Midsize SUVs · WM generation
Think twice Below average
It scores 22 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $18,070 to own, including $5,062 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Subaru Ascent.
Reliability
22/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$5,062
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$8,870
23 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$22,424
$19,733 – $25,115, estimate
Recalls
5
on record
Owner complaints
324
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 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.
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.
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 22 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2023 Ascent scored much better.
It scores 22 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $5,062 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $18,070 over 5 years: $4,138 in lost value, $5,062 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $22,424 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (62/100) and the 2019 worst (14/100).
5 recalls on record with NHTSA.