KnownCarProblems2022 Subaru Ascent Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Subaru Ascent, most often about the transmission (25% of complaints). It is 4th of 8 Ascent model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2022 Subaru Ascent problems
Transmission
14 complaints · 25%The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had…
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an…
Brakes
11 complaints · 20%The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as…
Engine
9 complaints · 16%The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, the speedometer was inoperable, and the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an…
Visibility and wipers
7 complaints · 13%Driver assistance
7 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: warnings, automatic emergency braking, warning, assist.
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 11%Electrical
4 complaints · 7%Fuel system
4 complaints · 7%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2022 Subaru Ascent recalls
Equipment: labels
Risk: An incorrect gawr label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed august 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is wrh-26.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2026 crosstrek hybrid, 2025-2026 forester hybrid, forester, and 2019-2026 ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect gross axle weight rating (gawr) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 110, "tire selection and rims."
Electrical: interior/under dash
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2022 Subaru Ascent
- What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (14 complaints); brakes (11 complaints); engine (9 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 7, 2026 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2022 a bad year for the Subaru Ascent?
- It is 4th of 8 Ascent model years by number of complaints, with 56 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.