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#BS-2019-SUBASC-41EE2019 Subaru AscentProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 564 owners and 9 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 564 complaints, 17 crashes, 13 fires, and 9 recalls. Complaint rate is 10.2x the class average.
Top reported problems
open tailgate drains battery
9 complaints • Severity 8/10
doesnt start
6 complaints • Severity 10/10
transmission making horrible noises
4 complaints • Severity 9.5/10
dead battery
3 complaints • Severity 7.3/10
windshield cracks easily
3 complaints • Severity 6.7/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
157 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 12K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (259 reports) • Median: 12K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (157 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2019 Subaru Ascent: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 28% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, with 157 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 12,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 12K-mile mark.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 16% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, with 88 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 12% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, with 67 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, with 47 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (9 recalls)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
+ 4 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2019 Subaru Ascent NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Subaru Ascent is the 2023 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2019 Subaru Ascent vs. Class Average (Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
564
Class avg
55
10.2x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical standard sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 564 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 9 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2019 Subaru Ascent: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 564 owner reports. Know before you buy.