2020 Subaru Ascent Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 3% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 miles.
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.
“My vehicle is fairly new 7 months to be exact. When it was 4 months old I've started to notice rust and corrosion on the window panels that are metal. When I went in for oil change service they deny that there is rust and just offered to polish it. At 7 months the windshield has chips and cracks which is odd without a reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11386341, filed 2021-01, 9,800 miles“While driving 50mph the hood is vibrating and flexing. When being passed by other vehicles the flexing and vibrating becomes disturbing violent. At this point I am in fear of the hood becoming unsecured and lifting up while crashing into the windshield causing an accident. It appears that the hood's subframe has become detached. I am fear for my safety when driving this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11395885, filed 2021-02, 4,000 miles“A large crack suddenly appeared on the windshield of my 2020 Ascent, and expanded rapidly over the course of a few hours. I purchased the vehicle new in january 2020. Subaru will not cover the windshield under warranty. The cost to replace the windshield and re-calibrate the eyesight sensors is over $1,000 through safelite. I'm concerned that having an outside company re-calibrate the sensors will void the warranty, and the dealership could not provide any clarification. …”
NHTSA complaint #11325967, filed 2020-05, 4,000 miles“Found around 1 inch of water setting under driver's seat of our 2020 Subaru Ascent touring, with only 2500 miles on it, after the car had been sitting for days with rain storms. Wife notices a sloshing sound while she drove it 1 mile and back home. Took it to the dealer and they kept it, but couldn't initially find the leak. The vehicle had a complaint of a water leak prior, with no dealer action. After two weeks of looking, the dealer said it was a missing or poorly installed grommet on the fire wall around the main wiring harness, which allowed water to flow into the passenger compartment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337661, filed 2020-07, 2,500 miles“2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected. The first time this occurred was at a Subaru Dealership, the second time was at a location where it was necessary for me to go home to my shop to get the battery disconnected.”
NHTSA complaint #11484963, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised…
- 11035661Jul 28, 2026WRH-26 Certification Label Non-Compliance Recall- Parts and SSLP Process Updates.
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 11022295Aug 7, 2025This bulletin provides additional examples, diagnostics tips and installation tips as helpful aids to be used when working with sunroof seals and sunroof frame assemblies on…
- 11017461Apr 29, 2025This bulletin announces availability of new door window regulator assemblies and door glass run channel seals in response to limited concerns of erratic operation of the…
- 11017459Apr 28, 2025This bulletin announces a design change to the hood lock switch portion of the hood lock assembly.
- 11016230Mar 27, 2025This bulletin announces design changes made to the Power Rear Gate Drive (PRG) Unit to address concerns of the power rear gate being inoperative.
- 11016208Mar 18, 2025This bulletin provides additional examples, diagnostics tips and installation tips as helpful aids to be used when working with sunroof seals and sunroof frame assemblies on…
- 11016174Mar 6, 2025This Bulletin announces diagnostic procedures to be followed when working with a Power Rear Gate (PRG).
- 11010905Nov 21, 2024This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.
Body and structure: 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 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