Ford Escape vs Subaru Ascent
For 2018–2022 models, the Subaru Ascent has 28.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 46.4 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2018–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
46.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.6× the Subaru Ascent’s rate
- Complaints
- 4,526
- Sold
- 974,895
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Fewest: 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Subaru Ascent
28.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
39% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 919
- Sold
- 324,146
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2019–2020. Fewest: 2018 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Battery, alternator and charging
Typically around 10,000 mi · repair $250–$1,030
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 6,550 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 18,000 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 9,800 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 5,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Subaru Ascent?
For 2018–2022 models, the Subaru Ascent has 28.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 46.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Subaru Ascent?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Ascent is battery, alternator and charging, typically around 10,000 miles; the repair typically runs $250–$1,030.
Which Ford Escape and Subaru Ascent years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Subaru Ascent: 2019–2020.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.