Subaru Ascent Family Hauler Is Now Among 25 Cars Projected To Have The Most Recalls

How many recalls does the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV have? We recently reported that the Ascent has the most recalls of any Subaru model. A new report from iSeeCars says the Ascent family hauler is now one of the twenty-five cars with the most projected lifetime recalls.

Where does Ascent rank on the most-projected recall list? A recent iSeeCars report reveals the twenty-five most recalled cars projected to have at least ten recalls over a 30-year lifespan. The Subaru Ascent is number twenty-four on the list. No other Subaru models were among the worst cars for shoppers looking to avoid recall-related hassles.

iSeeCars' latest study reveals the potential for a recall varies quite dramatically between models. iSeeCars analyzed vehicle recall campaign data provided by the National Highway Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for models from the last 10 model years to calculate the number of projected recalls over an expected 30-year lifespan.

The overall average for lifetime projected recalls across all makes and models are 4.0. The Subaru Ascent is projected to have 10.1 recalls which is 2.5 times the overall average. Note: The Subaru Ascent only has a five-year model history 2019-2023, so this study may need to be revised for the Ascent.

Models with the most safety recalls, excluding over-the-air (OTA) repairs according to the iSeeCars study, also include the Subaru Ascent. The 3-Row family hauler is expected to have 10.9 lifetime recalls, excluding OTA recalls, which ranks it eighteenth on the list. That's 2.87 times higher than the average of 3.8 recalls.

The Ascent has the most recalls of any Subaru model, which is why the SUV makes the iSeeCars list.

The Subaru Ascent is the most recalled Subaru because it's an all-new model. Typically a new model has the most defects to work out when it first launches. That is true of the Ascent 3-Row family hauler.

Subaru has had recalls on the 2019 Ascent for transmission issues and a defective PCV valve that could cause engine failure. In addition, Subaru also issued a recall for Ascent's driveshaft bolts that could loosen.

The 3-Row SUV was also recalled because of possible missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, compromising vehicle strength. The recalled models could not be fixed and were destroyed. A Subaru spokesperson said they only sold nine Ascents to customers with this problem. The rest were still sitting on dealers' lots or in transit when the Japanese automaker discovered the issue.

The Subaru Ascent was one of the models under investigation for a defective fuel pump, a Denso supplier issue that affects other automakers. As a result, Subaru recalled 2019 Ascent models to replace the faulty fuel pumps.

According to the Car Complaints website, the 2019 Ascent's three main problems are that the open tailgate drains the battery (average mileage 2,650 miles), the windshield cracks easily (average mileage 1,500 miles), and the SUV fails to start (average mileage 15,650 miles).

Consumer Reports says the 3-Row SUV also had two separate service campaigns for the suspension and climate system issues. All problems reported are for the 2019 model year, as are the recalls.

The 2023 Ascent does have a new recall.

Subaru of America just issued a recall for the recently-upgraded 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler. Customers who own the new Ascent could experience a sudden loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA revealed certain 2023 Ascent SUVs equipped with 20-inch wheels might be equipped with tires that were damaged during the wheel mounting and assembly process. The number of potentially affected Ascent vehicles is 4,409.

Should you avoid the 2023 Subaru Ascent?

The 2023 Ascent has improved reliability, according to Consumer Reports. As a result, the Ascent is now on Consumer Reports' (by subscription) newly recommended models list with improved reliability. More importantly, it's off CR's 10-least reliable model list.

Consumer Reports says, "We expect the 2023 Ascent will have about average reliability compared to the average new car." However, it's important to note that the 2023 Ascent prediction is based on data from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 models. The 2019 Ascent had the most reliability issues.

The iSeeCars study has only five years of Ascent history to draw from. The next five years could prove to be very different for Ascent recalls. With improved reliability, Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a good choice for shoppers looking for a 3-Row SUV and should be on your list this year.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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