Dead batteries, CVT recalls and windshields
The 2019 Ascent has about 540 complaints per 100,000 sold. Batteries that drain overnight lead, followed by CVT recalls and cracked windshields.
Updated November 2026 · based on 443 owner complaints and 9 recalls
541 1.7x the Ascent average
9 free to fix at a dealer
Every Ascent year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Battery drain
The battery dies after the car sits.
Fix: Battery $150 to $300; software update
Electrical system
CVT and control module
Transmission recalls for control module faults.
Fix: Free under recall
Power train
Recalls
If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 9 recalls
In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Subaru Ascent
- Ask whether the battery or software was updated.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.160 of the 443 owner complaints about the 2019 Ascent involve the electrical system (36%).
- Check by VIN for open CVT recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Ascent has 9 recalls on record, listed below.
- Look for windshield cracks.Windshields on some of these cars crack easily. On cars with camera safety systems, a new windshield also needs the cameras recalibrated, which can cost $800 to $1,500.27 of the 443 owner complaints about the 2019 Ascent involve the glass and visibility (6%).
Questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Dead batteries, CVT recalls and windshields. The 2019 Ascent has about 540 complaints per 100,000 sold. Batteries that drain overnight lead, followed by CVT recalls and cracked windshields.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Ascent have?
9 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Ascent problems?
Battery drain; CVT and control module.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.