Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent
For 2018–2022 models, the Ford Explorer has 26.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 28.4 for the Subaru Ascent. 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 Explorer
26.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Subaru Ascent
- Complaints
- 2,900
- Sold
- 1,102,481
- Recall campaigns
- 47
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Subaru Ascent
28.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Ford Explorer
- 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 Explorer or the Subaru Ascent?
For 2018–2022 models, the Ford Explorer has 26.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Subaru Ascent has 28.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 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 Explorer 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.