Subaru Ascent grinding brakes problems

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · MI

I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are abnormal and affecting the vehicle’s operation and ownership experience. 1. Steering Noise (Inside Cabin). The steering assembly inside the cabin. Whenever I make any type of turn, either left or right, I hear a noticeable clicking/clocking noise coming from inside the steering column area. I want to clarify that this noise is not coming from the wheels, tires, suspension, or steering components connected outside the cabin. The sound is specifically coming from the steering wheel/steering column area inside the vehicle. I have had this concern checked, and the only suggestion provided was to replace the suspected component. The dealer did not provide written confirmation of the diagnosis but verbally advised that they could replace the component and see if it resolves the issue. However, since there is no guarantee that the replacement will correct the problem, I do not feel comfortable spending my own money on a repair that has not been confirmed. I have also spoken with multiple third-party mechanics, and some have verbally indicated that this type of steering noise is a known issue that can occur after a few years and may be related to the clock spring (spiral cable/ribbon) or another internal steering column component. Because this appears to be a known manufacturer-related concern and not a result of misuse or neglect, I request that the issue be properly repaired at no cost. 2. Rear Brake Squeaking Noise. The rear brake pads and rotors are new, but the brakes continue to make a noticeable squeaking/squealing noise. The noise usually occurs after driving for some time, especially in warm weather when the brakes reach normal operating temperature.

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 Jul 20, 2026 · Suspension · MI

My strut bearings have been replaced several times in the drivers sides, my shock and strut has been replaced twice on the drivers side and now the passenger side is doing the same thing. The dealership tells me that there is nothing wrong but research shows this car has known suspension issues. My passenger side front has a loud metallic grinding sound when turning the wheel in park. I’m told this is the brakes which makes no sense. The car feels like it is on ice or sailing down the road, and the car does not maintain an alignment causing the insides of tires to wear out after 15,000-20,000 miles and need to be replaced.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · 82,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and then tightened inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle puttered and a grinding noise was heard emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed during the first visit to be the transmission module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted sporadically. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer on the second visit where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures reoccurred approximately 5,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on the third visit where it was diagnosed that the tie rod end and bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer on the fourth visit where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle towed to the same dealer on a fifth occasion where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2025 · Brakes · IN

Formal Complaint Summary (VIN: [XXX] ) I am submitting this formal complaint concerning a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited (VIN: [XXX] ), which continues to experience brake-related safety defects despite recall repairs and repeated service attempts during the warranty period. Subaru of America issued Service Bulletin 06-92-24 in July 2024, which extended warranty coverage and acknowledged systemic issues with front brake components—specifically brake pulsation, squealing, pedal softness, and vibration. Subaru developed new components and repair protocols to address these issues, including new rotors, tie bars, pad kits, and a revised installation process. In September 2024, I brought the vehicle to CMA’s Subaru of Winchester after experiencing symptoms covered under the recall. Subaru replaced all required recall components. However, the defect returned in March 2025, while driving from Indianapolis to Winchester, now worse than before—resulting in violent steering wheel vibration, loud grinding noises, and unsafe braking behavior, particularly during downhill braking. Instead of replacing the parts again, Subaru resurfaced the upgraded rotors—despite the bulletin’s warnings against doing so. This resurfacing served as a temporary patch, not a true fix, and failed to resolve the underlying safety issue. I have made 21 lease payments totaling $13,707.96 and paid a $6,000 down payment, totaling $19,707.96 in out-of-pocket costs. Subaru has offered only a $2,500 goodwill payment, which I rejected. Relief Requested: I am requesting a full reimbursement with buy back under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Investigation to the reoccurring break issues despite being serviced for a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 11, 2024 · Brakes · TX

Started having problems with the brand new car shaking and brakes making grinding noises when stopping around 20K miles. Brought the car to the dealership and they ended up replacing the brake pads and rotors. It’s been just over a year and less than 15K miles since the replacement and the car started shaking and brakes are making a grinding noise again. Again took the car to the dealership and the rotors are bad. After further research, this is a constant and known issue and has yet to be resolved by Subaru. Instead they wait for the new car warranty to wear off and let their customers pay out of pocket to have this fixed. Some owners have had to replace up to 4 times in less than 40K miles.

Filed Nov 23, 2023 · Brakes · AZ

Brake making squeaky noise when it's being applied. This happened less than 30,000 miles during April 2023. I went to dealership during a routine oil change and the service tech found nothing wrong. I took it to road trip and it was to the point where the vehicle shakes and everyone else around me could hear it when we apply the brake. I took it to another dealership and the service manager said he has seen several vehicle came in and the caliper sticks to the brake pad, so they had to change the inner brake system as well as the rotor. Well, after changing it in July, it is now November and I am hearing the squeak again so I know it will get worst very soon. It seems like the dealership that changed it knew it was happening to other 2022 Ascent vehicles, too. I scheduled an appointment with my local dealership for 12/6/2023 and I will see what they say.

Filed May 15, 2023 · CA · crash · 1 injury

I attempted to make a U-turn with the steering wheel fully turned to the left. When I accelerated, the car took off and went straight into the curb. It did so by “plowing” or what is referred to as severely undesteering - which forced the front right face of the wheel into the curb, breaking the wheel off. The vehicle continued accelerating for another 50 feet (as can be seen in the photographs) when the engine gradually and audibly died down and came to a stop. The brakes were no longer functioning properly at that time while sinking to the floor as they did immediately after the first impact. In the four months and 2300 miles that I’ve been driving that car, I’ve noticed surging a number of times during warm up and also while the CVT is “shifting.” I also constantly have to modulate the gas pedal to keep the vehicle at a consistent speed. RPMs drop and surge in an inconsistent manner. Also, when the wheel is turned completely to the left lock, (which is how my crash occurred) and upon acceleration, there is a bang/grinding sound from the front left axle. Lastly, I noticed at least one other incident where it seemed like the turbo would not disengage when lifting off the throttle. In other words, it lagged in response to the throttle by about two full seconds before the engine began decelerating.

Filed May 9, 2023 · Brakes · OH

The car has issues with rapidly deteriorating brakes. The brakes have been replaced twice and I feel they are bad again. This puts myself, anyone in my car, and any car around me at risk. The dealer is aware of the issue. Car was last inspected with the same concerns in mid-April to which the dealership responded the brakes are "like new". No one else has inspected the vehicle including the police or insurance representative. There was no warning lights related to the issue. I could just feel the brakes grinding. They were first replaced one year after purchasing the vehicle on 4/28/21. They were replaced again on 6/23/22. They feel like they are grinding again.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Brakes · NJ

I own a Subaru 2023 Ascent ([XXX]) that I purchased in December 2022. Since I got the car, the car has been nothing but a headache and has been full of issues. The car was making a squeaking noise from the break from the day we got it. I took it to the dealer (within a month, 600 miles), and after a few times going to them, they suggested it had poor brake pads. As per their recommendation, the dealer changed the brake pads. After driving another 1000 miles, the bolt of calipers came off in the middle of the road, and the car started making stuttering noise. Luckily the breaks were still functioning, so I could drive back to the dealer. I took it back to the dealer, and they told me they could fix the car once and for all. After another 2000 miles today, the car brakes failed again when I dropped the kids. I almost hit the tree in front of me, but luckily no one got hurt. I called the roadside assistance as the car was undrivable. The dealer told us that a bolt of brakes came off on the driver's side. They are currently working on fixing the breaks. This incident has made us scared and questions the car's unreliability. This car is supposed to be the safest, and that was the reason we bought this in the first place. This incident has shocked us so much that we are scared of driving it, and it's prudent for us to return the car. We are looking for an immediate solution related to returning the car and giving us our full money back. Appreciate you looking into our issue. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).