2020 Subaru Ascent Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 1% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles. 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.
“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and then tightened inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle puttered and a grinding noise was heard emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed during the first visit to be the transmission module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted sporadically. …”
NHTSA complaint #11735635, filed 2026-05, 82,000 miles“Component- steering locks Safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was to tow the vehicle the vehicle to dealership. Online fix is to man handle the steering wheel and turn it in the direction of the tension. Pulling into a normal parking space should not create the tension necessary for the steering wheel to lock. …”
NHTSA complaint #11614473, filed 2024-09Related recalls
- 21V954000Dec 9, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not…Covers: Subaru Ascent 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Ascent
101 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
59 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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