Last updated: 2026-10-10
2022 Subaru Ascent Reliability Report
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has good reliability, but owners report CVT shudder and hesitation pulling away from a stop. It has one electrical recall.
Recalls
1
Complaints
50
Complaint Rate
8.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$2,700
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack among Ascent years, with CVT hesitation and early brake pulsing as the main owner complaints and one fire-risk electrical recall.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (12)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 4 of the First generation (WM).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 1st generation Ascent (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: First generation (WM) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 4 of the First generation (WM).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Reliability is good for this model year. It sits close to average among 2022 SUVs and in the middle of the seven scored Ascent years. Owners filed 8.1 complaints per 10,000 sold, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2023 rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge.
The CVT is the main concern. Owners report shuddering, slipping, and hesitation when pulling away from a stop, and some get no response from the accelerator in traffic. Onset runs from new to about 23,000 miles, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Front brakes pulse from warped rotors, starting as early as about 3,000 miles. Windshields crack easily, and owners say the manufacturer declined coverage. The single recall covers the electrical system and is a park-outside fire risk.
Ask the seller for proof the recall work was done, and park outside until it is. Request transmission and brake service records. On a test drive, pull away from stops and brake from speed. Check the glass for cracks.
Compared to the 2023 Subaru Ascent, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Subaru Ascent for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (12 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Front brakes shake, pulse, or chatter when applied, and dealers repeatedly... (9 complaints)
Compare 2022 Subaru Ascent With
2022 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 74/100
2022 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 72/100
2022 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 65/100
2022 Kia Telluride
Reliability: 63/100
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (12)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 Subaru Ascent carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
2
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Subaru Ascent Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Subaru Ascent. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2022 Subaru Ascent? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Subaru Ascent, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Subaru Ascent NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru AscentRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Subaru Ascent Resale Value
The Subaru Ascent is estimated to retain about 99.1% of its original value after 1 year, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Subaru Ascent model overall and is not specific to the 2022 model year.
- Value Retained
- 99.1%
- Depreciation
- 0.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 18
after 1 year
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Subaru Ascent depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com2022 Subaru Ascent Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| No Start Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn | $49 – $72 |
| Battery Test | $49 – $72 |
| Battery Cable Battery Terminal End Service | $37 – $54 |
| Brake System Inspect | $122 – $179 |
| Emission Control System Inspect | $61 – $90 |
| Electrical System Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Powertrain Control System Diagnosis & Testing | $61 – $90 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
22–23 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,600–$2,700/yr
Fuel only
20–21 city / 26–27 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Subaru Ascent.
Accelerate from a full stop several times, including uphill and with a cold engine, and feel for shudder, slipping, or delayed engagement.
Ask for service records showing CVT complaints, transmission software updates, or a transmission replacement.
Brake firmly from highway speed and on a long downhill, and feel for pulsing through the pedal or steering wheel.
Check records for rotor resurfacing or replacement, and listen for squealing or grinding during slow stops.
Inspect the windshield and moonroof glass closely for chips, star breaks, and cracks spreading from the edges.
Check the headliner, door bottoms, and passenger-side carpet for dampness, stains, or a musty smell from blocked moonroof drains.
Open the power liftgate several times and confirm it stays fully open without closing on its own.
Look under the engine for oil at the oil pan and around the camshaft carriers, and check for EyeSight error messages.
2022 Subaru Ascent Common Problems by Component
50 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsThe CVT shudders, slips, and hesitates, most often when pulling away from a stop and sometimes while holding speed on flat roads. Some drivers press the accelerator in traffic and get no response. Others describe the car lunging forward, with near-collisions and one rear-end crash. Onset ranges from new to about 23,000 miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce it, and software updates do not end the problem in these reports. One report describes harsh downshifting on a downhill that left the car hot and smoking. Another car needed a new transmission at 9200 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsFront brakes shake, pulse, or chatter when applied, and dealers repeatedly diagnose warped rotors. The vibration starts as early as about 3,000 miles and is worst on long mountain descents. Dealers resurface or replace rotors and sometimes pads and calipers, and some owners report the noise coming back. A second group hears squealing, grinding, or rumbling within the first few thousand miles, often with no fault found. One report describes the car taking longer to stop.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
7 complaintsWindshields chip and crack easily, often from small pebble strikes, and the cracks spread fast across the glass. Some crack in cold weather with no impact at all. Several owners replace or repair the windshield more than once within about a year, and some report higher insurance rates after claims. The manufacturer treats the damage as environmental and declines coverage. Moonroof glass is also affected: one report describes the front panel cracking from the inside with no impact, and coverage was declined.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedIn these reports, airbags fail to deploy in frontal crashes. One was a head-on collision at 32 MPH, and another involved a car that ran a red light. Three of the four reports involve crashes, with three people injured. In one, a deer strike led to an engine bay fire that destroyed the vehicle, and no airbags deployed. The opposite failure also appears: side airbags going off at about 35 mph with no impact and no warning light beforehand.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedWater leaks, power liftgate faults, and a fire after a crash make up this group. Clogged moonroof drains and a detached door vapor barrier can let water soak the headliner, the inside of the door, and the carpets, which raises mold concerns. The power liftgate can slam shut right after opening and hit whoever is standing behind it, and the fault returns after a motor replacement. The panoramic moonroof can jam open and grind. After one front-end collision, the vehicle caught fire within about 3 minutes.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsReports are scattered. One describes a total electrical failure at 392 miles: dash lights, headlights, and horn flickering, a car that could not be jump-started, and a burning smell. Another covers hesitation when pulling into traffic and an intermittent power hatch even after a motor replacement. That same report describes the parked car slowly creeping 6 to 8 feet. The third report involves no failure at all, only a long wait for a repair part the dealer did not have.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOil leaks dominate. A camshaft carrier leak is resealed under warranty at 36,000 miles and returns by 80,000. A separate report cites a leak at the oil pan. A third describes light white smoke rising from under the hood after shutdown, along with a low oil warning and a strong oil smell. There are only three reports, so the pattern is thin, but each one involves oil escaping the engine.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsThe EyeSight camera can throw errors and stop working, and in one case a diagnostic scan confirmed a camera fault. Separately, lane keeping steers the car toward or across lane lines at highway speed when the lane width changes, and the owner reports this happens regularly. There are only two reports, but unexpected steering at highway speed is a loss-of-control risk.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintSafety-relatedI was driving slowly through a parking lot. I found a spot to park my car and noticed that there was a curb painted bright yellow so I knew I could not pull through. I started to turn into the parking spot with my foot on the brake when all of a sudden my car was speeding towards the curb and a tree. My foot was on the brake but the car did not stop nor did the forward collision feature work and the air bag did not deploy. The accident has been reported to both my insurance and the auto maker. The car will be inspected tomorrow.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaint245/50 A20. Side wall ruptured at 55 mph . A pop and tire was flat. No sensor warning. Correct tire pressure. Immediately checked electronic psi reading. All tires ok but red 0 for tire that blew out. I have pictures. Not confirmed by any one yet. That may happen Thursday when I replace all 4 tires. Had 7780 miles on tires. Even tread wear.
When Do 2022 Subaru Ascent Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Ascent Years
Best Subaru Ascent Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2022
(Current Model)
Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid
Subaru Ascent Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Subaru Ascent Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent better than the 2023?
Don’t buy a 2022 Subaru Ascent without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2022 Subaru Ascent
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Subaru Ascent does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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