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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2023 Subaru Ascent Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
7%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 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2023 Subaru Ascent, 7% of the 45 complaints for this model year. 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.

“I was entering an intersection to make a left-hand turn. I was driving at a low speed. My foot was pressing the accelerator and the car entered the intersection. In the middle of the intersection, the car wheels suddenly stopped turning. There was nothing in front of the car. Cars behind me began honking since my car stopped suddenly and unexpectedly while I saw a notice displayed on the car messaging, but I do not know what it said. I am unsure if the car engine turned off or not, but I remember turning on my hazard lights, putting the car in park and pressing the start button. …”

NHTSA complaint #11700833, filed 2025-11

“The vehicle exhibited transmission slippage but did not provide any warning lights or other symptoms . About 100 miles later, the Automatic Transmission Oil light came on (flashing YELLOW), and all other systems light up (both Yellow and Red) disabling front collision, auto vehicle hold, RAB, etc. Pulled to a safe location and left in park for 10-15 minutes per guidance. Had towed to dealer to determine issue, transmission failure on a 3.5 yr old vehicle with 80,019 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11753964, filed 2026-07

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202436%
202337%
20221425%
20212019%
20205918%
20199020%

Other parts of the 2023 Subaru Ascent

Brakes
10 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Engine
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Lane departure
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Wheels
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2023 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