Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid
The Subaru Ascent has a troubled reliability history. 6 of 9 model years we track show elevated recalls or complaints — shop carefully.
Recall and complaint counts from NHTSA bulk data. Reliability score is DBB's composite of NHTSA signals, EPA data, and brand-tier adjustments.
4+ NHTSA recalls, 30+ owner complaints, 2+ critical recalls, or overall reliability below 50/100. Statistically higher risk of costly repairs or safety issues.
2–3 recalls, 15–29 complaints, or reliability below 65/100. Inspect carefully before buying. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is especially important.
Fewer than 2 recalls, under 15 complaints, and reliability of 65/100 or better. These years represent the Subaru Ascent at its most dependable.
Data sourced from NHTSA bulk recall and complaint dumps. Recall severity (critical/high/medium/low) is classified by NHTSA. Reliability score is DBB's composite index.
Enter the mileage and asking price and we'll give you a BUY, NEGOTIATE, or WALK verdict in seconds — based on the same NHTSA data above, plus market pricing.
Run a Decision on the Best Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru Ascent years should I avoid?▾
Based on NHTSA data, the 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 model years have the most elevated recall and complaint counts. The 2024 in particular had 64 NHTSA complaints.
What is the most reliable Subaru Ascent year?▾
The 2018 Subaru Ascent scores highest in our reliability index with the fewest recalls and complaints in the years we track.
How is this data calculated?▾
We use recall and complaint data from the NHTSA bulk data dumps (updated weekly), combined with EPA fuel economy data and brand-level reliability adjustments. Unlike press-opinion rankings, our scores are based entirely on government-reported safety and reliability signals. Our full decision engine also factors in your specific mileage and asking price to produce a BUY, NEGOTIATE, or WALK verdict.
Should I avoid a Subaru Ascent with recalls?▾
Not necessarily. Recalls are often free fixes performed by dealerships — if the previous owner had the recall work done, the issue is resolved. What matters more is whether the recall was safety-critical and whether it was completed. Always check the NHTSA VIN lookup to confirm recall status on any specific vehicle before buying.