2020 Subaru Ascent Performance Falls Short

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash

Recall Number: 

22V907000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

WRL-22

Number of vehicles affected: 

271694

Defect Description: 

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

Defect Consequence: 

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action: 

Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Recall Number: 

21V955000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

WRK-21

Manufactured from: 

2019-07-15 to 2020-08-13

Number of vehicles affected: 

198255

Defect Description: 

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Defect Consequence: 

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly

Recall Number: 

21V954000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

WRL-21

Number of vehicles affected: 

1305

Defect Description: 

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.

Defect Consequence: 

The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Recall Number: 

21V587000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

WRG-21

Number of vehicles affected: 

175968

Defect Description: 

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Defect Consequence: 

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.