VIN REPORT

4S4WMAPD9S34349762025 SUBARU AscentLimited

9of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
1
1 campaign (all model years)
Safety Grade
C
73/100 composite
Complaints · 2025
15
NHTSA filed · 2025 Ascent
Vehicle Age
1 yr
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2025 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. 15 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

22 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2025 SUBARU Ascent

2025 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. 15 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 1 injury reported across 15 owner complaints
  • 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

15 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (27%), Visibility (27%), Electrical (13%). 2 crashes reported.

9
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
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
2025
Trim / Series
Limited
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
4,597 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: 73/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History25/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

73/100
Comprehensive
15 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Pedestrian AEB
Low
  • ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Moderate
  • ⚠15 complaints on a 1-year-old vehicle — unusually high

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

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?Unknown
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?Unknown
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

1.4yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2025-03-17 · Recall issued: 2026-08-07

17 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.

1 in 14

1 injuries reported across 15 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints15

Complaint Intelligence

15 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Steering leads owner complaints (13%), most reported when the vehicle was 1 yrs old or newer. Also common: Electrical System (13%), Engine (13%).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
53%
1–2
47%
3–5
0%
6–9
0%
10+
0%

Based on 15 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Steering
typically 1 yrs old or newer
13%
Electrical System
typically 1 yrs old or newer
13%
Engine
typically 1 yrs old or newer
13%
Structure
typically under 1 yr old
13%
Unknown Or Other
typically 1 yrs old or newer
13%
1 injury2 crashes1 fire
Other
1 crash1 inj4
Visibility
4
Electrical
2
Safety Systems
1
Steering
1
Body/Structure
1
Engine/Powertrain
1 crash1
Suspension/Wheels
1
2025
7
2026
8
Accelerating +100%
15
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

47% of complaints filed in Jun & Jul — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure1
Fire/smoke1
Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (2)Rain/wet (2)Startup (1)Highway/high-speed (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

15 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

15found
1
Fire
2
Crashes
1
Injury
ODI #11765912VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH1 INJURY

The contact owned a 2025 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with a foot on the brake pedal, the engine suddenly revved loudly and unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle crashed into a pole head-on and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed a total loss. The contact sustained cuts on the hands, a sore back, a brain bleed, and body soreness. Medical attention was sought. The dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.

ODI #11757402AIR BAGS

Was getting out the car the door shut car door and side curtain on drivers side and drivers seats airbag deployed. My children were in the car no injuries during event. But, could have depending on when the airbags would have deployed if not then. Please inspect. Had manufacturer come inspect and was denied repair. No lamps or messaged reported. (Nothing was in the door way when door was shut)

ODI #11752548STEERING

2025 Subaru Ascent has a popping noise randomly usually when turning left. Dealership services can not find the source.

ODI #11746812STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

The car will spontaneously brake for no reason while driving forward and reverse. The steering wheel will spontaneously steer you out of the lane. The doors will lock while you are in the car and you can't get out for about 30 seconds. The deck door will come down on you unexpectedly while loading items. It has hit us in the head or makes us twist our back to lift it up. The stereo system has a mind if it's own. The eye site goes on and off for no reason. These safety issues concern us. We have had it in the service department three times and they can't duplicate the problem. They have had it since June 6th and drove it 30 miles in 20 days. I don't think they drove it long enough to duplicate the problem. It usually happens after about 15/20 minutes of driving. Typically that is about how long before the brakes will spontaneously brake.

ODI #11746540FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Traveling in my 2025 Subaru Ascent with cruise control set at 50mph. Bright sunny day, no shadows on the road and no vehicles in front of me. My vehicle slammed on the brakes out of nowhere. Held deceleration about 5-7 seconds and then resumed cruising speed. The road I was on is generally busy. I got very lucky there was no one behind me or I would have been rear ended.

ODI #11741773ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete loss of engine power i.e., it turned off, which also resulted in loss of steering and breaking resulting in a complete loss of control of the vehicle. As the vehicle drifted to a rolling stop, the main display indicated to turn off the vehicle and it was forced into park to stop it and then the ignition control button was pushed. The car was restarted and moved off the road. Subsequent restarts and terminations occurred without issue. No fault code was generated or captured by the vehicle computer and the dealer could not reproduce the problem.

ODI #11735425STRUCTURE

The window pillars on the passenger side deformed on exposure to sunlight reflected from our house windows; in less than 6 months of ownership! We are the original owners and took possession in June 2025. Both the local Subaru dealer and Subaru USA have been involved. Subaru USA Case number is: 251230 - 1500232. Subaru will NOT cover this despite us having owned a Subaru DL, a Subaru Forester, and a Hyundai Tucson all parked in the same driveway, same manner (backed in), and owned for a minimum of 5 years by us as second owners for all 3 cars AND zero issues with any body pieces. There were no warnings, either at time of purchase or prior to us filing a request for relief with Subaru in December 2025.

ODI #11721168UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving the passenger door window behind the driver burst, then began falling into the car. The safety issue would have occurred if one of my grandchildren were sitting there. Also, the startling event of it just bursting and possible causing a jerk in the car. The dealer said that they have not heard of this and would not repair under warranty (brand new car, purchased in September). Police investigated and saw nothing that would have caused an outside force to break the window. No warnings

ODI #11706345ENGINECRASHFIRE

I hit a deer on CA 395 north, my braking system worked and my air bags deployed, and then my engine immediately caught fire. I’m lucky i was able to get out of the car through a back door. Every police and fire who responded said they have never seen a car catch fire after hitting a deer and i should report a vehicle malfunction

ODI #11703374TIRES

I own a 2025 Subaru Ascent Limited. At approximately 20,000 miles, one of the original tires (factory-installed) developed a straight split along the tread/shoulder area. The cut was very straight, almost like along a seam, and I could see metal/steel cords exposed through the opening. There was no major impact, curb strike, or pothole event that I’m aware of, and there was no obvious sidewall or wheel damage. The Subaru dealer inspected the tire and replaced it, but I do not have the tire in my possession, so I no longer have the exact tire brand/model or DOT number. I have photos of the damage and a repair order from the dealer showing the tire replacement. I have also reported this incident to Subaru’s customer advocate department because I am concerned this may be a safety-related tire or manufacturing issue on a relatively new vehicle with low mileage.

ODI #11686992UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The driver side rearview mirror shakes and vibrates under normal driving conditions. This is distracting and nauseating to the driver. This is a safety issue because this mirror is used for checking for vehicles before changing lanes.

ODI #11677132STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE

Driver side mirror vibrates making the view in the mirror blurry. The distorted picture causes confusion and safety hazard as it's very difficult to see in day and almost impossible at night. Vibrations are noticeable in the driver's side B pillar. According to the dealership, this is related to the car's frame, no further details were provided so far. Car has been in the service for almost two weeks due to this issue.

ODI #11672621VISIBILITY/WIPER

The drivers side mirror glass shakes while driving. Visibility in the mirror is extremely limited making it impossible to see vehicle approaching or to judge distance. After dark the mirror is useless.

ODI #11668970VISIBILITY

No particular incident happened, but the driver's side view mirror vibrates when moving especially at high speeds and/or bumpy roads. Worse at night as when you look, headlights in rear are shaking and make me dizzy and not look. The passengers side is nice and stable. Doesn't vibrate and shake.

ODI #11648856VISIBILITY

The driver side mirror is unusable. The mirror it self shakes so much while driving you cannot see anything clearly or safely.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for SUBARU Ascent — recall years marked in red
048050100202620252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 15 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2026 (8 complaints, including 1 crash report).

The amber reliability line averaged 88/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 87/100 in 2026.

The recall (red dashed line) followed the first complaints by 1 year — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2025, 2026) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

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
1-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
$3/mi
cost per mile
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 2025 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING
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

VIN4S4WMAPD9S3434976
Model Year2025
MakeSUBARU
ModelAscent
TrimLimited
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Seat Rows7
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)9
Model Year Code (Char 10)S
Plant Code (Char 11)3
Sequence (Chars 12–17)434976

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count15

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
P
7
D
8
9
9
S
10
3
11
4
12
3
13
4
14
9
15
7
16
6
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
WMAPD
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
9
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
S
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
3
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
434976
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (4)
Model Year Character
"S" → 2025
Could also be 1995
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, 3:00:00 AM.