2020 Subaru Ascent: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Transmission · CO

1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership, and any failed components should be available for inspection upon request while the vehicle remains in their possession. 2.The transmission malfunction is affecting the vehicle's ability to accelerate, maintain speed, and operate predictably. This creates a potential safety risk when the vehicle loses power or experiences unexpected changes in operation while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The concern is heightened because transmission failure can leave the vehicle unable to safely continue operating and can cause collisions with other vehicles on the road. 3.Yes. The dealership was able to reproduce the issue, which caused the check engine light to illuminate and confirmed that there is an active problem requiring further diagnosis/repair. 4.The vehicle has been inspected and evaluated by the Subaru dealership/service center. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Subaru of America has reviewed my case and the repair history but has declined assistance with the repair or to open a case. 5.Yes. The dealership was able to reproduce the issue, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The transmission problem was also associated with operation that prompted me to have the vehicle inspected. The check engine light illuminated when the dealership replicated the condition. This current transmission is a replacement transmission done by Subaru do to a previous recall of the same issue. The current transmission only has 83,000 miles on it.

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant. Subaru uses RTV silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam carriers to heads, timing cover, oil pans, etc.). Transmission failure at 37,000miles which needed replacement. In dealership service for 52 days at that time. Transmission symptoms continued after replacement. Car hesitates while accelerating making it dangerous to accelerate to speed needed to merge into traffic. Same transmission symptoms occurring now that were present prior to complete transmission failure in 11/2021 that left me in middle of busy freeway with a disabled car. Subaru not taking transmission symptoms seriously. Continuous brush off from service and Subaru. Car is a lemon. Subaru not standing by product. Oil should not be leaking from every orfice of engine.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Transmission · PA

The CVT transmission has failed and been replaced three times despite proper maintenance. Subaru has replaced the transmission multiple times under warranty, but the failure continues to recur. •First CVT replacement at 50,542 miles •Second CVT replacement at 88,175 miles •Third CVT replacement at 92,832 miles This shows repeat failure, not wear-and-tear. It is a safety risk: The vehicle hesitates and loses power intermittently, which creates a safety risk when accelerating or merging into traffic. The most recent replacement is incorrectly listed as pan replacement.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Transmission · 106,100 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the rear differential but later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 106,100.

Filed Aug 14, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

Transmission failure, chugging while driving on the road then slowed down in middle of the intersection, won’t accelerate which is a unsafe situation. It says “check engine”, “break, “eyesight disabled”, “at oil temp” and “transmission”. The speed was stuck to 20mph and engine eas loud. Smelled like something was burning too

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Fuel system · MO

Possible Transmission issue. The transmission was replaced in February by University Subaru in Columbia, Missouri. I have made a second appointment as the vehicle is still having the same issue shifting gears or going uphill. During a drive where there was a small incline of 10 degrees when the vehicle somewhat jumped or as if it skipped a beat. I had stopped in traffic and when the other cars started to move, I started to drive forward, and the car jumped. A gap in the acceleration. I am scheduled to take it in on the [XXX] of April. I will follow-up with you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 26, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

I have encountered a series of persistent issues with the vehicle since its initial purchase, indicating fundamental deficiencies that warrant thorough consideration and resolution. Commencing with brake malfunctions at an exceptionally low mileage threshold, the recurrent necessity for brake replacements, despite being facilitated by the dealership on four separate occasions, underscores a notable deficiency in the vehicle's manufacturing or assembly process. Furthermore, the manufacturer's offer of $10,000 in exchange for signing a waiver relinquishing my right to file a claim is indicative of their acknowledgment of the vehicle's inherent flaws. Subsequent to this agreement, additional complications have arisen, including persistent window malfunctioning, electrical faults, exhaust system irregularities, and most notably, transmission failures, with repeated complaints culminating in a catastrophic breakdown witnessed by the dealership's service team. In light of these recurring issues, the manufacturer's proposition to repurchase the vehicle while crediting back the $10,000 initially offered and prorating mileage solely from the transmission repair fails to address the cumulative impact of the vehicle's deficiencies. It is inequitable to discount the mileage accrued during the earlier brake-related concerns, especially considering the ongoing nature of the vehicle's mechanical shortcomings. Arguably, the rescinding of the $10,000 offer necessitates a reevaluation of the waiver's validity, as its premise was contingent upon mitigating specific concerns, which have regrettably persisted. Moreover, the manufacturer's refusal to accommodate a reasonable request for mileage adjustment from the onset of the brake-related issues undermines the principles of fairness and consumer protection. Given the manufacturer's reluctance to engage in arbitration and their apparent disregard for addressing the comprehensive history of issues encountered.

Filed Dec 15, 2023 · Transmission · NY

For the past month, the engine revs up higher than normal at slow and highway speeds. It had the feeling of the engine skipping gears and staying at to high of an RPM even with the accelerator being eased off. Initially it was brought to Subaru service dealer in November and they could not replicate the issue. On 12/13/23, it began to constantly go into very high RPMS, much more frequently then it had been, and the check engine light came on as well as a warning light for the automatic transmission oil temperature light. We brought it into the dealer and the evaluated and said the transmission is failing and said it is not safe to drive. We were given a loaner and they are in the process of submitting paperwork for a new transmission under their powertrain warranty.

Filed Jun 30, 2023 · Transmission · NY

Between October of 2021 and February of 2022): Shuddering (like driving on rumble strips) and sluggish transmission (slow to respond acceleration and sometimes jumping when depressing the gas pedal) - reported this multiple times to dealership but was told they couldn’t replicate what I was feeling/experiencing. I also reported that the CVT would not adjust to the lower RPM (remained between 2000-3000) after ascending a hill. I was told in a dismissive manner that it was throttle control, which it was not. Brought vehicle back in June 2022 reporting the same issues. Determined it was the WRK-21 service bulletin. WRK-21 repair was done in July/August of 2022. I was without my car from June through August 30th. Transfer case was replaced. By March of 2023, the exact same symptoms returned and got worse on a much shorter timeline than the first time this happened. On 5/31/23 I brought the car back in. Approx 2.5 weeks later it was determined that it was the WRK-21 issue again. Today 6/30/23, I was told that a regional service technician from Subaru of America has determined that the transfer case needs to be replaced again. I opened a case at Subaru of America (case #[XXX]), requesting that a new transmission be installed into the vehicle, citing major safety concerns about repairing/replacing a repair. No warning lights ever went on at anytime in this reported timeline. Car is not in my possession so it would only be accessible at the dealership. It has been there since 5/31/23. Ultimately, I feel like driving the vehicle is dangerous. I’ve wondered if it’s just going to die while driving at times when it shudders. I have a young child and need a safe vehicle. I do not feel safe in this vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jul 19, 2022 · Transmission · DC

2020 subaru ascent. Consumer writes in regard to transmission failure. The consumer stated the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time determining a fix for the transmission drive slip train. The vehicle has experienced the failure. The consumer stated that a neighbor said the mechanic informed him, "the transmission for subaru accent was defectively designed for this car and under sized causing it to not shift properly."

Filed Mar 24, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · ID

My Subaru 2020 with 16,000 miles stalled in the middle of driving down the road in Town, I was driving 35 mph when out of nowhere the car stalled. I was able to coast/turn on to a side street. I’m lucky the car had enough momentum to keep going or we would have been hit by traffic as the street we were on is a busy road. The car flashed all the lights when it stalled and refused to crank over, it was low on gas so I called AAA and they brought 5 gallons of gasoline and filled it. The technician then tried to get the vehicle to start but it wouldn’t. Luckily he offered to tow it to my house for free. I have tried multiple times to get the vehicle to start and it wont. It cranks but doesn’t actually move. I don’t know what’s wrong and now I have to have it towed to the the local dealership. This is the second major issue that has happened. The first one was that the transmission failed and with my car having a branded title for being stolen/recovery. Subaru would not replace the transmission at 7,600 miles and I had to find a used one to replace it with. I now just got the recall letter and have messaged Subaru about it.

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.