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2020 SUBARU Ascent

5 recalls Risk Grade: F Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #21V955000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

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

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #21V954000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #21V587000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk if Unfixed
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #22V907000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Free Fix
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Low Priority #26V436000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
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."
Risk if Unfixed
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
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 27, 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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Other SUBARU Ascent Years

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall risk grade for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent?

The 2020 SUBARU Ascent has a risk grade of F. This grade is calculated from 5 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).

How many safety recalls does the 2020 SUBARU Ascent have?

The 2020 SUBARU Ascent has 5 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.

What is the most severe recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent?

The most severe recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.

Is the 2020 SUBARU Ascent safe to drive?

This model year has 5 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent? (Campaign #21V955000)

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. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

What is the STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent? (Campaign #21V954000)

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. The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.

What is the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent? (Campaign #21V587000)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

What is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent? (Campaign #22V907000)

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

What is the EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS recall for the 2020 SUBARU Ascent? (Campaign #26V436000)

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." An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 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 27, 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.