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EnginePart report

2020 Subaru Ascent Engine Problems

Complaints
29about this part
Share
9%of 324 total for the year
Median mileage
5,494miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 9% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,494 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 off the car and on the outside of it.”

NHTSA complaint #11257956, filed 2019-09, 1,000 miles

“The audio died two days prior to the entire car dying completely. We charged the battery, and most of the car began working except for a few random electrical areas. Seems to be a short somewhere. I have under 10,000 miles and a dead battery... Highly problematic.”

NHTSA complaint #11406930, filed 2021-04, 9,700 miles

“My wife and I purchased a new 2020 Subaru Ascent in january this year. From day one, the vehicle has been generating an excessive and potent fuel smell in the engine bay that is then pulled into the passenger cabin via the HVAC system while running. This smell is prevalent when walking around the outside of the vehicle while it is running; it is also noticeable after parking (and turning off) the vehicle in our garage as the garage fills with a raw fuel smell that takes several hours to dissipate. …”

NHTSA complaint #11324809, filed 2020-05, 1,235 miles

“Odometer: 1,289 miles vehicle was in motion on a city street, drove 3 miles away from home. Battery light came on, vehicle started to overheat and check coolant indicator came on. Opened hood to smoke and serpentine belt had shredded. Coolant was sprayed all over under the hood. Vehicle was towed to dealership who replaced serpentine belt and appears battery light and overheating was caused from belt failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11267561, filed 2019-10, 1,289 miles

“While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 mph, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain problems down the road.”

NHTSA complaint #11639508, filed 2025-01

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025213%
202424%
202337%
2022916%
20211212%
2020299%
20194711%

Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Ascent

Electrical system
101 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
59 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsLane departure
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Ascent

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology