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Electrical systemPart report

2023 Subaru Ascent Electrical system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
9%of 45 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2023 Subaru Ascent, 9% of the 45 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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 warning lights on the car flashed and the car shut down. I was on the highway. I called 911 and they told me to quickly and safely exit the car. Less than a minute later, the engine combusted and the car was engulfed in flames.”

NHTSA complaint #11649273, filed 2025-03

“Only 3500 miles on new 2023 Subaru ASCENT and it won t start. I have had to give it a boost four times already, anytime I need to use it. I check to make sure there are no lights left on. Just staying parked from one day to the next and it won t start. I have an appointment at the dealer service dept. at 1:45 pm o June 5th, 2023, for them to hopefully resolve the problem. I'll have to give it boost to start the car and drive 125 miles to the dealer. Hope the car makes it there. On your website, the 2019, 2020and 2021 models had a recall for the battery draining because of faulty wiring. …”

NHTSA complaint #11525200, filed 2023-06

“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobilized. Brake warning light activated. Vehicle would not move even after a jump start. Passengers had to exit in a live traffic lane. A second vehicle was used to transport a replacement battery. The original battery is in my possession and available for inspection. …”

NHTSA complaint #11733168, filed 2026-04

“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehicle after shopping. •Opened rear hatch, loaded groceries and closed hatch. •Driver's door would not unlock using the key fob or by touching the keyless-access door handle. •Reopened and closed rear hatch to determine whether this would reset the condition. Driver's door still would not unlock. •Passenger door could be opened. …”

NHTSA complaint #11762923, filed 2026-09

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025213%
202448%
202349%
202247%
20211817%
202010131%
201916036%

Other parts of the 2023 Subaru Ascent

Brakes
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2023 Subaru Ascent

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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