Is the 2020 Subaru ASCENT reliable?

The 2020 Subaru ASCENT has 401 complaints filed with NHTSA (5.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Subaru ASCENT?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (101 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (60 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (58 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Subaru ASCENT?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Subaru ASCENT?

The 2020 Subaru ASCENT gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Subaru ASCENT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Subaru ASCENT is approximately $1,758/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Subaru ASCENT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Subaru ASCENT has 401 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 5.3x the segment average of 75. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: in am tailgate found opened (by itself), battery dead , 3 jump starts over 24hrs battery still not recharging after 6 hrs contin. operation, now carplay and blutooth microphone not working, many complaints online re this, no manual tailgate opening, and no working battery shut off of tailgate or it. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 10 crash reports 6 injuries

401

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

5.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

101 complaints

25%

• IN AM TAILGATE FOUND OPENED (BY ITSELF), BATTERY DEAD , 3 JUMP STARTS OVER 24HRS BATTERY STILL NOT RECHARGING AFTER 6 HRS CONTIN. OPERATION, NOW CARPLAY AND BLUTOOTH MICROPHONE NOT WORKING, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE RE THIS, NO MANUAL TAILGATE OPENING, AND NO WORKING BATTERY SHUT OFF OF TAILGATE OR IT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DROPPING HER DAUGHTER OFF AT DAYCARE, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, PUSHED THE PUSH TO START BUTTON, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, THE BATTERY TERMINA
• PURCHASED NEW 30 DEC 2019. OWNED 5+ WEEKS NO ISSUES - DROVE 07 FEB 2020 NO DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES OR WARNING LIGHTS, PARKED AS USUAL IN HEATED GARAGE AT HOME. WENT TO START 08 FEB 2020, WHEN START BUTTON PUSHED, NO STARTING BUT ALL THE VEHICLE LIGHTS (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) FLASHED BRIGHTLY AND RAPIDL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“IN AM TAILGATE FOUND OPENED (BY ITSELF), BATTERY DEAD , 3 JUMP STARTS OVER 24HRS BATTERY STILL NOT RECHARGING AFTER 6 HRS CONTIN. OPERATION, NOW CARPLAY AND BLUTOOTH MICROPHONE NOT WORKING, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE RE THIS, NO MANUAL TAILGATE OPENING, AND NO WORKING BATTERY SHUT OFF OF TAILGATE OR IT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Subaru ASCENT

Based on 164 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

151

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 52 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 42 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 19 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)09/12/2021

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.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Subaru ASCENT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Subaru ASCENT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,758

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1758

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru ASCENT Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2020 ASCENT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 401 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: IN AM TAILGATE FOUND OPENED (BY ITSELF), BATTERY DEAD , 3 JUMP STARTS OVER 24HRS BATTERY STILL NOT RECHARGING AFTER 6 HRS CONTIN. OPERATION, NOW CARPLAY AND BLUTOOTH MICROPHONE NOT WORKING, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE RE THIS, NO MANUAL TAILGATE OPENING, AND NO WORKING BATTERY SHUT OFF OF TAILGATE OR IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I PURCHASED MY ASCENT ON NOVEMBER 29, 2019. BY DECEMBER 8, I HAD TWO CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD. I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN, AND WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 45MPH WHEN BOTH OF THESE CHIPS OCCURRED. ONE WAS (ACCORDING TO SAFELITE) TOO SMALL TO REPAIR. THE OTHER ONE WAS REPAIRED ON 12/10. BY JANUARY 2, THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WE ARE ON OUR SECOND SUBARU ASCENT, FIRST ONE BOUGHT BACK FOR THE SAME ISSUE. UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE CABIN WILL FILL WITH A STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL (NOT EXHAUST). THE CAR WILL ALSO FILL WITH THE SMELL IF RUNNING WHILE PARKED, REMOTELY STARTED, ETC. THE SMELL IS ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: JERKY ACCELERATION BETWEEN 35-50 MPH. CVT "SWITCHING GEARS" UP AND DOWN. NOTICED AT 600 MILES. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY , WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN THE JOLT SNAPS MY HEAD BACK. BRAKES CONTINUE TO SQUEAL AFTER 600 MILES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)