2020 Subaru Ascent: jerking or lurching

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Since 2023, my Subaru ascent has continually experienced a slip while accelerating. The vehicle jerks while gaining speed. The gas pedal often does not accelerate the vehicle when pressed as well. This has continually worsened over time though the dealership has seen the vehicle a few times. When I filed a Subaru Customer Advocacy complaint I was denied assistance saying “it was my fault” -to drive my car!

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Transmission · FL

The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds. Over the last month the transmission started to slip while accelerating , especially up hill. There would be a grinding noise and RPMs would jump. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed it was the transmission via camera test. I called Subaru of America for goodwill help with the cost knowing that there is a know issue with the transmission. They refused due to the mileage, 121,010. •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission is slipping •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car is hesitant to go from a starting position. The car will jerk back and forth when trying accelerate when merging or crossing a road. I am also very concerned of catastrophic failure at high speeds. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealer has confirmed the transmission is bad via camera teat. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Just the dealership •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No dash lights just the feeling and sounds.

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Transmission · OR

Ever since our car went in for re-programing CVT drive chain it progressively has been having a problem of something slipping in drive and in cruise control. feels like a loss of power and a feeling chatter from transmission. Now when you put it in drive it makes a jerking noise. the thing is that we never had this problem until it went in for this recall. it's been back twice and they claim they can't find any problem but continues to get worse. it happens every time we drive it . just returned a 700 mile trip and it's very annoying. Also we do have an extended warranty.

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Driver assistance, Transmission · VT

CVT jerks the vehicle and stutters when at certain rpms, making long car rides very uncomfortable. Feels like whiplash every so often. Very dangerous when trying to speed up to pass another vehicle because the vehicle doesn't respond and accelerate as it should. The dealer said its normal because of the CVT technology. They said they tried to reproduce it, but were only gone 5 minutes. The highway is 5 minutes away from dealership, one-way. I explained it happens after about 20 minutes of continously driving at speeds over 50 mph. The vehicle had only been inspected once for this issue. The dealer refuses to look at it again because they, "already explained it to [me]". There are no warnings or indicators prior to it happening.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Engine · 42,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle had started jerking. The RPMs became elevated however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2022 · Transmission · MS

Transmission is lurching and surging when driving. Pressing gas pedal from a stop the belt continues to slip. Took it to Paul Moak Subaru they claimed to do the inspection told me they don’t do test drives for malfunction checks. They said they completed the inspection for transmission recall. The Ascent continues lurch and slip with grinding noise and loss of speed. I told them about the issues for over a year and they continue to give run around I was having trouble while it was still under warranty. I’ve contacted Subaru Customer Care they would only provide me recall information and told me the trans inspection is all they have to do.

Filed Aug 27, 2021 · Transmission · VA

My mother pulled off of Interstate 85 in North Carolina and while preparing to turn of the exit ramp the car lurched forward and then back. The transmission chain had snapped, and it seems similar to what was going on with the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This one is 2020, and had 16000 miles approximately. The vehicle had to be towed.

Filed Aug 17, 2021 · Transmission · VA

I stopped at a stoplight, when it turned green I stepped on the gas, the car lurched forward but would not move, engine was running. I was sitting on a 4-lane highway and my car would not move. Warning lights then appeared on my dashboard. Car was towed to a Subaru dealer who replaced the transmission after 5 days.

Filed Nov 19, 2020 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · MN

The transmission occasionally slips, resulting in a momentary rise in engine revs and a slight lurch. I assume that this is related to the known transmission issue for earlier ascents, but mine is not included in the affected VIN number group. Other people traveling in the vehicle with me have noticed the issue and remarked on it, so I am not imagining it! Subaru have not yet diagnosed it but will do so at the next oil change. This behavior has been a feature of the vehicle from new and it has now done about 12,000 miles. The event occurs maybe once a week or so.

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Brakes, Transmission · 600 miles · NJ

Jerky acceleration between 35-50 MPH. Cvt "switching gears" up and down. Noticed at 600 miles. This happens sporadically , when it does happen the jolt snaps my head back. Brakes continue to squeal after 600 miles.

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Fuel system · 4,000 miles · FL

Unintended acceleration - car went through automatic car was with engine running and in neutral. After wash was completed car was placed in drive and I very lightly touched accelerator pedal. Car lurched forward as though the accelerator was floored. Removed foot from accelerator, engine was continuing to race as car continued to pick up speed and headed out onto busy highway. The exit from the car wash was perpendicular to the highway quickly I stepped as forcefully as possible on the brake pedal and subsequently brought car to a stop. A very close call.