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2019 Subaru Ascent problems

The most common problem on the 2019 Subaru Ascent is electrical system, typically around 10,600 miles. It has 4.2 times the complaints of a typical Ascent model year.

Year to avoid4.2x the typical complaints
Year score
17/100
Owner complaints
443
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
652
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
22-23mpg
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2019 Subaru Ascent problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Subaru Ascent

Battery drain 74Windshield crack 59Won't start 28CVT failure 22Slipping 18Transmission failure 16Check engine light 15Jerking 15Hesitation 14Loss of power 12Stalling 12Grinding brakes 10Warning lights 10Fire or smoke 8Fuel smell 8Shudder 8Knocking 6Collision warning 5Harsh shifting 5

Recalls 9

Equipment: other: labelsReported July 7, 2026 · 541,237 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 26V436000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dashReported December 8, 2022 · 271,694 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V907000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: chain/beltReported December 9, 2021 · 198,255 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V955000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported July 29, 2021 · 175,968 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V587000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported April 16, 2020 · 188,207 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 20V218000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported December 2, 2019 · 76,842 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V855000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported December 2, 2019 · 51,613 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V856000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported July 10, 2019 · 166 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V519000 · Recall details

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported August 2, 2018 · 293 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V508000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Ascent

Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Subaru Ascent 652

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 652 bulletins for the 2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Subaru Ascent fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylAWD20-2126-2722-23

What 2019 Subaru Ascent owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where diagnostic trouble codes were identified, and a vehicle reprogramming was performed. While driving, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and required replacement. Warranty coverage was not available; however, a loaner vehicle was provided. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train). The manufacturer advocacy center was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Cvt is slipping and failing internally, CVT assembly requires replacement.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · OR

Subaru of America has a Bulletin out that changes the front suspension arms for both front ends. The dealership made this correction and now the front end rattles like there are loose parts. Dealership says they don’t hear it. Won’t investigate more unless I pay them a diagnostic fee. If Subaru of America knows this vehicle has a faulty part that causes the calipers to clamp down too hard thus warping the rotors! Dealership & SOA need to advertise this Bulletin as a recall.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Body · 60,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the hood was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown adjustment was needed. Additionally, the shocks were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the hinges were fractured. The contact was informed that the hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Body, Locks · NY

Immediately after pushing the lift gate release button on the dash, a loud and constant alarm tone began. The gate would then not open using the button on the dash, remote, or handle on the exterior of the lift gate door. To access the items in the rear (and to stop the alarm), we needed to get the door open. We followed the owner's manual exactly to access the internal emergency release. We removed the plastic cover for the gear unit, then used a screwdriver to manually move the release to the right. Despite every amount of pressure we tried, including adding pressure by pushing down on the gate from the outside with one person while another tried the release procedure, the gate would not open. We ended up looking on YouTube, and found a video that this is not uncommon - and that the solution is to disconnect the battery or to remove fuse #14 on the fuse panel. With tremendous effort and using a pair of pliers, we finally removed the fuse. The alarm stopped but the gate (and other parts of the electrical system) were now off. We replaced the fuse and the door returned to normal function and opened using the handle on the lift gate. This is a tremendous safety issue. First, there is no easy way to open the gate manually from the interior in the case of an emergency (removing the safety cover and the use of a screwdriver or similar tool is required). Second, this emergency process failed completely, as the gate couldn't be opened at all using the manual release.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Transmission · OH

The vehicle has 178k miles on it currently. I had to have a transmission and transfer case replaced at 68k miles. Done by Subaru. At 168k miles I had to have a new front pump in the transmission case replaced. Repair done by Subaru. Now at 178k miles the second replacement transmission has completely failed and needs replaced.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NY

All the safety systems become disabled and check Engine light goes on because transmission fluid is being pumped Out of a faulty secondary pressure sensor part 31878aa020,( defective and replaced with 31878aa021), into the engines wiring at the car computer, transmission computer, and bulkhead connector in fuse box causing all sorts of engine codes. The setting of the engine code closes all the vehicles driver safety systems and changes the dynamic of the drivers driving experience. As the problem gets worse, it can render the car powerless on roads and highways making operation dangerous. I have my car parked in front of the house with the battery and electrical connectors unplugged. This problem is covered by one or more recalls and safety campaigns, but subaru refuses to fix mine and other peoples that I found on Facebook. Someone online listed a $6500.00 repair estimate. They just had it repossessed instead. This part causes the pressure differences that cause the jerky ride and is specifically alluded to in the recall, plus subaru even changed the part because it was defective.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Transmission · TX

My 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited had a safety recall that was related to a CVT transmission issue. That safety recall was addressed by Sewell Subaru (Dallas, TX) in January of 2025. This past Wednesday, July 29, I was driving on a state highway on my way to work from my residence. Not even two miles away from my residence, I felt a jerk and a loud "thud". That was followed by loss of power in that the vehicle just was rolling, but no power from the gas. I was able to safely maneuver onto a the shoulder and stop the vehicle. Within minutes, I noticed a puddling of a large amount of fluid that I could easily recognize was not oil. The vehicle was towed back to Sewell Subaru this past Saturday and I was notified today that the CVT belt snapped and it caused a hold in the transmission case, which caused the fluid to leak. The service advisor also mentioned that Subaru is not wanting to cover the replacement and that they are citing that the reason is that Subaru records are showing irregular servicing done by a Subaru service center. This issue has nothing to do with routine maintenance, or where I get those, and has everything to do with the catastrophic failure of the very same component that was at the heart of their known safety recall issue.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Ascent VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 72,093 miles I am submitting this complaint because my 2019 Subaru Ascent experienced a serious transmission-related electrical failure that may represent a broader safety defect. Sewell Subaru of Dallas diagnosed an internal failure of a transmission pressure sensor. According to the dealership’s written report, the failed pressure sensor allowed transmission fluid to leak into the electrical wiring harness. The transmission fluid then migrated through the wiring and into the bulkhead harness. The dealership advised that the fluid contamination had affected multiple parts of the vehicle’s electrical system and recommended replacement of the transmission wiring harness, engine wiring harness, bulkhead harness, Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), and related components. Because the wiring harnesses are routed throughout the engine compartment and vehicle, the repair also requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle, including disconnecting and removing numerous engine compartment components to access and replace the contaminated harnesses. The estimated repair cost was approximately $12,000. I also have video documentation of the dealership technician performing the inspection and explaining the transmission fluid contamination and migration through the wiring system. I am willing to provide the video, the dealership's written diagnosis, repair estimate, photographs, and any additional supporting documentation upon request. My vehicle falls within the published VIN range associated with Subaru recall WUV-07, which involved the CVT hydraulic pressure sensor harness and transmission hydraulic pressure system. That recall was later superseded by WRK-21. I understand that the published recall addresses electrical resistance and transmission hydraulic pressure readings rather than transmission fluid leakage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Transmission · NE

Transmission was recalled and supposedly fixed. The fix has now failed and dealer and Subaru are not willing to fix again.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2019 Subaru Ascent before you buy

Compare the 2019 Subaru Ascent

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Other model years

20192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2019 Subaru Ascent

Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent reliable?

Owners have filed 443 complaints about the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 4.2 times a typical Ascent model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2019 Subaru Ascent year score?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent scores 17 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Ascent: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Electrical system, with 160 complaints, typically around 10,600 miles. Next is transmission (90).

How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?

9 recalls, covering equipment, electrical system and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Subaru Ascent electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 22V907000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Ascent have the most electrical problems?

The Subaru Ascent model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (160 complaints), 2020 (101 complaints) and 2021 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Ascent get?

Official estimates for the 2019 Subaru Ascent range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 20-21 city and 26-27 highway.

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