Free used car buyer guide / WM / 2019-2025
Subaru Ascent common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.7/10
1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: tr690 cvt chain slip, judder, shudder or hesitation. Score methodology.
The Ascent is a useful three-row Subaru, but the first model years must be bought around the TR690 CVT story rather than around seats and cupholders. The expensive traps are 2019-2020 CVT chain-slip/hesitation and recall history, 2019 PCV valve recall, 2019-2022 fire-risk ground bolt recall, Denso fuel-pump recall, battery drain from power liftgate/body modules, brake rotor pulsation and fragile glass/infotainment complaints. The safest choice is a 2023-2025 car with smooth CVT behaviour, stable battery, no liftgate drain history and clean recall printout. Owners should keep Subaru recall and CVT inspection records because the difference between a normal Subaru CVT feel and a failing transmission is data, not opinion.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
TR690 CVT chain slip,
Best years
2023-2025
Best buys
- 2023-2025 Ascent with no CVT shudder, no repeated battery replacement and clean campaign status.
- 2021-2022 car only after transmission recall/extension status and fire-risk recall proof.
- 2019-2020 only if Subaru has inspected CVT chain slip and service history is unusually complete.
Inspect hard
- Every 2019-2024 Ascent for TR690 judder/shudder TSB 16-151-24R symptoms.
- 2019 for PCV valve recall 19V856 and early build quality issues.
- 2019-2022 for ground bolt/fire-risk recall and power liftgate battery drain.
Avoid
- Any Ascent with active transmission warning, chain-slip data or hard shudder under load.
- Cars with repeated dead batteries and no parasitic-draw diagnosis.
- 2019 car with open PCV/fuel-pump/drive-shaft/ground recalls.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Subaru Ascent viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Subaru Ascent should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
FA24F 2.4 turbo boxer
2019-2025
GOOD ENGINE, INSPECT LEAKS AND OIL HISTORY
The FA24 gives the Ascent enough torque for a large family SUV. Its buying risk is usually not raw powertrain weakness but heat, oil-service discipline, exhaust/manifold noise, oil-pan seepage and the CVT it is attached to.
TR690 high-torque CVT
2019-2025
THE MAIN PURCHASE DECISION
Subaru's own 16-151-24R bulletin covers chain slip, judder, shudder and hesitation diagnosis for 2019-2024 Ascent. A smooth, documented CVT is acceptable; a shuddering one can become a transmission replacement.
Ascent electrical/liftgate package
2019-2025
CHECK BATTERY HEALTH BEFORE TRIM
Power rear gate and body-module wake complaints are common enough that a load test and sleep-current check matter. A Touring with a dead battery habit is worse than a lower trim that behaves.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2019
Launch year; CVT complaints, PCV recall, fuel-pump recall and battery/liftgate issues define the risk.
Buyer: Only buy with closed recalls and clean Subaru CVT inspection.
Owner: Keep every CVT and recall document; 2019 resale depends on proof.
2020
CVT recall/warranty context continues; Denso fuel-pump and early electrical complaints remain relevant.
Buyer: Better than launch year only if records are stronger.
Owner: Investigate hesitation before towing or road trips.
2021
Fewer launch issues, but powertrain and liftgate/battery complaints still appear.
Buyer: Acceptable with clean scan and no dead-battery history.
Owner: Load-test battery annually and document CVT behaviour.
2022
Fire-risk ground bolt recall affects 2019-2022 Ascents.
Buyer: Verify the ground-bolt recall and inspect wiring/underbody condition.
Owner: Complete the fire-risk recall and keep the inspection record.
2023
Facelift; later cars are generally safer buys though TR690 TSB still lists Ascent through 2024.
Buyer: Best middle-year choice if smooth and electrically stable.
Owner: Do not ignore first signs of shudder just because it is facelifted.
2024
Mature facelift year, still included in 16-151-24R diagnostic coverage.
Buyer: Strong buy when scan and road test are clean.
Owner: Keep software current and note any transmission updates.
2025
Late WM production before expected model-cycle changes.
Buyer: Safest year by age, but inspect battery, screen, brakes and CVT.
Owner: Preserve the clean record; late Ascents should not have early-year excuses.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
TR690 CVT chain slip, judder, shudder or hesitation
Affects
2019-2024 Ascent in Subaru TSB 16-151-24R; 2025 still deserves road-test scrutiny.
Symptoms
Shudder, hesitation, hard engagement, screech, warning lights, replacement CVT history.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 warranty/recall; USD 1,200-2,500 valve body; USD 6,000-9,000+ CVT.
Codes / scan clues
P0711/P0712/P0713, P2715, P2797 and Subaru pressure/slip data depending case.
Root cause: CVT chain clamping/pressure/control faults or damage after slip events.
Quick check
- Cold Drive/Reverse engagement.
- Low-speed crawl and hill pull.
- Scan TCM data.
- Ask if chain-slip data was found by Subaru.
Buyer note
A shuddering Ascent is not a bargain until Subaru has printed the diagnosis.
Owner note
Record repeatable conditions and push for TCM data before coverage expires.
Fault 2
2019 PCV valve separation recall
Affects
Certain 2019 Ascent vehicles under 19V856.
Symptoms
Open recall, oil consumption, smoke, rough running, possible engine damage if valve separates.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall; engine damage varies widely.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire/oil consumption codes may appear.
Root cause: PCV valve can separate and allow oil into combustion chamber.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V856.
- Confirm PCV replacement.
- Check oil level and smoke.
- Scan for misfires.
Buyer note
A 2019 without PCV recall proof is not ready.
Owner note
Keep the PCV recall invoice with engine records.
Fault 3
Ground bolt/fire-risk recall
Affects
Certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles.
Symptoms
Recall notice; fire risk after heater/ground issue; owners were warned to park away from structures in affected cases.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall.
Codes / scan clues
May involve electrical/heater codes.
Root cause: Improperly fastened ground bolt can overheat wiring/ground point.
Quick check
- Run VIN.
- Confirm recall completion.
- Inspect for burnt smell or wiring repair.
- Ask if owner followed park-outside notice.
Buyer note
A fire-risk recall is a hard paperwork requirement.
Owner note
Finish the recall and keep the inspection result.
Fault 4
Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall
Affects
Certain 2019-2020 Ascent and other Subaru models under 20V218/20V701 populations.
Symptoms
Long crank, stall, no-start, hesitation.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall; USD 600-1,200 retail.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-pressure, lean and misfire codes.
Root cause: Low-pressure pump impeller can fail and stop fuel delivery.
Quick check
- VIN-check fuel-pump campaign.
- Confirm pump replacement.
- Cold start after sitting.
- Highway load test.
Buyer note
Open fuel-pump recall plus family use is not acceptable.
Owner note
Hard starts after recall need proper fuel-pressure diagnosis.
Fault 5
Battery drain from power liftgate/body modules
Affects
2019-2025 Ascent, strongest owner trail on 2019-2022.
Symptoms
Dead battery after liftgate open, repeated jumps, liftgate not opening, random wake-ups.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-350 battery; USD 250-1,000 module/diagnosis.
Codes / scan clues
Low-voltage/body module codes.
Root cause: Power rear gate/body module draw and weak OEM battery reserve.
Quick check
- Load-test battery.
- Test liftgate open/close repeatedly.
- Measure sleep current.
- Ask if liftgate module was replaced.
Buyer note
A family SUV with repeat dead-battery history needs measured diagnosis.
Owner note
Get parasitic-draw numbers, not just another battery.
Fault 6
Brake pulsation, rotor warping and pad wear
Affects
2019-2025 Ascent, especially heavy family use and early cars.
Symptoms
Steering shake while braking, pedal pulsation, repeated rotor resurfacing, brake smell.
Typical repair cost
USD 350-900 pads/rotors; more for upgraded parts.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Heavy vehicle, smallish brake thermal margin and pad/rotor material wear.
Quick check
- Brake from highway speed.
- Check rotor lip and heat spots.
- Review brake invoices.
- Verify no caliper dragging.
Buyer note
Brakes are not a walk-away, but repeated rotor work shows hard use.
Owner note
Use quality rotors/pads and bed them correctly.
Fault 7
Windshield cracking and EyeSight calibration cost
Affects
2019-2025 Ascent with EyeSight.
Symptoms
Cracked glass, EyeSight unavailable, camera calibration invoice missing.
Typical repair cost
USD 800-1,800 including calibration.
Codes / scan clues
EyeSight/camera calibration codes.
Root cause: Large windshield plus camera calibration requirements make glass damage expensive.
Quick check
- Inspect lower edge and camera area.
- Check glass date/brand.
- Verify calibration invoice after replacement.
- Test EyeSight functions.
Buyer note
A cheap cracked windshield can become a large calibrated-glass bill.
Owner note
Use proper calibration after every windshield replacement.
Fault 8
Infotainment, USB and camera/display faults
Affects
2019-2025 Ascent.
Symptoms
Screen freeze, USB ports fail, camera fault, Bluetooth drop, mirror/Homelink oddities.
Typical repair cost
USD 100-600 software/USB; USD 800-2,000 head unit/display.
Codes / scan clues
Infotainment/body communication and low-voltage codes.
Root cause: Head-unit software/hardware, USB hub faults or low-voltage events.
Quick check
- Pair phone and use CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Test all USB ports.
- Use backup camera repeatedly.
- Scan body/infotainment modules.
Buyer note
Test every screen and port; this is a family-duty car.
Owner note
Update software and verify battery health before replacing modules.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Subaru recall printout.
- CVT inspection/replacement records.
- Battery/liftgate module invoices.
- Brake and tyre records.
Walk around
- Inspect windshield.
- Check tyres match.
- Look for brake heat/wear.
- Inspect underbody/wiring recall areas.
In the car
- Test liftgate repeatedly.
- Load-test battery.
- Test USB/screen/camera.
- Confirm all warning lights clear.
Test drive
- Cold Drive/Reverse engagement.
- Low-speed CVT crawl.
- Hill pull under load.
- Highway brake pulsation test.
Scan tool
- Subaru-capable TCM scan.
- Read fuel/PCV/recall-related codes.
- Check body low-voltage history.
- Do not clear codes before documenting.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2023-2025 Ascent with smooth CVT operation, stable battery and closed campaigns. Earlier cars need stronger paperwork, not lower standards.
Avoid: Avoid active CVT shudder, unresolved recalls, repeated dead batteries without measured diagnosis and any 2019-2020 car whose transmission history is vague.
Quick answers
Subaru Ascent buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Subaru Ascent 2019-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: TR690 CVT chain slip, judder, shudder or hesitation; 2019 PCV valve separation recall; Ground bolt/fire-risk recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Subaru Ascent years are the best to buy?
2023-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2023-2025 Ascent with smooth CVT operation, stable battery and closed campaigns. Earlier cars need stronger paperwork, not lower standards.
Which Subaru Ascent should I avoid?
Avoid active CVT shudder, unresolved recalls, repeated dead batteries without measured diagnosis and any 2019-2020 car whose transmission history is vague.
Is the Subaru Ascent 2019-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.7/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: tr690 cvt chain slip, judder, shudder or hesitation.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Subaru Ascent guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-11010910-0001.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-19V856-4949.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-20V218-5199.pdf
- nhtsa.gov: consumer-alert-important-subaru-recall-fire-risk
- ascentforums.com
- ascentforums.com: battery-drain-from-powered-liftgate.8408
- carcomplaints.com: Ascent
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- oemdtc.com: tsb
- cars.com: recalls
- ascentforums.com
- reddit.com: 2019_ascent_battery_lawsuit
- reddit.com: i_had_a_horrible_experience_with_the_2019_ascent
- consumerreports.org: reliability
- au7o.io: subaru-ascent
- reddit.com: 2019_transmission