My vehicle smokes when starting it. A lot of white smoke that can fill a parking lot. The smoke has a strong chemical smell.
2019 Subaru Ascent fuel system problems
16 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 4,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 4,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Ascent fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Subaru Ascent fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- 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 pump
- 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
What 2019 Subaru Ascent owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell when pulling up the mountain. The smell is what I described as a perm solution smell. Each time, the response was 'cannot duplicate.' In February, I took the car in to have the exhaust inspected because it was getting louder each passing day. I was advised that the entire exhaust needed to be replaced, and I would be responsible for costs. I brought my car home, unrepaired, and called Subaru of America to file a claim through them. I had repeatedly expressed concerns, and nothing was done, yet I'm expected to foot the bill now. Since February 12th, I have been back and forth with Subaru and just made the appointment to get the exhaust work completed, with a small contribution from Subaru. However, this past Saturday, [XXX] my vehicle caught on fire while driving. I am fine, but my vehicle has now been deemed a total loss. As I was descending the mountain, I smelled the same 'perm solution' smell, and shortly after, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke entered the cabin as I pulled off the road. Upon exiting the vehicle, flames and smoke were visible from the hood. I grabbed my purse and ran, called 911, and watched my vehicle engulfed in flames. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On speeds of about 70+, both on cruise control and off, car jerks for about 5-10 seconds when accelerating on steep hills. It also happens after the car has been driving for more than 1hr or so. Fuel consumption is about 19-20mpg regardless of highway only driving contrary to advertised
They have not have remedy for a long time!
Hi Issue #1: My Subaru never gives the MPG what they promised, on average I get 17 or 18 MPG mixed drive supposed to get 21MPG, whenever I complain to the dealership they give a standard answer about it depends on driving style never attempted to find the root cause. Never had this issue with my previous cars, I used to get the same as what they promised. So I feel not related to driving style. Issue #2: Blue smoke came multiple times, so not consistent reproducing not sure. Issue #3. My battery died many times couple of times had called roadside, later I got a jump starter and I have used it multiple times to start my car, and replaced the new battery under warranty and Subaru paid for it, but unfortunately, the new battery I got had also died and got it replaced by warranty.
Unknown. Electrical failures including eyesight, the dealers lie about the work they do, the latest was recent - they said sludge was everywhere which causes the timing to be off and said the entire engine needed to be replaced but refused to do so. I do not trust they were honest about the spot welds, as my VIN and contract were mysteriously changed after I took delivery. Battery dies, amp dies, head unit stops functioning for months at a time. Eyesight slams on brakes at last minute. I am told it’s normal to shut up and leave. For example the last time I took it in less than 30 days ago they said they changed the filters as well. They did not. According to them they owe me a new engine. I have Starlink and documents oil is changed by Subaru yet they claimed they had no record, and it is my fault so I need to replace engine.
Dark gray-blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up, lasting for several minutes. Large plumes with strong noxious odor. Smoke and fumes have triggered several severe asthma attacks. Noted on most days, since vehicle was purchased new in april 2019. Fuel efficiency is far lower than the 21-27 mpg claimed by subaru. Actual average is 14 mpg.
The tailpipe exhaust smells strongly like gasoline. The fumes will also come through the cabin vents if air circulation is turned off.
My fuel pump was replaced (according to the dealer) based on the most recent recall. However now it idles and runs rough just a short time after this service. I recently read there is another lawsuit or issue with this fuel pump and the symptoms are the same.
When driving in low speeds, the car is very jumpy and seemingly inconsistent with the amount of fuel delivered to the pedal. The car seems like it will almost stall out, then I have to push the gas pedal further down to deliver more gas, but then it makes me go to fast and jumps.
Questions about the 2019 Subaru Ascent fuel system
Does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 2019 Subaru Ascent, 4% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Ascent fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 4,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2019 Subaru Ascent fuel system?
Yes, 2 recalls: 21V587000, 20V218000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Ascent have the most fuel system problems?
The Subaru Ascent model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2019 (16 complaints) and 2020 (14 complaints).
Other 2019 Subaru Ascent problems
Electrical 160Transmission 90Visibility 81Engine 48Brakes 26Driver assistance 16Body 12Suspension 11Airbags 7Lights 7Steering 7Acceleration 5Wheels 4Locks 3Seat belts 2Tires 2Seats 1
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