2019–2027 · 9 model years · 25 recalls
Subaru Ascent years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Avoid the 2019 and 2020 Subaru Ascent: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2023.
Subaru Ascent years to avoid
2019 Subaru Ascent 14/100
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $5,824 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,135 over 5 years. 9 recalls, 443 owner complaints.
2020 Subaru Ascent 22/100
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $5,062 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: transmission & drivetrain, about $1,841 over 5 years. 5 recalls, 324 owner complaints.
Best Subaru Ascent years to buy
2023 Subaru Ascent 62/100
Above average for its class. Expected repairs: $2,410 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $808 over 5 years. 4 recalls, 45 owner complaints.
Every Subaru Ascent year at a glance
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ascent | Not rated yet | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| 2026 Ascent | Not rated yet | 5 | 1 | 22 |
| 2025 Ascent | Not rated yet | 20 | 1 | 22 |
| 2024 Ascent | 51/100 · About average | 51 | 1 | 22 |
| 2023 Ascent | 62/100 · Above average | 45 | 4 | 22 |
| 2022 Ascent | 54/100 · About average | 56 | 2 | 23 |
| 2021 Ascent | 48/100 · About average | 104 | 2 | 23 |
| 2020 Ascent | 22/100 · Below average | 324 | 5 | 23 |
| 2019 Ascent | 14/100 · Well below average | 443 | 9 | 23 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Questions people ask
What are the Subaru Ascent years to avoid?
Avoid the 2019 and 2020 Subaru Ascent: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2023.
What is the best year of the Subaru Ascent to buy used?
The 2023 scores best for reliability (62/100) of the years we rate.
Which Subaru Ascent year has the most recalls?
The 2019, with 9 recalls on record with NHTSA.