Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the wipers and visibility, electrical, and steering. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2024 Subaru Ascent: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1
Engine off, key in hand0/3
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Subaru Ascent. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | AWD | 22 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Subaru Ascent, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The driver's side mirror shakes hard enough to blur the reflection, making it difficult to judge traffic or see into the blind spot. Most reports describe it at highway speeds, some above 45 or 55 mph, and over bumps on rougher roads. Owners say it began at delivery. Dealers have replaced the glass, the housing or the whole assembly, and applied a service bulletin, but the vibration continues. Many were told there is no fix. The passenger mirror is reported as steady. Some drivers say the shaking leaves them dizzy or nauseous.
Most reports in this group describe the same driver's mirror vibration. It gets worse with speed until the image is unusable, and it is especially hard to use at night with headlights behind. Replacing the glass and housing has not stopped it, and dealers say they can do no more. A separate report describes a driver's window that will not close on command, which cleaning the seals did not cure. Another describes a windshield crack at the corner, which the owner says the extended warranty does not cover.
Driver-assist and power faults dominate this small group. One crash-related report describes EyeSight freezing and adaptive cruise failing to track the car ahead, followed by a collision. The same report mentions a radio that freezes and then comes back at blaring volume, plus a burning smell. Another report describes uncommanded maximum braking with the high-voltage and low-voltage systems shutting off in traffic. The third repeats the driver's mirror vibration, which the dealer has not addressed.
Two different faults appear here. In one, EyeSight cuts out repeatedly on the highway, the steering wheel locks and several warning lights come on together. That is a loss-of-control risk, and the dealer could not repair it. In the other, a clunk or thump comes from the steering during low-speed turns at 10–15 mph and when turning at a stop, and it gets worse over time. Dealers first could not duplicate the noise, then replaced the steering gear box under warranty.
Excerpts from complaints Ascent owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds 55+ mph, so much so that images in the mirror are blurry and difficult to clearly make out distance and speed of other vehicles. Vehicle has not yet been in for service, but is scheduled at the end of October for the 6K mile service. I'll report it then and see what the dealer says. I've seen that this is reported by other owners without resolution, and now there is also a class action lawsuit filed in TX.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
The driver’s side mirror glass has excessive play which causes the mirror to vibrate when under power. The vibration has been present since the vehicle was new and has become incrementally worst. This significantly impacts the ability to clearly see using this mirror. Concern was brought to dealer who stated others vehicles on the lot so the same thing so there is no repair option available.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
In my new 2024 Ascent, there's a vibration in the driver side mirror that gets worse as speed increases. It's a minor issue, but it's disappointing for a brand new car to have this problem. The Subaru dealer hasn't taken any action despite being informed about it, and the vibration persists.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Uncommanded maximum braking with simultaneous high-voltage and low-voltage shutdown. Vehicle is not safe in Florida with puddles or any types of ongoing obstructions vehicle shuts down in the middle of traffic if it perceives you do not match Google maps
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 6 Ascent years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Cars shoppers compare with the Subaru Ascent, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
