Subaru Ascent recalls

13 official safety recalls for the Subaru Ascent from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Gross axle weight rating label may be incorrect

    Reported July 7, 2026Model years 2019–2026NHTSA campaign 26V436000541,237 vehicles affected

    The certification label may show an incorrect gross axle weight rating, which could lead to overloading and increase crash risk. A corrected label will be mailed to owners, free of charge; dealers can also install it, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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 were mailed August 27, 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.

  2. Driveshaft support bolts may loosen

    Reported September 21, 2023Model years 2023NHTSA campaign 23V6470004,311 vehicles affected

    The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, allowing the front end of the driveshaft to disconnect and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will clean the mounting surfaces and install new bolts free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
    Consequence
    Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  3. Front lower control arm ball joint may separate

    Reported June 1, 2023Model years 2023NHTSA campaign 23V3920005 vehicles affected

    An improperly tightened ball joint nut may cause its retention pin to fail and the ball joint to separate from the lower control arm. Separation while driving can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm if necessary, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
    Consequence
    Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  4. Tire bead may be damaged

    Reported April 7, 2023Model years 2023NHTSA campaign 23V2580004,409 vehicles affected

    A tire bead may have been damaged during mounting, causing a sudden loss of air pressure and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    TIRES
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
    Consequence
    A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  5. PTC heater ground terminal may melt

    Reported December 8, 2022Model years 2019–2022NHTSA campaign 22V907000271,694 vehicles affected

    Park outside: the maker advises parking affected vehicles outdoors, away from buildings, until they are repaired.

    An improperly fastened ground bolt may cause the PTC heater ground terminal and nearby parts to melt, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the ground bolts and, if needed, the ground wire and connector holder, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
    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.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  6. Drive chain may slip or break

    Reported December 9, 2021Model years 2019–2020NHTSA campaign 21V955000198,255 vehicles affected

    A programming error may engage the clutch before the drive chain is fully clamped. The chain may slip and break, causing loss of drive power and increasing crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the control unit, inspect for slippage and damage, and replace the transmission if needed, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CHAIN/BELT
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
    Consequence
    An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  7. Front tie rods may separate from housing

    Reported December 9, 2021Model years 2020NHTSA campaign 21V9540001,305 vehicles affected

    An incorrectly tapered housing hole may deform the tie rods and housings if excessive torque is applied during assembly or service. The tie rods may separate, causing loss of steering control. Dealers will replace both front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
    Consequence
    The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  8. Low-pressure fuel pump may fail

    Reported July 29, 2021Model years 2019–2020NHTSA campaign 21V587000175,968 vehicles affected

    The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank may fail and stall the engine while driving, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the pump free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
    Consequence
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  9. Low pressure fuel pump may fail

    Reported April 16, 2020Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 20V218000188,207 vehicles affected

    The low pressure fuel pump may stop working, causing the engine to stall and preventing the vehicle from restarting, which increases crash risk. Dealers will replace the pump, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
    Consequence
    If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  10. PCV valve may separate

    Reported December 2, 2019Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 19V85600051,613 vehicles affected

    The PCV valve may separate, allowing parts to enter the engine and cause loss of power while driving, increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the valve free of charge; if separated parts cannot be found, they will replace the short block engine free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
    Consequence
    An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  11. Transmission pressure sensor may misread

    Reported December 2, 2019Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 19V85500076,842 vehicles affected

    The hydraulic sensor may overread pressure, causing pressure to be reduced and the drive chain to lose proper tension. This can cause loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit and replace affected parts as needed, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
    Consequence
    If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  12. Driveshaft support bolts may loosen

    Reported July 10, 2019Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 19V519000166 vehicles affected

    Loose centre support bolts may allow the front portion of the driveshaft to disconnect, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the centre support brace, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
    Consequence
    If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  13. Missing B-pillar welds may weaken vehicle

    Reported August 2, 2018Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 18V508000293 vehicles affected

    Missing spot welds around the B-pillar may compromise vehicle strength and increase injury risk in a crash. Dealers will inspect for missing welds and replace the vehicle if they are missing, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
    Defect
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
    Consequence
    In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Subaru Ascent