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Subaru AscentModel year report

2019 Subaru Ascent Problems

Compared with other Subaru Ascent years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 5.8× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
443filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
12,274miles, 240 complaints with mileage
Recalls
9campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl AWD · 21 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Subaru Ascent (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent most often report a battery that goes flat while the vehicle is parked, and a windshield that cracks from small impacts or, in some accounts, with no impact at all. Transmission complaints center on shuddering, delayed engagement and hesitation, and in several cases owners link the symptoms to a recall; most reports in the sample arrive at relatively low mileage.

  1. Electrical system

    Battery drains while parked / no-start

    • 143 complaints (32%)
    • median 11,050 mi at 2.0 yrs old (74 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2019–2026

    Owners describe coming back to a vehicle that will not start after sitting overnight or for a few days, often requiring a jump start or roadside assistance. Several say the drain followed leaving the tailgate open, and some report repeated dead batteries even after the dealer replaced the battery or found nothing wrong on a diagnostic. A few say dealers attributed it to electronic drain and could not identify a cause. Mostly reported under about 20,000 miles, often within the first two years of ownership.

    Recall 22V9070002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the battery has been replaced or the vehicle has needed jump starts, and check for a parasitic-draw diagnostic. Test that the vehicle starts after sitting overnight, and try leaving the tailgate open briefly, as several owners connected the drain to that.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Several times our 2019 Subaru Ascent battery has drained down to low levels requiring jump starts. This last time was this winter and -15 degrees outside and was very dangerous for her. The alternator does not seem able to keep up with the load. I have heard of many other people having this problem. It sat overnight on both occasions.”

    NHTSA complaint #11396263, filed 2021-02, 19,567 miles

    “My car is 1.5 years old and the battery died in me and left me stranded. Car started after being jumped. I used my trickle charger and it is telling me that battery is bad. Car electrical system was acting strange and not turning off all systems when car was turned off. This probably drained battery.”

    NHTSA complaint #11396090, filed 2021-02, 25,000 miles
  2. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Windshield cracks easily or without impact

    • 87 complaints (20%)
    • median 15,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (63 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 11 quotes)
    • filed 2019–2025

    Owners report windshields cracking from small stone chips and, in many accounts, cracking with no visible impact, sometimes while parked. Cracks are described as spreading quickly across the glass, and EyeSight driver-assist features are reported to stop working afterward. Some say dealers and glass shops replaced the windshield, and owners note the cost and recalibration involved. Reported across a wide mileage range, from delivery mileage up to about 30,000 miles.

    What to check: Inspect the windshield closely for chips, hairline cracks or prior replacement, and ask whether EyeSight was recalibrated after any glass work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving at highway speeds, my 2019 Subaru Ascent windshield cracked suddenly with no apparent cause. The crack was 2 inches wide in the upper center. Very upsetting as I had just bought the car the day prior. Dec 7th, 2019”

    NHTSA complaint #11317932, filed 2020-03, 120 miles

    “We had a rock hit our dashboard while we were pulling coming off an on-ramp onto an interstate and resulted in a small chip. Within an hour of driving it after the chip a crack resulted outward to the driver side of the window to the frame and down towards the hood to the frame. This quickly impaired our vision and made it difficult to drive. The windshield was not repairable and we spent about $950 out of pocket to repair the windshield as it had to be ordered through the dealership. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11330065, filed 2020-06, 3,000 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    CVT shudder, hesitation and loss of power

    • 102 complaints (23%)
    • median 15,431 mi at 1.7 yrs old (48 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2026

    Owners describe shuddering, vibration and hesitation on acceleration, sometimes with the vehicle losing speed or motive power while driving. Several mention jerking when shifting from a stop or on inclines, and some say dealers performed software updates that did not resolve the symptom or replaced the transmission. Some complaints reference a powertrain recall and note that the remedy part was not yet available. Typically reported between about 15,000 and 50,000 miles, with some accounts at very low mileage.

    Recall 21V955000Recall 19V8550003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the powertrain recall work was completed and whether any transmission software updates or replacement were done. Drive the vehicle from a stop and up an incline and watch for shudder, hesitation or delayed engagement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “All warning lights came on last week may 5th 2021 while I was drivingthecarhone after dropping my daughtertoschool. I pulled over and called the dealership and was advise to take the car in. As I drove the engine started to lag and icouldnotdrive more than 45miles. Took the car to the dealership and found out the transmission was bad. This car is 2 1/2 years old and I've had so many problems with it. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11415842, filed 2021-05, 27,319 miles

    “Currently my car is being repaired at Subaru dealership had issues with vibration they are seeing if it's a transmission problem apparently there was a recall with the 2019 Subaru Ascent I never received one but I am having transmission issues and they are looking into what the deal is I'm just wondering why I never got a recall this is dangerous god for bid my car or to slow down or stop when I'm driving I don't understand why I never got the notice”

    NHTSA complaint #11349143, filed 2020-08, 21,000 miles

Buying note. Check that recall work and any transmission software updates were completed, and look for a battery that has needed frequent jump starts and a windshield with existing chips or cracks. A highway test drive with braking and a stop-and-go run will help confirm whether the transmission or brakes show the symptoms owners describe.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 443 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. 240 of the complaints include a mileage, and 94% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 12,274 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 638 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Subaru Ascent model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Air bags (7), Exterior lighting (7), Steering (7), Vehicle speed control (5), Wheels (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Electronic stability control (2), Lane departure (2), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Seats (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “Battery is dead frequently (1-2 times per week). This occurs after leaving one or more doors open (thus the interior lights are illuminated) for only 5-10 minutes. We are constantly having to jump start the car using a portable lithium ion battery that we purchased because of this issue. This has been occurring for over a year.”

NHTSA complaint #11395416, filed 2021-02, 15,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Within 5000 miles transmission jump, rear gear not work and the rab light, dealer told me he must replace! I find a lot of story on website, people have same issue and same amount of mileage”

NHTSA complaint #11210528, filed 2019-05, 5,055 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “My car was parked. I saw a crack in the windshield (cause unknown) on the passenger side that began at the top glass and descended, then heading inwards towards the mirror. Over the course of 2 days, it has extended past the mirror into the driver view. The Subaru glass (agc automotive, DOT-376, m8h4 as1, 30e, lamisafe) could be faulty.”

NHTSA complaint #11166069, filed 2019-01, 650 miles

Other or unknown: “Dead battery without warning. The car has only $11,100 miles on it. I had to call roadside service for a jump and go to the nearest place and buy a new battery. This occurred on a sunday. The vehicle was stationary in my garage. I have an extended warranty and all maintenance and recalls have been done at a dealership in a timely manner. I had no indication that there was a battery problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11414867, filed 2021-05, 11,100 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

94% of the 240 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 21,000 miles.

43%0–1037%10–2514%25–504%50–750%75–1001%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (240 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 12,274 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

201820192020113202120222023202420252026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Ascent · SUV AWD★★★★★5 / 5554 · 17.0% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.

Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2019 Subaru Ascent version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Ascent AWD2.4L 4-cylCVT212723$2,900
Ascent Limited/Touring AWD2.4L 4-cylCVT202622$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 9 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Ascent → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 638 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 638 bulletins →

Other model years of the Subaru Ascent

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20251522,0001522—Too new
20245111,2001522Too new to compareToo new
20234519,500452237 · TypicalToo new
20225638,000252317 · FewerRising
20211043,164252350 · TypicalStable
20203246,1265523100 · MoreFalling
201944312,2749523100 · MoreFalling

All Subaru Ascent model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent most often report a battery that goes flat while the vehicle is parked, and a windshield that cracks from small impacts or, in some accounts, with no impact at all. The issues reported most often: Battery drains while parked / no-start; Windshield cracks easily or without impact; CVT shudder, hesitation and loss of power.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?

NHTSA recorded 443 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Ascent as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2019 Subaru Ascent is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 160 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 90.

Has the 2019 Subaru Ascent been recalled?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2019 Subaru Ascent do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Subaru Ascent 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Ascent get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Subaru Ascent (Ascent, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Subaru Ascent reported?

Among the 240 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 12,274 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 21,000 miles; 94% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.