Midsize SUVs · WM generation
Think twice Well below average
It scores 14 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $18,551 to own, including $5,824 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Subaru Ascent.
Reliability
14/100
Well below average
Repairs, 5 years
$5,824
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$8,870
23 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$20,901
$18,393 – $23,409, estimate
Recalls
9
on record
Owner complaints
443
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (62/100) and the 2019 worst (14/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 51/100 |
| 2023 | 62/100 |
| 2022 | 54/100 |
| 2021 | 48/100 |
| 2020 | 22/100 |
| 2019 | 14/100 |
Yes. It scores 14 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2023 Ascent scored much better.
It scores 14 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 443 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $5,824 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $18,551 over 5 years: $3,857 in lost value, $5,824 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $20,901 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (62/100) and the 2019 worst (14/100).
9 recalls on record with NHTSA.