Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Subaru Ascent model year (2019–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 261 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 280
4 recalls · 182 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 216
1 recall · 60 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 65
Best Subaru Ascent Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 21 complaints
Main area: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Problem score: 21
3 recalls · 25 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 34
Found the right year? Verify that specific Ascent with a free VIN report.
Subaru Ascent — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 21 | — | — | 21 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 3 | 25 | — | — | 34 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 36 | 4 | — | 47 | Good |
| 2021 | 1 | 60 | 1 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2020 | 4 | 182 | 11 | — | 216 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 5 | 261 | 2 | — | 280 | Avoid |
All 8 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Subaru Ascent Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Ascent models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Ascent should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Subaru Ascent if possible. It has 5 recalls, 261 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 280 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Ascent to buy?+
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 7. It has only 0 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Ascent has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Subaru Ascent Research
Check a Specific Subaru Ascent VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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