Used Subaru Ascent: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 878 complaints across these 6 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Ascent from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2019	2020	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Wipers and visibility	77	55	7	6	28	2	175
Electrical	150	98	3	2	3		256
Transmission	79	52	12				143
Brakes	16	16	9	6			47

Ascent generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

First generation
2019–2023
2023 update: New front fascia; New LED headlights with high-beam assist; New C-shaped taillights; 11.6-inch touchscreen display

Mileages where Ascent problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
240–4,000 miles	Windshield cracking	2023
500–2,076 miles	Brake squeal and grinding	2022
1,250–29,200 miles	Spontaneous windshield cracks	2020
1,600–20,000 miles	Battery drain and no-start	2020
2,800–28,000 miles	CVT slipping and hesitation	2020
3,000–17,608 miles	Warped front brake rotors	2022
6,000–20,000 miles	Warped front brake rotors	2020
6,000–25,000 miles	CVT squeal, shudder, slipping	2019
9,200–23,000 miles	CVT shudder and slipping	2022
16,000–50,542 miles	Transmission failure and replacement	2020
25,000–54,000 miles	Windshield cracking without impact	2019
43,000–64,000 miles	Front strut failure	2020

Every Ascent recall to confirm

12 recalls cover the Ascentyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 3 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.