2022 Subaru Ascent Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 14

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer repla…”
NHTSA complaint #11746149, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11731928, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11727258, 2025

Service Brakes 11

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sam…”
NHTSA complaint #11677586, 2025

“2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also did not look over the car since its new they also sent me on my way and I asked for an inspection nothing. I call the dealership a week ago to speak to the service manager so I can get the info for the…”
NHTSA complaint #11603540, 2024

“While traveling from Texas to Washington state we noticed pulsating/vibrating/shaking front brakes as we were coming down 3 mountain passes. I felt the car was very unsafe as we were unable to brake normally and had many vehicles around us that had to go slower because of this issue. We brought our car in for inspection as soon as we arrived in the Seattle area. They said it was hot spots (warping of rotors). This should not be happening to a new car with 20k miles on it. They did replace our rotor, but upon reading forums online I noticed that there are many issues with the front brakes on my…”
NHTSA complaint #11601016, 2024

Engine 9 1 crash 1 fire

“I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt down and getting doused in water. It is the middle of winter and I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that would've been had I needed to remove my 3 children from their car seats or if I would've s…”
NHTSA complaint #11635099, 2025 · crash · fire

“The front exhaust pipe on my 2022 Subaru Ascent cracked at approximately 77,800 miles. The component is available for inspection. Prior to diagnosis, I noticed a rattle/fluttering noise coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership. Subaru has issued TSB 09-106-23 acknowledging this is a known design defect affecting 2019-2023 Ascents, and has redesigned the part to correct the issue. Despite being within the 8 year/80,000 mile federal emissions warranty period, the dealership denied warranty coverage, claiming coverage only app…”
NHTSA complaint #11746584, 2026

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer repla…”
NHTSA complaint #11746149, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 7

“The front panel of the moonroof cracked from the inside without any impact or clear cause. I brought the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer, Troncalli, for inspection, but they were unable to determine why it happened. I purchased this vehicle for my wife and kids, and now there’s a cracked piece of glass directly above their heads. After doing some research, I found that this appears to be a common issue, often attributed to temperature fluctuations or body flexing. It seems Subaru used the same thin glass on the moonroof panels as they do on their windshields, which seems to be the problem.…”
NHTSA complaint #11672190, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11573842, 2024

“I own 4 Subarus I’ve replaced 4 windshields and since replacing the windshields, I have 4 broken windshields. The oldest Subaru I own is a 2020. The smallest rock cracks the windshield, many think it’s the eye sight system and a much thinner windshield. Insurance companies increase the rates if you claim the windshield, so many Subaru owners just don’t get them fixed, causing visibility issues. I emailed Subaru of America about the problem and they sent me a $500 dollar coupon for parts? I asked a dealership about it, they said “that’s Arizona”. 5 of the 8 broken windshields broke in Ma…”
NHTSA complaint #11563177, 2024

Unknown Or Other 6 1 crash 1 fire

“I was driving on I-20 when a line of cars suddenly slammed on their brakes in front of me. I slammed on my brakes as well but was unable to stop before hitting the car in front of me. The front of the car was very damaged but the car I hit had minimal damage on the bumper only. My 15 year old daughter was in the backseat and had to injuries, I was driving and only suffered a burn from the airbag and a few bruises. We were both able to get out of the car and get safely to the side of the road. Within about 3 minutes the car caught on fire. My concern is that if Subaru is made with crunch zones…”
NHTSA complaint #11523334, 2023 · crash · fire

“2022 Subaru Ascent. Noticed progressive strong odor in the car. After rain had significant fluid accumulation in the front passenger ceiling, inside front passenger door (sloshing), and wet carpets on the floor on the passenger side. Serviced by Subaru dealer water specialist who reported (1) clogged moonroof drains and "popped off connector" leading to flooding of the entire front passenger ceiling; (2) detached vapor barrier in the passenger door allowing water to collect inside the door and drain into the car; (3) significant concern for mold based on the extent of damage and odor accumulat…”
NHTSA complaint #11725797, 2026

“I was sitting in a long line of stopped cars. I looked in my mirrors to move to the right lane. I made sure no vehicles were coming. I pressed on the accelerator to move, and nothing happened. In a panic I quickly repeated pressing the accelerator and nothing happened. The third time the car finally moved forward. I was terrified that someone would come along quickly in the right lane a hit my car. I also had a passenger that was speechless about the incident. Now I feel unsafe to drive the car. This has happened one time previously, but I thought it was a fluke. Also, like many other comments…”
NHTSA complaint #11562472, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 5 2 crash 3 injury

“Air Bags did not deploy going at 32 MPH and during a head on front collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11642928, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was driving slowly through a parking lot. I found a spot to park my car and noticed that there was a curb painted bright yellow so I knew I could not pull through. I started to turn into the parking spot with my foot on the brake when all of a sudden my car was speeding towards the curb and a tree. My foot was on the brake but the car did not stop nor did the forward collision feature work and the air bag did not deploy. The accident has been reported to both my insurance and the auto maker. The car will be inspected tomorrow.”
NHTSA complaint #11528890, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11728873, 2026

Air Bags 4 3 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“Air Bags did not deploy going at 32 MPH and during a head on front collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11642928, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I hit a car that went through a red light. Despite hitting him squarely, and my front end bending, the airbags did not deploy”
NHTSA complaint #11645950, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt down and getting doused in water. It is the middle of winter and I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that would've been had I needed to remove my 3 children from their car seats or if I would've s…”
NHTSA complaint #11635099, 2025 · crash · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 1 crash 1 fire

“I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt down and getting doused in water. It is the middle of winter and I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that would've been had I needed to remove my 3 children from their car seats or if I would've s…”
NHTSA complaint #11635099, 2025 · crash · fire

“I bought the Vehicle new at Subaru of Bristol, TN. At around 23,000 miles it starting lurching forward while idling, jerking and hesitating when trying to accelerate, or not accelerating at all. It was so bad that at one point, I pulled out to pass and almost got rear ended by a semi because it simply wouldn't engage and accelerate. I took it to the Wallace Subaru dealership on [XXX] at 25,578 miles. They drove the vehicle and did a software update and claimed it was fixed. It seemed ok for a couple of days and then started having the same issues again. I took it back to Wallace on [XXX]…”
NHTSA complaint #11578417, 2024

“Ascent randomly hesitates when pulling out into traffic.. both at slow speeds and when attempting to pass on interstate.. has been at dealer service numerous times regarding this , it periodically 'walking' when parked and ranfom inability to get hatch to work. Is currently at a different dealer service as previous dealer was unable to replicate and unwilling to keep vehicle for more than the hour or 2 of service appt. Prev dealer did replace hatch motor over a year ago..but still works randomly..their fix for this is to manually reset everytime.. as for ' walking ' when parked, my ascent will…”
NHTSA complaint #11575036, 2024

Electrical System 3

“Ascent randomly hesitates when pulling out into traffic.. both at slow speeds and when attempting to pass on interstate.. has been at dealer service numerous times regarding this , it periodically 'walking' when parked and ranfom inability to get hatch to work. Is currently at a different dealer service as previous dealer was unable to replicate and unwilling to keep vehicle for more than the hour or 2 of service appt. Prev dealer did replace hatch motor over a year ago..but still works randomly..their fix for this is to manually reset everytime.. as for ' walking ' when parked, my ascent will…”
NHTSA complaint #11575036, 2024

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11506378, 2023

“1. The electrical system/battery failed after only 392 miles. Car could not be jumped. When the cables were put on the battery, the tech said they got real hot (which leads us to believe it was shorting out.) Even though Subaru blamed the battery, the dashboard lights, the horn, and the headlights were all flickering and flashing like a Christmas tree. The car had also just been driven 45 minutes before. Subaru blamed driver error on not shutting the car off properly, but according to a class-action lawsuit, Subaru is aware of this happening with other Subaru vehicles. 2. The car would not…”
NHTSA complaint #11464917, 2022

Lane Departure 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11728873, 2026

“When driving and lane lines change width the car tried to street across them at highway speeds. Happens regularly.”
NHTSA complaint #11535607, 2023

“This observation/complaint is about a 2022 Subaru Ascent automobile, which I own. When the gas cap is loose, the car's computer disables several safety features, including collision avoidance, lane control, cruise control, reverse-automatic-braking control, all occur suddenly, while driving, after the computer processes the fault. Upon securing the gas cap and ostensibly fixing the problem, the computer MAY continue to disable said safety features for (according to Subaru Service agents) multiple days for as long as 30 days. On 7/2/23, while driving, several warning lights illuminated in t…”
NHTSA complaint #11533259, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The Automatic liftgate in the rear of the vehicle upon opening, closes suddenly and immediately. I am not touching the key fob or anything. This happened several times and hit me on the head. The dealer has replaced the liftgate motor, but it happened again. This is dangerous and can be harmful to adults or children standing behind a vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11531983, 2023

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front driver’s side door opened independently. The door ajar light was illuminated. The contact was able to securely close the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 300. The contact stated that the failure has now happened a total of 3 times. Each occurrence was a various speeds and weather conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11506488, 2023

Back Over Prevention 1 1 crash 1 injury

“I was driving slowly through a parking lot. I found a spot to park my car and noticed that there was a curb painted bright yellow so I knew I could not pull through. I started to turn into the parking spot with my foot on the brake when all of a sudden my car was speeding towards the curb and a tree. My foot was on the brake but the car did not stop nor did the forward collision feature work and the air bag did not deploy. The accident has been reported to both my insurance and the auto maker. The car will be inspected tomorrow.”
NHTSA complaint #11528890, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Other/I Am Not Sure 1 1 crash 2 injury

“Were in a car accident of a speed of 32 MPH. Were told we would have to get rid of the carseat due to a hard wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11642929, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Seats 1

“The front driver seat cushion/seat cover is deteriorating and ripping at the front portion of the seat. While driving, I can feel road vibration and impacts through the driver seat much more than normal, and the seat no longer feels properly cushioned or supported. I am concerned this affects the driver seating position, comfort, and ability to maintain proper control, and it creates a distraction while driving. The failed component is the front driver seat cushion/seat cover and it is available for inspection upon request. I have seen Subaru Service Bulletin 12-273-19 for earlier Ascent model…”
NHTSA complaint #11733857, 2024

Steering 1

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the brakes and reset the check engine warning light, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear radar sensor module beneath the rear bumper had corrosion from car wash or road salt. The dealer repla…”
NHTSA complaint #11746149, 2026

Tires 1

“245/50 A20. Side wall ruptured at 55 mph . A pop and tire was flat. No sensor warning. Correct tire pressure. Immediately checked electronic psi reading. All tires ok but red 0 for tire that blew out. I have pictures. Not confirmed by any one yet. That may happen Thursday when I replace all 4 tires. Had 7780 miles on tires. Even tread wear.”
NHTSA complaint #11472216, 2022

Wheels 1

“2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also did not look over the car since its new they also sent me on my way and I asked for an inspection nothing. I call the dealership a week ago to speak to the service manager so I can get the info for the…”
NHTSA complaint #11603540, 2024