The best and worst Subaru Ascent years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Subaru Ascents old enough to judge (2018–2022), the 2018 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2019–2020 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2019 Subaru Ascent · 53.8 per 10,000 sold (3.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Battery, alternator and charging, typically around 12,000 miles; then water leaks and seals.
2020 Subaru Ascent · 47.5 per 10,000 sold (3.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Battery, alternator and charging, typically around 7,200 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
Years with the fewest complaints
2018 Subaru Ascent · 0.0 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
2022 Subaru Ascent · 8.6 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Subaru Ascent year: 13.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Subaru Ascent?
Among Subaru Ascents old enough to judge (2018–2022), the 2019 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 53.8, about 3.9× a typical Subaru Ascent year. The 2020 also stands out.
What is the best year for the Subaru Ascent?
The 2018 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Subaru Ascents from 2018–2022: 0.0, against 13.7 for a typical year. The 2022 is also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
The most-reported problem on the 2019 Subaru Ascent is battery, alternator and charging, typically around 12,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Subaru Ascent years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.