2022 Subaru ASCENT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
55 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
38,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2022 model year. Data snapshot: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 55 complaints (25.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 18 | 32.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 13 | 23.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 3.6% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.8% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 1.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 10 |
| Engine | 9 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 5 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
Power Train: 14; Service Brakes: 10; Engine: 9; Visibility/Wiper: 7; Unknown Or Other: 6; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 5; Air Bags: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 50 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 9 |
2022: 10; 2023: 19; 2024: 9; 2025: 8; 2026: 9
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 18 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 13 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11464917 · 2022-05-16 (May 16, 2022)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11464917 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11467182 · 2022-06-02 (June 2, 2022)
2nd cracked front windshields in the 1st 5 months we have own the car. Not sure how the first crack happened but this 2nd crack just started and has now spread to over half the window.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11467182 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11472216 · 2022-07-03 (July 3, 2022)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11472216 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11473571 · 2022-07-12 (July 12, 2022)
The transmission is slipping and lunges forward, I believe this is the same reason there was a recall for my model car in 2019 & 2020. I have reported this to the car dealership and it will be placed in their service department tomorrow... I was carrying five (5) passengers in the car when it lunged forward and I almost rear ended the car in front of me and was also rear ended because I had to apply my brakes quickly. As stated above I'm hopeful this will be done by the dealership tomorrow. No inspection have been performed but it is schedu…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11473571 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11482855 · 2022-09-04 (September 4, 2022)
The panoramic moonroof stopped working and was stuck open, making a grinding sound when trying to close. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the issue. The issue was reviewed by a Subaru dealership, they were able to recreate the issue, and they replaced the parts to fix the issue, covered under warranty.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11482855 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11483461 · 2022-09-08 (September 8, 2022)
The transmission of my 2022 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate. While maintaining speed I can also feel a shutter or flutter. As if it is trying to decide what ratio to keep. Even though I’m on flat ground and maintaining speed. It is a similar feeling to the transmission of y 2020 ascent I got rid of because of the fear of safety.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11483461 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11485650 · 2022-09-21 (September 21, 2022)
The brakes on this vehicle continue to makes squealing sounds when slowing to a gradual stop, and now recently makes a grinding sound when driving from a complete stop to a gradual start. These sounds began when the vehicle was new at 500 miles and continues at 1500 miles. The vehicle has been taken to a Subaru dealership three times and nothing has been found that needs correction. I have contacted Subaru Corporate and they continue to direct me to the dealership. Meanwhile I do not feel the brakes are working correctly and fear there is a saf…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11485650 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11494039 · 2022-11-17 (November 17, 2022)
When accelerating from a stop it sometimes shudders as if it cannot decide which ratio to use in the CVT. it can get pretty severe and I am afraid that it will tear the transmission apart if it continues.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11494039 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
22V907000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
Reported: 2022-12-08 (December 8, 2022)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V436000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2026-07-07 (July 7, 2026)
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 24, 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗