2020 Subaru Ascent Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 324 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The EPA rates it 22 to 23 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls: 5
Owner complaints: 324
Crashes / fires reported: 6 / 1
EPA combined: 22–23 MPG

2020 Subaru Ascent recalls

EquipmentJul 7, 2026 · NHTSA 26V436000+
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
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."
Electrical SystemDec 8, 2022 · NHTSA 22V907000+
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
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.
Power TrainDec 9, 2021 · NHTSA 21V955000+
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
SteeringDec 9, 2021 · NHTSA 21V954000+
Risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
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.
Fuel System, GasolineJul 29, 2021 · NHTSA 21V587000+
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2020 Subaru Ascent problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical System101
Power Train59
Unknown or Other57
Visibility/Wiper49
Engine29
Service Brakes26
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Forward Collision Avoidance12

2020 Subaru Ascent gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

Version	Engine	City	Hwy	Comb.	Fuel / yr
Ascent	2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8)	21	27	23	$2,800
Ascent Limited/Touring	2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8)	20	26	22	$2,900

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, most recently for the equipment (Jul 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Ascent problems?

Owners filed 324 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are electrical system (101), power train (59), unknown or other (57).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Ascent get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Ascent at 22 to 23 MPG combined (best version: 21 city / 27 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.