rattling, clunking, or rumbling over bumps, potholes, and dirt roads, with no warning lights. Failures cluster between 43,000 and 64,000 miles, and some cars lose both front struts within a short span. One dealer quoted $1344 for a single strut assembly, and owners report a national back order on parts. A dealer cited corrosion on failed struts. One brand-new car showed front clunking from the start.

Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes. All 4 reports involve crashes, with 5 injuries, including head injuries and whiplash. The impacts include hitting a building, a cow at 55 mph, a truck, and a multi-vehicle pileup. One crash report also describes sudden unwanted acceleration, brakes that did not stop the car, no automatic emergency braking, and a seatbelt that did not lock. Another owner does not recall any collision warning or automatic braking before impact.