Subaru Ascent transmission failure problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NV

Twin Falls Subaru left me in a dangerous position with my transmission failing catastrophically on the highway 72 hours after major service is a severe safety hazard My 2021 Subaru Ascent with 56,420 miles, still under the 60,000 mile/5 year warranty, went to Twin Falls Subaru with diagnostic codes P0137, and P2096 on 8/15/26 they replaced the following, the engine harness,. transmission harness, transmission pressure sensor and ecm. They said the root problem was the secondary pressure switch, Subaru of America & Twin Falls Subaru said those repairs weren’t covered under warranty and I had to pay $3000 out of pocket, SOA covered the remaining $5100. I picked it up 10/13/26, (on 10/16/26, three days later my check engine light came on along with the AT oil temp and transmission flashing on the dash, the diagnostic codes I received were P0700 P0841 P0890, Subaru Of America paid to have my vehicle towed back to the dealership where they said I needed a new transmission, but they weren’t covering it because my warranty had expired 14 days prior (on 10/2/26), during the time it was getting the first repairs done, they claimed that the two incidents had nothing to do with one another. The DPSM claims a transmission pressure switch failure that flooded the wiring harness with fluid is 'unrelated' to the transmission total collapse 72 hours later. They

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · WY

My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission - per the Subaru of America service tree. This issue began on July 23, 2026, when a slew of warning lights illuminated on the dash and my car went into limp mode, not accelerating properly. It eventually began driving normally and all dash warning lights dissipated. Dealership couldn't see the car at that time, then I was out of town for about a week. Came back, experienced the same issues within 2 days of driving the car. I was able to get it into the dealership for service on 8/6 where it was diagnosed, according to the Subaru Service Tree, as needing a new transmission. Subaru technicians cleared the codes, and I took the car home on 8/7/26 with the warning from my dealership that it was only a matter of time before the transmission failed. The lights / limp mode driving came on again on 8/9 and I have not driven it since that date. I have opened a case with SoA and am waiting on a "resolution". I do not feel safe driving my vehicle so it has been sitting in the driveway since 8/9 while I wait on a resolution from Subaru of America.

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 Jul 31, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The vehicle exhibited transmission slippage but did not provide any warning lights or other symptoms . About 100 miles later, the Automatic Transmission Oil light came on (flashing YELLOW), and all other systems light up (both Yellow and Red) disabling front collision, auto vehicle hold, RAB, etc. Pulled to a safe location and left in park for 10-15 minutes per guidance. Had towed to dealer to determine issue, transmission failure on a 3.5 yr old vehicle with 80,019 miles.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Transmission · 101,541 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the transmission failed to properly operate. The vehicle was pulled over to a nearby shop and was advised to take the vehicle back to the facility that performed the oil changes. Several days later, the contact's husband test drove the vehicle and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the oil. The dealer determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,541.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Noticed my car shifting incorrectly since 66,000 miles. At approximately 68,800 miles transmission begin to fail. At a stop sign I pulled out before oncoming traffic with what should have been plenty of time, but transmission failed. It seemed to have had chain slip; completely stopping the car when I was in oncoming traffic. I put the pedal to the floor it caught, and whipped me around the corner. After that it was doing the same thing consistently until I parked it at my residence.

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 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 13, 2026 · Transmission · CO

I had catastrophic transmission failure. The car was completely inoperable. Thankfully this only happened in a parking lot. If this were yo happen while merging into traffic it could have been very dangerous. This was the second cvt in this vehicle. The 1st transmission was replaced around 52kmiles. The second transmission lasted not even 13 months sndless than 15k miles. Subaru replaced the transmission for a 3rd time at a cost of 1k to me. I no longer have the car.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Transmission · NH

Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. First noticed transmission was slipping with a large load in vehicle May 2025 at 4 years and 8 months after purchase at about 40,000 miles on odometer. The issue was subsequently not noticed under typical load until slipping transmission signs reappeared December 2025. Made appointment in March 2026 due to a planned trip to [XXX] mid-February to mid-March. Failed transmission poses critical safety risks including loss of acceleration, stalling in traffic and unexpected deceleration. Subaru of New England was able to install the transmission at about 50% of the initial estimate over $12,000 (final paid $5400). Subaru of America file was claimed (Case # XXX-XXX) for the balance, but any further reimbursement was rejected. Issue 2: Driver window alternating between getting stuck fully opened as well as reversing to the open position when trying to roll up. The failure of window regulator and channel run was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles. Had to purchase and replace the Subaru window regulator and channel run. Power window failures in the open position create significant safety risks including vehicle theft, interior damage from weather and occupant vulnerability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)