VIN REPORT

4S4WMAKD8T34022682026 SUBARU AscentTouring

3of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
1
1 campaign (all model years)
Safety Grade
C+
78/100 composite
Complaints · 2026
4
NHTSA filed · 2026 Ascent
Vehicle Age
0 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2026 SUBARU Ascent was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

22 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2026 SUBARU Ascent

2026 SUBARU Ascent was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
Owner Complaint Intelligence

4 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (75%), Brakes (25%).

3
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
SUBARU
Model
Ascent
Year
2026
Trim / Series
Touring
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.4L 260 hp
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, UNITED STATES (USA)
Curb Weight
4,603 lbs
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Subaru of Indiana Automotive (Lafayette)

A+Quality90/100
Excellent📍 LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

Builds Subaru Outback and Legacy. Consistently ranked among the top US assembly plants.

Awards & Recognition
  • ✓JD Power Platinum Plant Award
  • ✓JD Power IQS top-ranked non-premium midsize car
Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C+
Score: 78/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History30/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

89/100
Comprehensive
17 of 20 safety features detected

2.5L FB25: documented oil consumption and piston ring wear — Subaru extended warranty programs issued

Also affects: Outback, Forester, Legacy, Impreza, Crosstrek

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB✓Standard
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control✓Standard
Adaptive Headlights✓Standard
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist✓Standard
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls1

NHTSA Safety Recalls

1 RECALL
1found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

14%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

SUBARU Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
93%Excellent

SUBARU has an excellent recall completion rate (93%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 15 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~15 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
15mo
#26V436000
Aug 2026

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SummarySubaru 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~14%

~86% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
87d open
87 days ago
08/07/2026
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs

Manufacturer Recall Response Time

Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance

5mo
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2026-03-20 · Recall issued: 2026-08-07

Recall was issued within 5 months of first complaints — relatively prompt response.

Complaints4

Complaint Intelligence

4 complaints analyzed across 2 system categories

Forward Collision Avoidance leads owner complaints (50%), most reported when the vehicle was under 1 yr old. Also common: Unknown Or Other (25%), Service Brakes (25%).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
100%
1–2
0%
3–5
0%
6–9
0%
10+
0%

Based on 4 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Forward Collision Avoidance
typically under 1 yr old
50%
Unknown Or Other
typically under 1 yr old
25%
Service Brakes
typically under 1 yr old
25%
Hydraulic
typically under 1 yr old
25%
Vehicle Speed Control
typically under 1 yr old
25%
Other
3
Brakes
1
Accelerating +100%
4
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (2)

Owner Complaints

4 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

4found
ODI #11774280FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This happened three individual times, all traveling at highway speed under similar conditions. The panel began flashing in red claiming that no driver was responsive and threw on the ABS breaks. I was able to regain control after disengaging the adaptive cruise control system. At the time the the daytime road conditions were clear, I was clearly visible to the driver monitoring system infrared camera, and both hands were at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel. The dealer has been made aware of this but have been reluctant to address it, claiming that this happens to everyone. This could easily have resulted in a rear-end collision had there been more traffic on the highway.

ODI #11772702UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My company FANCY S owns this 2026 Subaru Ascent, purchased new on XXX from Subaru of Glendale. The vehicle is under Safety Recall 26V-436 (Subaru WRH-26) for an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label, a non-compliance with FMVSS No. 110. Subaru's interim letter in XXX said the corrective label is "not yet available," and Subaru does not plan to mail remedy labels to owners until January 2027. Nearly three months have passed and there is still no remedy for our vehicle. This is a company vehicle that cannot be placed in commercial service while this safety recall remains open: our commercial insurer has flagged the open safety recall, and Subaru itself warns that loading based on the incorrect GAWR could overload the vehicle and increase crash risk. We continue to pay financing and insurance on a vehicle we cannot use. The remedy is a simple corrective label overlay. Subaru's own bulletin WRH-26R already publishes the procedure and the exact part for this vehicle: Part No. 99095XC000 (ID "H"). Furthermore, Subaru's official recall lookup shows the second 2026 Ascent our company purchased in October 2026 (VIN [XXX]) under the very same WRH-26 recall with the status COMPLETED - the corrective label was obtained and installed for that vehicle - while our XXX vehicle remains "Open - Remedy not yet available." On XXX we wrote to Subaru of America and to three Subaru retailers requesting expedited release of the label for this VIN. No remedy has been provided yet. I am asking NHTSA to press Subaru of America to provide a timely remedy for this vehicle instead of making owners wait until January 2027 for a paper label that already exists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11766986FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and independently came to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.

ODI #11725906SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that there was a failure related to the brake pedal design. The contact stated that there was an approximate one-inch difference in spacing between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in previous model vehicles. The contact stated that there was an approximate four-inch gap between the brake and accelerator pedals, while previous models had an approximate three-inch space. The contact stated that the difference created a hazardous driving condition and increased the risk of unintended pedal application. Additionally, there were several instances where a crash could have occurred due to the pedal spacing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that several complaints were received with the same issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,040.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$2,900
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$900
Annual Maintenance
0-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$28,000

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$35,844
~$597/mo over 5 yrs
Fuel
$14,500
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,844 (~$597/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2026 SUBARU Ascent — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 20
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$2,040–$2,590/yr
~$170–$216/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▲ New / recent model year: +15% (high replacement cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN4S4WMAKD8T3402268
Model Year2026
MakeSUBARU
ModelAscent
TrimTouring
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.4
Horsepower260

Manufacturer

ManufacturerSUBARU OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly CityLAFAYETTE
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)4S4
Check Digit (Char 9)8
Model Year Code (Char 10)T
Plant Code (Char 11)3
Sequence (Chars 12–17)402268

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count4

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

4
1
S
2
4
3
W
4
M
5
A
6
K
7
D
8
8
9
T
10
3
11
4
12
0
13
2
14
2
15
6
16
8
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
4
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
S
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
WMAKD
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
8
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
T
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
3
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
402268
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (4)
Model Year Character
"T" → 2026
Could also be 1996
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 4:32:44 PM.