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2022 Subaru Ascent problems

The most common problem on the 2022 Subaru Ascent is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical Ascent model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
56
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
333
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
22-23mpg

The worst 2022 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.

  • Transmission
    14
  • Brakes
    11
  • Engine
    9
  • Driver assistance
    7
  • Visibility
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Locks
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2022 Subaru Ascent

Slipping 5

Recalls 2

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

See all 2 recalls for the 2022 Subaru Ascent

Technical service bulletins for the 2022 Subaru Ascent 333

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

See all 333 bulletins for the 2022 Subaru Ascent

2022 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 2022 Subaru Ascent owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · PA

My vehicle will abruptly break coming to a complete stop if a vehicle behind me approaches too quickly or gets too close to my vehicle. Yes the its uptoday on inspections and no errors show with in the vehicles computer system.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Engine · WV

The front exhaust pipe on my 2022 Subaru Ascent cracked at approximately 77,800 miles. The component is available for inspection. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed a rattle/fluttering noise coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership. Subaru has issued TSB 09-106-23 acknowledging this is a known design defect affecting 2019-2023 Ascents, and has redesigned the part to correct the issue. Despite being within the 8 year/80,000 mile federal emissions warranty period, the dealership denied warranty coverage, claiming coverage only applies in California and Maryland. This is incorrect - the federal emissions warranty applies nationwide. The dealership quoted over $1,000 out of pocket for a known manufacturing defect on a 4 year old vehicle. The cracked exhaust pipe poses a safety risk as exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle cabin. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate whether Subaru is improperly denying federal emissions warranty claims on affected vehicles outside of California and Maryland.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 60,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer replaced the rear radar sensor module and sealed it with silicone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine · CA

Exhaust "Nut" mysteriously went missing, causing noises, and Subaru technician stated to replace exhaust if issues persist. Vehicle was under warranty, only been serviced by certified Subaru technicians, and multi-point inspections were allegedly performed during every service, however, the exhaust "nut" were somehow still went missing.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Seats · CA

The front driver seat cushion/seat cover is deteriorating and ripping at the front portion of the seat. While driving, I can feel road vibration and impacts through the driver seat much more than normal, and the seat no longer feels properly cushioned or supported. I am concerned this affects the driver seating position, comfort, and ability to maintain proper control, and it creates a distraction while driving. The failed component is the front driver seat cushion/seat cover and it is available for inspection upon request. I have seen Subaru Service Bulletin 12-273-19 for earlier Ascent model years describing redesigned front seat cushion trim covers due to early wrinkling/durability concerns, and my vehicle appears to have a similar front seat cushion/cover failure. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. There were no warning lamps or messages before the problem appeared. The first symptoms were increased road feel through the driver seat and visible deterioration/ripping of the seat cushion/cover. Cause is UNKNOWN.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Driver assistance · WI

My eyesight camera keeps failing, it just started like a week ago I had it scanned and it is saying there is an error with the eyesight camera, I have not had an issue with it until now.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Traveling back home from our vehicle downhill the vehicle started aggressively started to downshift that caused disengaging it was scary and almost wrecked into a tree. The car was very hot and smoking . We were stranded and afraid to move the car as we sat for over an hour and had to walk two miles in the dark to home with two children . We could not get tow truck or ride as we had no service.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Airbags · AK

While driving under normal road conditions at approximately 35mph, the side airbags in the vehicle deployed unexpectedly without any collision, impact, or apparent external cause. There were no warning lights, alerts, or prior indications of any system malfunction before the deployment. The sudden airbag deployment startled the driver and created an immediate safety risk, including potential loss of vehicle control and risk of injury to occupants. The vehicle had not struck anything, and there were no road hazards or events that would reasonably trigger airbag deployment. The vehicle has since been inspected by insurance representatives and a dealership, and repair estimates have been completed. At this time, the cause of the deployment remains UNKNOWN. This incident raises serious concerns about a potential defect in the airbag system or related sensors, as the airbags deployed without a triggering event.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · DE

2022 Subaru Ascent. Noticed progressive strong odor in the car. After rain had significant fluid accumulation in the front passenger ceiling, inside front passenger door (sloshing), and wet carpets on the floor on the passenger side. Serviced by Subaru dealer water specialist who reported (1) clogged moonroof drains and "popped off connector" leading to flooding of the entire front passenger ceiling; (2) detached vapor barrier in the passenger door allowing water to collect inside the door and drain into the car; (3) significant concern for mold based on the extent of damage and odor accumulating over time. Told by dealer the drains could be unclogged and they'd repair the popped off connection with a zip-tie fastener since it was not tight enough before, re-affix the vapor barrier in the door, but otherwise their expressed SAFETY concern related to the extent of suspected mold and the poor effects that would have on the health of us and our children. Told the mold was unlikely to fully remediate despite usual efforts, as it creates a fibrous web that is very difficult to ever fix, and the recommendation was that we probably not drive the car again. Told no water damage of any etiology is covered under any Subaru warranty. Dealer refused at first to give documentation about the service or recommendations. Later gave but left off mold documentation - we requested they add it back on, if we choose to sell or trade in the vehicle later we refuse to do so without the mold and associated health risks being public knowledge for a future owner of this vehicle. We also reported that our Subaru Eyesight (collision avoidance system) had been intermittently shorting out, online reports show this can be related to drain floods. No report/update thus far by Subaru on this, also not included in report. We filed a complaint with Subaru of America but have not been called back despite two weeks of repeated calls to them for an update.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2022 Subaru Ascent before you buy

Compare the 2022 Subaru Ascent

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Other model years

20192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2022 Subaru Ascent

Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2022 Subaru Ascent, fewer than a typical Ascent model year.

What is the 2022 Subaru Ascent year score?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 75 out of 100 (average). 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 2022 Subaru Ascent?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 14 complaints. Next is brakes (11).

How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?

2 recalls, covering equipment and electrical system.

What year does the Subaru Ascent have bad transmission?

The Subaru Ascent model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (90 complaints), 2020 (59 complaints) and 2021 (21 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2022 Subaru Ascent get?

Official estimates for the 2022 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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