Subaru Ascent Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The Subaru Ascent has 13 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2019–2026; the most recent is 26V436000 (Jul 7, 2026) for equipment, covering 2019–2026 models. The 2019 model year has the most, with 9.
Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most Ascent recalls involve powertrain / transmission (4), fuel system (2) and electrical system (1).
1 campaign carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning
- 22V907000 — electrical system (2019–2022): park outside, away from buildings, until repaired
Subaru Ascent recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | equipment | 2026 Ascent recalls |
| 2025 | 1 | equipment | 2025 Ascent recalls |
| 2024 | 1 | equipment | 2024 Ascent recalls |
| 2023 | 4 | equipment, powertrain / transmission, suspension | 2023 Ascent recalls |
| 2022 | 2 | equipment, electrical system | 2022 Ascent recalls |
| 2021 | 2 | equipment, electrical system | 2021 Ascent recalls |
| 2020 | 5 | equipment, electrical system, powertrain / transmission | 2020 Ascent recalls |
| 2019 | 9 | equipment, electrical system, powertrain / transmission | 2019 Ascent recalls |
Biggest Subaru Ascent recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
Ascent model years: 2019–2026
Ascent model years: 2019–2022
Ascent model years: 2019–2020
Ascent model years: 2019
Ascent model years: 2019–2020
All 13 Subaru Ascent recalls (newest first)
Jul 7, 202626V436000Equipment2019–2026
Component: Equipment (other, labels)
Ascent model years: 2019–2026 · about 541,237 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Sep 21, 202323V647000Powertrain / transmission2023
Component: Powertrain / transmission (driveline, driveshaft)
Ascent model years: 2023 · about 4,311 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Jun 1, 202323V392000Suspension2023
Component: Suspension (front, control arm, lower arm)
Ascent model years: 2023 · about 5 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Apr 7, 202323V258000Tires2023
Component: Tires
Ascent model years: 2023 · about 4,409 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
Dec 8, 202222V907000 PARK OUTSIDEElectrical system2019–2022
Component: Electrical system (wiring, interior/under dash)
Ascent model years: 2019–2022 · about 271,694 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Dec 9, 202121V955000Powertrain / transmission2019–2020
Component: Powertrain / transmission (driveline, chain/belt)
Ascent model years: 2019–2020 · about 198,255 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Dec 9, 202121V954000Steering2020
Component: Steering (linkages, tie rod assembly)
Ascent model years: 2020 · about 1,305 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Jul 29, 202121V587000Fuel system2019–2020
Component: Fuel system
Ascent model years: 2019–2020 · about 175,968 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Apr 16, 202020V218000Fuel system2019
Component: Fuel system
Ascent model years: 2019 · about 188,207 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
The risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Dec 2, 201919V856000Engine & cooling2019
Component: Engine & cooling (exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv))
Ascent model years: 2019 · about 51,613 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
The risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Dec 2, 201919V855000Powertrain / transmission2019
Component: Powertrain / transmission (automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm))
Ascent model years: 2019 · about 76,842 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
The risk: If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.
Jul 10, 201919V519000Powertrain / transmission2019
Component: Powertrain / transmission (driveline, driveshaft)
Ascent model years: 2019 · about 166 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
The risk: If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.
Aug 2, 201818V508000Structure2019
Component: Structure (body, roof and pillars)
Ascent model years: 2019 · about 293 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
The risk: In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.
How to check if your Ascent has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any Subaru dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2026 Subaru Ascent recall check.
Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: Subaru Ascent years to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Ascent have?
13 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Subaru Ascent across model years 2019–2026. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 13. The 2019 model year has the most, with 9.
What is the latest Subaru Ascent recall?
26V436000, filed with NHTSA on Jul 7, 2026: equipment (other, labels), covering 2019–2026 Ascent models. The fix is free at Subaru dealers.
What is the biggest Subaru Ascent recall?
By vehicles covered, 26V436000 (Jul 7, 2026), a equipment campaign covering about 541,237 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Ascent.
How do I check if my Subaru Ascent has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any Subaru dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised Subaru dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the SUBARU ASCENT, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.