2020 SUBARU ASCENT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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.

Risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

ENGINE

Unknown PCV valve failure caused catastrophic engine failure on interstate highway (70 mph speed limit). Luckily there was room to pull to the side and no one got hurt. This part was recalled in 2019 models due to possible loss of control from engine failure. Dealer tore down engine to determine cause for possible warranty coverage and found the PCV valve was the cause of engine failure. There were no warning lights or indications of any problems before this.

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the undercarriage while driving over bumps in the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to TSB: 059024. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,900.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,900.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The driver's side headlamp assembly (one complete piece, LED lighting) has a thin strip at the top that is used for daytime running lights. These are automatically on when the vehicle is on and it's not yet dark. In early 2024, this driver's side thin strip daytime running lights stopped working entirely. I've learned that the entire headlamp assembly must be replaced, rather than being able to just change out the daytime running component or replace a light bulb like one used to be able to do. I've taken the vehicle in for an estimate, and the Nashville, TN Subaru dealership quoted me about $1700 to replace the headlamp assembly, with nearly $1,000 of that being for the light itself, and the rest being labor. The technician at the Subaru dealership was aware of this problem, with many others coming into the shop for the same thing, and he advised complaining directly to Subaru. There are aftermarket options for $200 but the labor is still excessive. From researching online about how to find the aftermarket options, I've learned from a quick google search, lots of posts on Reddit and Facebook, among other forums, of other vehicle owners of this year and the years surrounding it that it is a very frequently-occurring problem, related to it being too close to something in the engine- and others reported that this has happened multiple times to their same vehicle! I called Subaru of America to complain and ask for a Good Will replacement, but they said they would not be able to assist me as I was beyond 3 years/50k miles, and that I would have to go with the Subaru of America option. Please look into this and find that this is a common problem and the remedy should not be stuck to the consumer, with such an exorbitant bill. Subaru should address this known problem and a recall should be made so that we may have this corrected/those who have had to pay for it can be compensated. Thank you!

POWER TRAIN

My 2020 Subaru Ascent experienced a sudden failure of critical safety systems due to CVT fluid leaking through the transmission pressure switch into multiple electrical components. This fluid leak damaged several wire harnesses and the Engine Control Module (ECM). The check engine light came on and all Eyesight safety features disabled. Subaru has confirmed this will cost over $9,400 to repair. This issue appears to be related to known Subaru Technical Service Bulletins, including TSB 16-103-16R and TSB 02-170-17R, and matches the description in NHTSA Campaign WUV-07. Subaru of America has refused to fully cover the repair, even though my car is well maintained, has only 54,000 miles, and is just 4 months outside the powertrain warranty. This is not normal wear—it’s a serious defect that causes electronic failure and disables safety systems while driving.

SEATS

The driver front seat bottom frame has came loose and rocks back and forth when driving, especially during start and stops. It was serviced and the dealer stated the movement comes from the side rails of the seat and is referenced via bulletin 12-288-20 stating its a known issue and the frame has been redesigned for this issue. After research, this seems to occur with a number of Subaru models, but the defect has not been covered by Subaru. The movement causes concern if an accident were to occur and should be considered a manufactures defect with replacement being covered by Subaru.

SUSPENSION

Extreme rattle/clunking driving over bumps especially on dirt roads. Seems to be many people are having this issue. I know of another co worker who has a 2020 ascent making the same noise. Apparently there is a strut issue

POWER TRAIN

Ever since our car went in for re-programing CVT drive chain it progressively has been having a problem of something slipping in drive and in cruise control. feels like a loss of power and a feeling chatter from transmission. Now when you put it in drive it makes a jerking noise. the thing is that we never had this problem until it went in for this recall. it's been back twice and they claim they can't find any problem but continues to get worse. it happens every time we drive it . just returned a 700 mile trip and it's very annoying. Also we do have an extended warranty.

POWER TRAIN

While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain problems down the road.

ENGINE

While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain problems down the road.