2020 Subaru Ascent: false forward collision warnings

Filed May 29, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL · crash

I am reporting a repeat safety concern involving a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle was involved in two separate collisions after failing to decelerate as expected following normal brake pedal application. The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026. While approaching a traffic signal, I applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not slow as expected and struck the rear of another vehicle. Property damage occurred, but no injuries were reported. The second incident occurred on May 5, 2026. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 35 mph, I again applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected and entered the intersection, colliding with a vehicle traveling perpendicular to my direction of travel. Both vehicles were towed. No injuries were reported. During both incidents, there were no forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking interventions, or other alerts observed prior to impact. Following the second collision, the vehicle was inspected by an independent technician. Brake components inspected were found to be within serviceable condition and no evidence of neglect or improper maintenance was noted. During inspection, abnormal brake pedal behavior was observed, including continued downward pedal travel while steady pressure was applied. The technician documented that the reported condition was not consistent with normal braking performance and stated that an intermittent hydraulic and/or brake assist related issue could not be ruled out. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Due to the repeat nature of the condition, the lack of warning or intervention from safety systems, and the occurrence of two collisions despite normal brake application, I believe this condition represents a significant safety risk. The vehicle has since been declared a total loss and may be available for further inspection.

Filed May 7, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 19,737 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance front camera became inoperable. The pre-collision, the braking control, and the Lane Departure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,737.

Filed Feb 26, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · IL · crash

On Friday evening, February 23, 2024 , I pulled onto my driveway and came to a complete stop before driving into the garage . I reached up and hit the garage door remote. When the door began to go up I took my foot off the brake. Instead of creeping up the driveway the car took off like a proverbial "bat out of hell" It was as if I had pushed the accelerator compltely down.to the floor board. The brakes had no effect. I smashed through the garage door,. The car jumped a six inch concrete step up, obliterated the garage cabinets and pushed the contents of the cabinets and garage wall into our family room.The car came to a rest just outside our family room. My son opened the door to the garage and yelled out to me "Are you okay" Because the engine was still racing he said "Get your foot off the accelerator' My reply was I DON'T HAVE MY FOOT N THE ACCELERATOR". I then tuned the ignition off and the ordeal was over.. It appears that the engine continued to recieve fuel irregardless of the position of the accelerator., the automatic braking system failed miserably and the the forward collision warning was malfunctioning. I am waiting for the insurance company to remove the car from the garage and do a structural assessment.. Because there may be serious structual damage I want the insurance company to remove the vehicle less the second floor collapses onto the garage. My son was on the couch just seconds before the wall "exploded". The couch was moved eight feet across the room. If a piece of debris came through the windsield I also might have been injured. The potential for serious injury to others in another set of ircumstances also scares me. The malfunction came without warning. The damages will be in the tens of thousands of dollars. I am blessed that no one was injured or killed.

Filed Dec 9, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · TX · crash · 2 injuries

Sudden unwanted rapid acceleration toward a building from parking lot causing head on collision: - Manual brakes failed - Automatic brakes did not engage - Airbags did NOT deploy after hitting an immovable object head on at least twice - Driver seatbelt did not lock - Starlink was not activated / notified - No collision warning was sounded (moot) Both driver and front passenger were severely injured and taken by ambulance to ER.

Filed Dec 11, 2020 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 9,500 miles · OR · crash · 1 injury

I was in an accident 11/29 at 9:45pm where I hit a cow. I was driving 55 on a straight highway that I'm very familiar with. The cow was standing in the entire lane of travel and I was able to veer into the other lane slightly and took the impact on the right side where I did not have any passengers. The subaru was totaled and I'm now having severe whiplash symptoms. I am reporting this as the airbags did not deploy and everyone who has seen the vehicle says they think they should have. Additionally, I do not remember my collision alerts beeping nor the subaru braking for me which have worked in the past. I only remember hitting the cow and then being completely stopped where we had the impact.