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2020 Subaru Ascent Transmission Problems

52 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

52
Complaints
1
Recalls
Jan 2026Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #21V955000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Owner Complaints (52)

criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train – Automatic Transmission – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at Lithia Reno Subaru.

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NHTSA #: 11723189
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2024

Bolt holding the driveshaft support bracket backed out causing driveshaft to come out. This is a known issue with the 2019 and 2022 Subaru Ascents and have active service advisories but Subaru of America does not recognize it for the 2020 models even know it is also happening in the 2020 vehicles. If the driveshaft would have came out at a high speed it could have caused a crash.

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NHTSA #: 11614878
criticalPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2023

CVT transmission skips in high gear and shudders randomly while driving down the road. Randy Marion in Hickory NC is where we purchased and replaced the rear transfer clutch and insists the problem has been corrected. Our regular mechanic and Moderna Subaru of Boone NC both agree the transmission is bad.

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NHTSA #: 11558771
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2022

On or around May 20, 2022, I was driving on a highway. I took an exit ramp to merge onto another highway. I accelerated and merged in front of a bus and was headed towards a toll plaza when I felt something and heard something.

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NHTSA #: 11470748
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2020

2800 miles on vehicle. Today lost power twice going up steep hill (electrical functions still intact, was accelerating uphill and was similar to shifting into neutral then re-accelerated after 10-15 seconds, driving approx 30mph). Narrowly avoided collision due to slippery road, did briefly roll backwards before braking.

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NHTSA #: 11383191
highPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to RTV sealant.

NHTSA #: 11719539
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11619784
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2023

Between October of 2021 and February of 2022): Shuddering (like driving on rumble strips) and sluggish transmission (slow to respond acceleration and sometimes jumping when depressing the gas pedal) - reported this multiple times to dealership but was told they couldn’t replicate what I was feeling/experiencing.

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NHTSA #: 11529818
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2022

2020 subaru ascent. Consumer writes in regard to transmission failure. The consumer stated the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time determining a fix for the transmission drive slip train.

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NHTSA #: 11474665
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2021

My mother pulled off of Interstate 85 in North Carolina and while preparing to turn of the exit ramp the car lurched forward and then back. The transmission chain had snapped, and it seems similar to what was going on with the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This one is 2020, and had 16000 miles approximately.

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NHTSA #: 11430764
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2021

I was crossing a four lane road going 20mph when there was a loud noise, which sounded like my transmission, then I could not accelerate my car. Thankfully I was able to coast across the road without being hit by another car to a safe parking spot. My check engine light, check transmission, and check eyesight lights all went on.

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NHTSA #: 11429932
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2021

I stopped at a stoplight, when it turned green I stepped on the gas, the car lurched forward but would not move, engine was running. I was sitting on a 4-lane highway and my car would not move. Warning lights then appeared on my dashboard.

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NHTSA #: 11429435
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2020

Fyi: report is being submitted by co-owner in nc. Reported incident occurred in florida. At around 20,000 miles the dashboard lit up like a christmas tree and the vehicle began having acceleration issues.

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NHTSA #: 11328149
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Feb 2026

I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and will pull on the steering wheel.

NHTSA #: 11717228
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2026

Replaced front multi plate transfer clutch at 96,987 miles.

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NHTSA #: 11710346
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2026

The CVT transmission has failed and been replaced three times despite proper maintenance. Subaru has replaced the transmission multiple times under warranty, but the failure continues to recur. •First CVT replacement at 50,542 miles •Second CVT replacement at 88,175 miles •Third CVT replacement at 92,832 miles This shows repeat failure, not wear-and-tear.

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NHTSA #: 11708448
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated.

NHTSA #: 11666552
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2025

My 2020 Subaru Ascent experienced a sudden failure of critical safety systems due to CVT fluid leaking through the transmission pressure switch into multiple electrical components. This fluid leak damaged several wire harnesses and the Engine Control Module (ECM). The check engine light came on and all Eyesight safety features disabled.

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NHTSA #: 11658449
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2025

Ever since our car went in for re-programing CVT drive chain it progressively has been having a problem of something slipping in drive and in cruise control. feels like a loss of power and a feeling chatter from transmission. Now when you put it in drive it makes a jerking noise.

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NHTSA #: 11643727
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

While driving the vehicle between 30 - 40 MPH, the vehicle will intermittently studder. I have mentioned this issue multiple times to the dealership and they have attempted to fix the issue but the problem still continues. The issue is occurring more frequently and I’m concerned this may create additional engine/powertrain problems down the road.

NHTSA #: 11639508
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the rear differential but later the failure reoccurred.

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NHTSA #: 11631746
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating.

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NHTSA #: 11579704
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Feb 2024

The vehicle hesitates like it doesn’t want to get up to speed, despite pressing the gas pedal to accelerate. The RPM needle bounces.

NHTSA #: 11573056
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2023

For the past month, the engine revs up higher than normal at slow and highway speeds. It had the feeling of the engine skipping gears and staying at to high of an RPM even with the accelerator being eased off. Initially it was brought to Subaru service dealer in November and they could not replicate the issue.

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NHTSA #: 11560242
mediumPOWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2023

CVT jerks the vehicle and stutters when at certain rpms, making long car rides very uncomfortable. Feels like whiplash every so often. Very dangerous when trying to speed up to pass another vehicle because the vehicle doesn't respond and accelerate as it should.

NHTSA #: 11554688
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was a delay while shifting gears. There was no warning light illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11543925
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2023

My car had a CVT drivetrain recall which has been labeled as "repaired" because I brought it to the dealer, however, the issue still exists and my car has been to the dealer 5 times already concerning this recall. The symptoms of the CVT drive train that I am experiencing are: shuddering (dealership vocabulary) at approximately 20 MPH (approximately 1500-2000 RPM).

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NHTSA #: 11534483
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2023

Driver front wheel was making a noise when turning or slowing down. In Sep 2022, the dealership said they repaired it, but had we not brought it to them, where the front wheel meets the axel would have caused us problems.

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NHTSA #: 11507895
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2022

Transmission is lurching and surging when driving. Pressing gas pedal from a stop the belt continues to slip. Took it to Paul Moak Subaru they claimed to do the inspection told me they don’t do test drives for malfunction checks.

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NHTSA #: 11497901
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2022

Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. AC stopped working even when leak was fixed.

NHTSA #: 11494651
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2022

The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. Subaru of America has failed to repair after (1) year. The consumer has/will incur costs to make vehicle available during the limited times for CVT recall issues.

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NHTSA #: 11487528
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2022

Since last NOV 2021, I have had this Ascent into the shop several times due to a 'chirping' or 'speaking' sound that comes from the underside of the middle o/t vehicle. I have come to find out through the service department that the primary differential has a batch of defective parts, and the entire differential needs to be rebuilt (21 parts total are being replaced).

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NHTSA #: 11483019
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available.

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NHTSA #: 11481999
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11480271
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2022

Recall on my 2020 Subaru Ascent was more than 7 months ago. The remedy is not available at my local dealership because SUBARU of America, Inc. has not sent them the remedy.

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NHTSA #: 11473904
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11472554
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2022

I was informed of the recall of my 2020 Ascent and my Subaru dealership gave me a 2021 Ascent loaner car. but it is going on 2 months and no information when my car will be fixed. At this point time I don't want my car anymore if they can't FIX IT.

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NHTSA #: 11472122
mediumPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2022

Bought in December 2021 had dealership fix breaks before bought then again after 3000 miles then again after 5 000 miles. Brakes still shudder and emit loud noises. Have only had 6 months and breaks are bad again.

NHTSA #: 11470006
mediumPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking and the transmission was slipping. There was an abnormal squeaking noise detected from the brakes.

NHTSA #: 11467755
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available.

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NHTSA #: 11464352
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2022

The 2020 Subaru Ascent has had a recall notice for nearly six months now (Manufacturer Recall NumberWRK21 NHTSA Recall Number21V955000). I experience a low frequency sound accompanied by rapid vibration lasting only a second when reapplying acceleration after a brief pause in acceleration. This occurs very inconsistently and not yet something replicable at the dealership.

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NHTSA #: 11463220
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2022

Something in car drains battery frequently not while the vehicle is running but after it’s been off for a few hours when no lights have been left on, Subaru dealership refuses to admit there’s a problem. This leaves me exposed to being stuck in unsafe situations with a dead battery. No warnings ever come on to alert me the battery is draining.

NHTSA #: 11462346
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

Recall ID 21V-955 affecting the drive chain. Vehicle is showing signs of this (vibrations while driving). My families safety, two toddlers ages 2 and 4 are at risk.

NHTSA #: 11453450
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that upon parking on an incline, the gear shifter failed to move out of the park and excessive effort was needed to move the gear shifter. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11452091
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2021

Loss of power (intermittent) while driving at a constant lower speed and occasionally during acceleration. Additionally, when going up a hill the automatic transmission drops in gears which significantly increases rpms then once on flat road the vehicle takes some time to change gears. If I hit the gas pedal once at the top of the hill, the rpms go past 3.5.

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NHTSA #: 11386456
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2020

CVT began slipping intermittently around 28000 miles. This usually occurs in the 55-65 MPH range at 2000-3000 RPM. Slipping is indicated by approximately 300 RPM change and a noticable hesitation in vehicle motion.

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NHTSA #: 11378130
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2020

The transmission occasionally slips, resulting in a momentary rise in engine revs and a slight lurch. I assume that this is related to the known transmission issue for earlier ascents, but mine is not included in the affected VIN number group. Other people traveling in the vehicle with me have noticed the issue and remarked on it, so I am not imagining it!

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NHTSA #: 11375376
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2024

When driving, Ascent sudders while under normal highway conditions. Has had all 4 recalls completed but this specific event has been consistently present even after each recall was completed. Now that Ascent is out of powertrain period, Subaru of America acknowledged transmission finally needs complete replacement but only offering portion as a one time offer.

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NHTSA #: 11588665
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2022

The manufacturer has known about this at least since December 2021. Their solution is to reprogram the transmission control unit. Waiting nine months or more for a reprogram seems excessive to me.

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NHTSA #: 11480940
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2020

Dangerous automatic back up brakes apply when not needed when backing up a trailer on incline (driveway for instance). This can only be disabled by finding the disable button on the video infotainment system, and re-engages as soon as the car is shifted to drive as is often necessary in the back and forth of parking a trailer.

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NHTSA #: 11340941
lowPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2020

Driving down the road the entire car started vibrating and felt wobbly when I got above 20mph. Pulled over to check tires and under the car, no obvious issues found. Turned off then back on the car, same issue above 20mph.

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NHTSA #: 11319814
lowPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2020

Jerky acceleration between 35-50 MPH. CVT "switching gears" up and down. Noticed at 600 miles.

NHTSA #: 11318327

Other 2020 Subaru Ascent Issues