Last updated: 2026-04-20

2022 Subaru Ascent Reliability Report
The 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 50 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
At 70/100, the 2022 Subaru Ascent lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 4 of the First generation (WM).
Owners log 50 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (12). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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 (12)
- −SERVICE BRAKES (9)
Compare 2022 Subaru Ascent With

2022 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 74/100

2022 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 72/100

2022 KIA Telluride
Reliability: 63/100

2022 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 65/100

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
Every 2022 Subaru Ascent has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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 |
2022 Subaru Ascent Common Problems by Component
50 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsTraveling back home from our vehicle downhill the vehicle started aggressively started to downshift that caused disengaging it was scary and almost wrecked into a tree. The car was very hot and smoking . We were stranded and afraid to move the car as we sat for over an hour and had to walk two miles in the dark to home with two children . We could not get tow truck or ride as we had no service.
Transmission slipping when vehicle is cold in the morning, got into a busy street and car wouldnt move due to transmission slipping and almost got into a collision due to transmission slipping and car not moving. I was able to recreate the problem the very next day. My driveway is at an incline, the only movement on car out of my driveway is due to gravity downhill on my driveway. Issue has been present since vehicle was purchased, dealer is never able to recreate the problem. I have a video of the car while transmission is slipping and not moving.
At approximately 10000 miles the drive train (transmission) developed a shuddering while driving. This occurs at any speed but more frequently at 45-60 MPH. The frequency of this problem has increased with the vehicle which now has 45202 miles. It is now occurring periodically at acceleration from a complete stop. The problem has been reported to the dealer at every service. It was evaluated by the service department for a 4-day period in which they could not duplicate the problem. However, they only drove the vehicle 20.2 miles during this evaluation. It is unknown if this may lead to a safety issue, but it produces a very uncomfortable driving experience and distraction while driving. There is no warning lamp associated with this problem at this time.
+ 9 more complaints in this category
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsThe contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the same dealer had previously repaired the brakes under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer even though the contact had safety concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was not available.
While traveling from Texas to Washington state we noticed pulsating/vibrating/shaking front brakes as we were coming down 3 mountain passes. I felt the car was very unsafe as we were unable to brake normally and had many vehicles around us that had to go slower because of this issue. We brought our car in for inspection as soon as we arrived in the Seattle area. They said it was hot spots (warping of rotors). This should not be happening to a new car with 20k miles on it. They did replace our rotor, but upon reading forums online I noticed that there are many issues with the front brakes on my make of car. And the fix by Subaru is not always the same (some people had pads replaced as well, while others had thier rotors turned). According to one online chat they are on their 4th version of brakes. How do I know that I have the latest version so I don't have this issue again. I have tried to get ahold of Subaru directly but they seem reluctant to answer my questions. Hoping you all can help me with finding a solution to what Suabru is doing with this problem.
Brake making squeaky noise when it's being applied. This happened less than 30,000 miles during April 2023. I went to dealership during a routine oil change and the service tech found nothing wrong. I took it to road trip and it was to the point where the vehicle shakes and everyone else around me could hear it when we apply the brake. I took it to another dealership and the service manager said he has seen several vehicle came in and the caliper sticks to the brake pad, so they had to change the inner brake system as well as the rotor. Well, after changing it in July, it is now November and I am hearing the squeak again so I know it will get worst very soon. It seems like the dealership that changed it knew it was happening to other 2022 Ascent vehicles, too. I scheduled an appointment with my local dealership for 12/6/2023 and I will see what they say.
+ 6 more complaints in this category
VISIBILITY/WIPER
7 complaints2nd cracked front windshields in the 1st 5 months we have own the car. Not sure how the first crack happened but this 2nd crack just started and has now spread to over half the window.
The front panel of the moonroof cracked from the inside without any impact or clear cause. I brought the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer, Troncalli, for inspection, but they were unable to determine why it happened. I purchased this vehicle for my wife and kids, and now there’s a cracked piece of glass directly above their heads. After doing some research, I found that this appears to be a common issue, often attributed to temperature fluctuations or body flexing. It seems Subaru used the same thin glass on the moonroof panels as they do on their windshields, which seems to be the problem. The vehicle is only three years old, yet Subaru has declined to cover the damage. I am hesitant to pay out of pocket to replace the panel, knowing the issue still exists on newer models, including the 2025s. My concern is that even after repair, it could easily happen again.
In span of little over a year i have replaced the windshield once and had a repair twice. Insurance already went up due to the claims. Windshield cracks fast and easily!
+ 4 more complaints in this category
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedWhile driving under normal road conditions at approximately 35mph, the side airbags in the vehicle deployed unexpectedly without any collision, impact, or apparent external cause. There were no warning lights, alerts, or prior indications of any system malfunction before the deployment. The sudden airbag deployment startled the driver and created an immediate safety risk, including potential loss of vehicle control and risk of injury to occupants. The vehicle had not struck anything, and there were no road hazards or events that would reasonably trigger airbag deployment. The vehicle has since been inspected by insurance representatives and a dealership, and repair estimates have been completed. At this time, the cause of the deployment remains UNKNOWN. This incident raises serious concerns about a potential defect in the airbag system or related sensors, as the airbags deployed without a triggering event.
I hit a car that went through a red light. Despite hitting him squarely, and my front end bending, the airbags did not deploy
Air Bags did not deploy going at 32 MPH and during a head on front collision.
+ 1 more complaint in this category
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-related2022 Subaru Ascent. Noticed progressive strong odor in the car. After rain had significant fluid accumulation in the front passenger ceiling, inside front passenger door (sloshing), and wet carpets on the floor on the passenger side. Serviced by Subaru dealer water specialist who reported (1) clogged moonroof drains and "popped off connector" leading to flooding of the entire front passenger ceiling; (2) detached vapor barrier in the passenger door allowing water to collect inside the door and drain into the car; (3) significant concern for mold based on the extent of damage and odor accumulating over time. Told by dealer the drains could be unclogged and they'd repair the popped off connection with a zip-tie fastener since it was not tight enough before, re-affix the vapor barrier in the door, but otherwise their expressed SAFETY concern related to the extent of suspected mold and the poor effects that would have on the health of us and our children. Told the mold was unlikely to fully remediate despite usual efforts, as it creates a fibrous web that is very difficult to ever fix, and the recommendation was that we probably not drive the car again. Told no water damage of any etiology is covered under any Subaru warranty. Dealer refused at first to give documentation about the service or recommendations. Later gave but left off mold documentation - we requested they add it back on, if we choose to sell or trade in the vehicle later we refuse to do so without the mold and associated health risks being public knowledge for a future owner of this vehicle. We also reported that our Subaru Eyesight (collision avoidance system) had been intermittently shorting out, online reports show this can be related to drain floods. No report/update thus far by Subaru on this, also not included in report. We filed a complaint with Subaru of America but have not been called back despite two weeks of repeated calls to them for an update.
The Automatic liftgate in the rear of the vehicle upon opening, closes suddenly and immediately. I am not touching the key fob or anything. This happened several times and hit me on the head. The dealer has replaced the liftgate motor, but it happened again. This is dangerous and can be harmful to adults or children standing behind a vehicle.
I was driving on I-20 when a line of cars suddenly slammed on their brakes in front of me. I slammed on my brakes as well but was unable to stop before hitting the car in front of me. The front of the car was very damaged but the car I hit had minimal damage on the bumper only. My 15 year old daughter was in the backseat and had to injuries, I was driving and only suffered a burn from the airbag and a few bruises. We were both able to get out of the car and get safely to the side of the road. Within about 3 minutes the car caught on fire. My concern is that if Subaru is made with crunch zones shouldn’t there be more safety measures in place so that the car does not catch on fire. I feel like there may have been some type of malfunction that took place to cause the fire.
+ 1 more complaint in this category
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints1. The electrical system/battery failed after only 392 miles. Car could not be jumped. When the cables were put on the battery, the tech said they got real hot (which leads us to believe it was shorting out.) Even though Subaru blamed the battery, the dashboard lights, the horn, and the headlights were all flickering and flashing like a Christmas tree. The car had also just been driven 45 minutes before. Subaru blamed driver error on not shutting the car off properly, but according to a class-action lawsuit, Subaru is aware of this happening with other Subaru vehicles. 2. The car would not start in an unsafe neighborhood after dark. We also experienced a burning smell in our garage for the past few months, which disappeared now that the Subaru has been at the garage for a week. 3. Not confirmed. The Subaru dealership blamed driver error and improper shut off of the ignition. 4. No inspections have been done except by the Subaru dealership. 5. No warning. The car had just been driven for 45 minutes, we parked and came back 45 minutes later and it would not start. At that time, the battery light came on, the car's headlights started to flash, and the dashboard lit up. Looking back, the burning smell in our garage might have been a clue.
Ascent randomly hesitates when pulling out into traffic.. both at slow speeds and when attempting to pass on interstate.. has been at dealer service numerous times regarding this , it periodically 'walking' when parked and ranfom inability to get hatch to work. Is currently at a different dealer service as previous dealer was unable to replicate and unwilling to keep vehicle for more than the hour or 2 of service appt. Prev dealer did replace hatch motor over a year ago..but still works randomly..their fix for this is to manually reset everytime.. as for ' walking ' when parked, my ascent will very slowly move 6 to 8 feet when parked..dealer 'fix' is to only park with parking brake on. Hesitation issue is now worse since prev dealer did 'system update'.. now rpm drop to 1000 or lower, then after 3 or 4 seconds, car revs to 3 or 4 k & takes off..during the 3 or 4 seconds of hesitation, I am literally sitting in the middle of the road as the car initially starts to move forward, then literally just sits there until it revs up and takes off. This is random, so no way to record..and no rhym or reason to know when it's going to happen. Last week it nearly got me t boned by an 18 wheeler when I pulled out across 4 lanes after getting fuel. Have contacted Subaru of America requesting their help but have gotten no reply despite my 7 voicemail left for the assigned rep. My car is a 22 ascent touring with 17k miles..has been at same dealer repeatedly for same issues and their repeated reply us "unable to duplicate, so no issue.".. I am on Subaru Ascent page on FB.. There are numerous people complaining of same nasty hesitation issue with no resolution from their dealer service. I bought this car with a 10 yr 100k warranty..fortunately I have not been financially responsible for the numerous service calls, but I am seriously concerned with being a statistic..my car is listed as one of the top 10 safest in a crash, but I don't like feeling like a ' test dummy'
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsStopped car turned car off, smoke started to come from under the hood on right side. Turned car on and “low oil” came on, turned car off and exited car. The smell of oil was noted and a light white colored smoke was continuing to rise from under hood. Proceeded to call dealership for advice
camshaft carrier oil leakage need to be reseal. there was oil leakage at 36,000 miles and dealer fixed it under warranty. now at 80,000 it is doing it again.
Engine oil leak at oil pan
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsMy eyesight camera keeps failing, it just started like a week ago I had it scanned and it is saying there is an error with the eyesight camera, I have not had an issue with it until now.
When driving and lane lines change width the car tried to street across them at highway speeds. Happens regularly.
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.
Best & Worst Subaru Ascent Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Ascent Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru Ascent year is 2026 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (76/100) and 2024 (76/100).
Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Ascent year is 2019 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to electrical system (150) issues.
Subaru Ascent Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Ascent reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 75/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.
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?
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Subaru Ascent without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Ascent.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Subaru Models

Subaru Crosstrek
Score: 94/100

Subaru Forester
Score: 77/100

Subaru Impreza
Score: 81/100

Subaru Legacy
Score: 80/100

Subaru Outback
Score: 82/100

Subaru Solterra
Score: 74/100
Browse More 2022 Vehicles

2022 Lexus RX
Score: 90/100

2022 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100

2022 Mazda CX-5
Score: 87/100

2022 Toyota Camry
Score: 84/100

2022 Honda HR-V
Score: 83/100

2022 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue