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Fuel systemPart report

2020 Subaru Ascent Fuel system Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
4%of 324 total for the year
Median mileage
1,200miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 4% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“Raw fuel smell coming through vents when outside air is being used. More often this occurs when engine is warm and has been restarted (I.e. Short trip). Can experience the smell when the car is stationary or in motion. Smell is enough to cause headache. Dealer couldn't replicate but this happened as soon as I picked up the car from the dealer.”

NHTSA complaint #11323106, filed 2020-05, 1,200 miles

“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

“Unintended acceleration - car went through automatic car was with engine running and in neutral. After wash was completed car was placed in drive and I very lightly touched accelerator pedal. Car lurched forward as though the accelerator was floored. Removed foot from accelerator, engine was continuing to race as car continued to pick up speed and headed out onto busy highway. The exit from the car wash was perpendicular to the highway quickly I stepped as forcefully as possible on the brake pedal and subsequently brought car to a stop. A very close call.”

NHTSA complaint #11301164, filed 2020-01, 4,000 miles

“On Friday evening, February 23, 2024 , I pulled onto my driveway and came to a complete stop before driving into the garage . I reached up and hit the garage door remote. When the door began to go up I took my foot off the brake. Instead of creeping up the driveway the car took off like a proverbial bat out of hell It was as if I had pushed the accelerator compltely down.to the floor board. The brakes had no effect. I smashed through the garage door,. …”

NHTSA complaint #11574100, filed 2024-02

“My 2020 Subaru Ascent struggles to retain power when accelerating, especially from stopping and especially when the fuel is low. The vehicle stalls or loses some power when trying to accelerate. The check engine light is not on and there is no other indication that there is a problem with the vehicle. I have discussed it thoroughly with my mechanic and we both think it sounds like a fuel pump issue. He looked at the other Subaru recalls and thinks my vehicle should be included in the other Subaru fuel pump recall (NHTSA ID Number: 21V587000). Does my vehicle qualify for this fuel pump recall? …”

NHTSA complaint #11732360, filed 2026-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202412%
202312%
202247%
202122%
2020144%
2019164%

Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Ascent

Electrical system
101 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
59 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsBrakes
26 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 30, 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