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Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent a reliable SUV? According to a new study from Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ascent 3-Row family hauler is one of the ten models with the greatest risk of problems.
According to CR's analysis, the ten cars with the most significant risk of problems include the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The SUV gets a reliability score of 60 out of 100 and is the 10th least reliable new car. CR says trouble spots are the transmission, power equipment, brakes, in-car electronics, and climate system. CR gives the Ascent a 1/5 for predicted reliability.
Consumer Reports' ten least reliable cars
The ten least reliable cars counting down to the least reliable model are the Subaru Ascent, Chrysler Pacifica, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo XC90, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Mustang, Ford Explorer, and Mercedes-Benz GLE (least reliable).
CR says the Ascent 3-Row SUV initially had average reliability, but transmission problems, sometimes requiring a replacement, have lowered its reliability score. Subaru has had recalls on the 2019 Ascent for transmission issues and a defective PCV valve that could cause engine failure. 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.
Overall reliability verdict for the Ascent
CR says the 2019 and 2020 Ascent model years had the worst reliability rating, improving for 2021 models. CR's prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020, and 2021 models, and since there are no changes to the 2022 models, it carries through. Consumer Reports ranks the 2022 Ascent number eleven out of fourteen 3-Row midsize SUVs.
Does Subaru have reliability problems?
Subaru ranks in the top 25 percent of automakers in Consumer Reports' latest testing. According to a recent 2021 study from Consumer Reports, out of twenty-eight automakers in the U.S. market, Subaru scores number seven overall in predicted reliability, putting them at the top 25 percent of the most reliable car brands category. You can read the complete report here.
Should SUV shoppers stay away from the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent was an all-new model for the 2019 model year, and as with many new cars, there are "bugs" to work out. It's a problem affecting many automakers when they launch an all-new model. Subaru does cover the Ascent model's issues under its new car warranty (basic coverage is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first). The powertrain coverage for its cars is five years or 60,000 miles.
Unlike the owner-reported reliability history, owners of newer Ascent models report overall satisfaction scores of 3/5. And the 3-Row SUV does well in Consumer Reports Road Tests with a 93/100 score.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent had more problems than any other model in the automaker's lineup, but there have been no significant issues reported for the 2022 Subaru Ascent models. It appears like the automaker has corrected the transmission and most other issues in 2021 and 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUVs.
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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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Comments
So far no issues with our
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So far no issues with our Ascent 2021 ,she's almost a year.
I think that Subaru should
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I think that Subaru should set a 7 year goal to phase out the 2.4 liter 260 hp engine. That would mean developing a Solterra variant to replace the Ascent, and an EV to replace the WRX. They would have to drop the engine as an option from the Legacy and Outback. I doubt very much that Toyota will be keeping a gasoline powered GR86 for another 7 years. That will be the easiest way for Subaru to meet future CAFE standards.
2021 Touring, at 15k the
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2021 Touring, at 15k the transmission went? Wr have replaced the brakes as well. In 3k the brakes have started making the loud noise again- recently had a power window that got stuck for a brief moment- it eventually went back up. Kept going up and then coming dpen on own then got stuck- I have to make a another appointment at dealer to have things looked at again and call SOA and list the newest issues. The transmission STILL slips from time to time and the car runs horribly cold- it has 33k on it and I have to start it and allow it to run for 10-15 min. My 2015 Ram Diesel starts up and drives better cold LOL
I had a 2019 Ascent that did
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I had a 2019 Ascent that did have some issues. Mostly head unit/in-car electronics related. I LOVED the vehicle though, on long road trips it was fantastic and handled midwestern winters like a champ. Unfortunately, I decided to get rid of it after the turbo had to be replaced about 22 months after I bought it. I switched to a 4Runner Limited. It definitely doesn't have near the amenities of my Ascent, but I like that it is made in Japan in the same plant that rolls out Lexus and Land Cruiser and its reliability is legendary. It was a trade off for sure, but loving the 4Runner.
Had 2019 Ascent transmission
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In reply to I had a 2019 Ascent that did by Anthony (not verified)
Had 2019 Ascent transmission was a nightmare was in the dealership for weeks at a time several times. Finally got a 2021 on a trade in. This one has been good. Getting stranded and towed 3 times no fun.
2019 Ascent Touring.
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2019 Ascent Touring. Purchased new. Third Subaru for us. Previously had an Outback and a Tribeca with no issues. About everything listed as items that can go wrong with an Ascent have gone wrong with ours. Extremely frustrating. So much I am not sure we can ever buy a Subaru again. One item to note that isn't commonly listed is the "cooling" fans in the seat rarely work and get replaced about each oil change. Third or fourth set on the passenger side.
I completely forgot about
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In reply to 2019 Ascent Touring. by Paul T (not verified)
I completely forgot about that, yep, I had them replaced twice myself. One was extremely loud and made a winding sound when it was being used.
Got the Ascent 22 been
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Got the Ascent 22 been driving it for almost 14 months now added almost 16T miles towed 20 ft camper during summer time from Mi to Mt. rushmore...no problems found as CR claims!
I have a 2019 Ascent besides
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I have a 2019 Ascent besides the 2 recalls. Nothing wrong has ever happened. We have 34, 000 miles on it and we’re happy with it. My 4 kids love it. To be honest I live 2 miles off harsh dirt road and even than the Ascent is holding up like a champ. No squeaks or anything at all.
I bought a 2019 ascent new
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I bought a 2019 ascent new almost 3 years ago. Love it. The only time it’s been in the shop is for oil changes.
It has the same engine,
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It has the same engine, transmission and electronics as the XT versions of the Outback and Legacy that CR ranks highly.
Got recall on my 2019 Subaru
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Got recall on my 2019 Subaru ascent, months back. Here it May and they saying still not got what they need to fix it. My last Subaru for me. They are Over Rated by 110 plus. Just want you to keep driving till car blows up or death happens.
Never ever buy one again.
I bought a 2021 Ascent in…
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In reply to Got recall on my 2019 Subaru by Clemons (not verified)
I bought a 2021 Ascent in Dec of 2020. So far I have had 41,000 miles with no problems. It climbs hills like a goat. I am up and down mountain roads several times a month and use the paddle shifters all the time to down shift.
However, I had to get all new tires for the second time. 1st at 14,000 due to a flat that ruined the sidewall and after 27,000 miles due to a leak they could not patch (close to the sidewall). Given the other tires were worn in each case, Subaru recommends all new tires in those situations (an expense I didn't expect).
My concern is, the front passenger side pad and rooter were both worn out and had to be replaced, the Driver side looked pretty good. Being an old shader tree mechanic, its the first time I have seen such uneven wear on disk break pads and rotors.