Is the Subaru Ascent Reliable?
2019–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Subaru Ascent? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Subaru Ascent Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 74 | Good |
| 2025 | 0 | 10 | 1 | — | 74 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 26 | — | — | 73 | Good |
| 2023 | 2 | 35 | — | — | 67 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 37 | 4 | — | 64 | Good |
| 2021 | 1 | 66 | 1 | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2020 | 3 | 191 | 11 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2019 | 6 | 272 | 2 | — | 49 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Ascent Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Ascent scores 5 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Subaru Ascent Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 638 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?+
The Subaru Ascent scores 64/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 8 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 14 recall campaigns and 638 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Ascent is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Ascent achieved the highest reliability score of 74/100 with 1 recall and 1 complaints.
How many miles does a Ascent last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Subaru Ascent owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Ascent will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Subaru Ascent Research
Check a Specific Subaru Ascent VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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