Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent: reliability compared
From 2019 to 2026, owners filed an average of 322 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 131 about the Subaru Ascent.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2019-2026 | 2019-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,578 | 1,048 |
| Complaints per model year | 322 | 131 |
| Recalls | 75 | 13 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | 20192020 |
| Best years | 20192022 | None stand out |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 19-24 mpg combined (2026) | 21-22 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Explorer | Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 764 | 191 |
| Electrical | 349 | 293 |
| Driver assistance | 318 | 73 |
| Engine | 286 | 107 |
| Body | 253 | 33 |
| Visibility | 193 | 207 |
| Brakes | 158 | 85 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Ascent?
Between 2019 and 2026, the Ford Explorer has 0 years to avoid and the Subaru Ascent 2. The Ford Explorer has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Ascent drew fewer complaints per model year (131 vs 322), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Ascent?
From 2019 to 2026, the Ford Explorer was covered by 75 recalls and the Subaru Ascent by 13.
What years of the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: no year stands out. Subaru Ascent: 2019 and 2020.
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