2020 Subaru Ascent Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 18%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Subaru Ascent, 18% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2800 miles on vehicle. Today lost power twice going up steep hill (electrical functions still intact, was accelerating uphill and was similar to shifting into neutral then re-accelerated after 10-15 seconds, driving approx 30mph). Narrowly avoided collision due to slippery road, did briefly roll backwards before braking. Not sure I will ever be willing to put my kids back in this nearly-new vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11383191, filed 2020-12, 2,800 miles“Loss of power (intermittent) while driving at a constant lower speed and occasionally during acceleration. Additionally, when going up a hill the automatic transmission drops in gears which significantly increases rpms then once on flat road the vehicle takes some time to change gears. If I hit the gas pedal once at the top of the hill, the rpms go past 3.5. So I wait until the car switches gears before pressing the gas pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #11386456, filed 2021-01, 2,500 miles“Driving down the road the entire car started vibrating and felt wobbly when I got above 20mph. Pulled over to check tires and under the car, no obvious issues found. Turned off then back on the car, same issue above 20mph. The car was struggling to get up the tow ramp and smelled an acrid odor that both I and the tow truck driver noticed. Made terrible sound when shifting from p through r to d. This all happened on paved roads going back home. The car now has 150 miles on it, bought it 3 days prior new.”
NHTSA complaint #11319814, filed 2020-03, 150 miles“The transmission occasionally slips, resulting in a momentary rise in engine revs and a slight lurch. I assume that this is related to the known transmission issue for earlier ascents, but mine is not included in the affected VIN number group. Other people traveling in the vehicle with me have noticed the issue and remarked on it, so I am not imagining it! Subaru have not yet diagnosed it but will do so at the next oil change. This behavior has been a feature of the vehicle from new and it has now done about 12,000 miles. The event occurs maybe once a week or so.”
NHTSA complaint #11375376, filed 2020-11, 12,000 miles“Dangerous automatic back up brakes apply when not needed when backing up a trailer on incline (driveway for instance). This can only be disabled by finding the disable button on the video infotainment system, and re-engages as soon as the car is shifted to drive as is often necessary in the back and forth of parking a trailer.”
NHTSA complaint #11340941, filed 2020-07, 1,500 milesRelated recalls
- 21V955000Dec 9, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit…Covers: Subaru Ascent 2019–2020, Outback 2020, Legacy 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036809Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036808Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air…
- 11036806Aug 20, 2026This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model…
- 11034271Jun 5, 2026This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an…
- 11033077May 28, 2026This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
- 11033061May 12, 2026This bulletin announces a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings…
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032037Apr 24, 2026In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Ascent
101 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsEngine
29 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 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