Nearly as many battery complaints
The 2020 Ascent has about 480 complaints per 100,000 sold. Dead batteries, automatic braking when reversing and cracked windshields lead.
Updated November 2026 · based on 324 owner complaints and 5 recalls
479 1.5x the Ascent average
5 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
Batteries go completely dead.
Fix: Battery $150 to $300
Electrical system
Reverse automatic braking
The car brakes on its own when backing up.
Fix: Software update or sensor check
Service brakes
Recalls
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Ask about battery replacements.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.101 of the 324 owner complaints about the 2020 Ascent involve the electrical system (31%).
- Test reversing with the rear braking system on.Small electrical and driver-assist faults often show up only as a message on the dash or a feature that quietly stops working. Watching for them on the drive catches problems the seller may not mention.101 of the 324 owner complaints about the 2020 Ascent involve the electrical system (31%).
Questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Nearly as many battery complaints. The 2020 Ascent has about 480 complaints per 100,000 sold. Dead batteries, automatic braking when reversing and cracked windshields lead.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
5 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 2020 Subaru Ascent problems?
Battery drain; Reverse automatic braking.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.