2022 Subaru Ascent: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Exhaust "Nut" mysteriously went missing, causing noises, and Subaru technician stated to replace exhaust if issues persist. Vehicle was under warranty, only been serviced by certified Subaru technicians, and multi-point inspections were allegedly performed during every service, however, the exhaust "nut" were somehow still went missing.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
“My eyesight camera keeps failing, it just started like a week ago I had it scanned and it is saying there is an error with the eyesight camera, I have not had an issue with it until now.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Traveling back home from our vehicle downhill the vehicle started aggressively started to downshift that caused disengaging it was scary and almost wrecked into a tree. The car was very hot and smoking . We were stranded and afraid to move the car as we sat for over an hour and had to walk two miles in the dark to home with two children . We could not get tow truck or ride as we had no service.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2025
“camshaft carrier oil leakage need to be reseal. there was oil leakage at 36,000 miles and dealer fixed it under warranty. now at 80,000 it is doing it again.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“Transmission slipping when vehicle is cold in the morning, got into a busy street and car wouldnt move due to transmission slipping and almost got into a collision due to transmission slipping and car not moving. I was able to recreate the problem the very next day. My driveway is at an incline, the only movement on car out of my driveway is due to gravity downhill on my driveway. Issue has been present since vehicle was purchased, dealer is never able to recreate the problem. I have a video of the car while transmission is slipping and not moving.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“I hit a car that went through a red light. Despite hitting him squarely, and my front end bending, the airbags did not deploy”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2025
“Stopped car turned car off, smoke started to come from under the hood on right side. Turned car on and "low oil" came on, turned car off and exited car. The smell of oil was noted and a light white colored smoke was continuing to rise from under hood. Proceeded to call dealership for advice”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2024
“Windshield started cracking after a minor pebble strike near the bottom center of the windshield. Crack has doubled in size in less than 10 minutes and continues to grow.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Feb 2024
“The car would not move when stopped at a light. I had to call for roadside assistance. They now say the car needs a new transmission. It. Only has 9200 miles.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Subaru 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."
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 25, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2022 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ascent by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The most complained-about area is service brakes (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2022 Subaru Ascent problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 49,000 miles or less.
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.