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Subaru · Full-Size SUV · 2019–2026 Custom Search

Subaru Ascent 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Engine Overview

The Subaru Ascent 1 is available with one engine variant at 260 hp.

2.4L Turbo DI · Petrol· 260 PS
2019 2026
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: CVT Chain Slip

TCU software issue: CVT engages before drive chain is secured. Chain can break — power loss and crash risk. Recall WUV-07.

Symptoms: Jerking on takeoff, sudden power loss, transmission warning light
from 50,000 km
Ad CVT Subaru Ascent TR690Lineartronic chain Ascent
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
968 complaints · 2019–2026
  1. 01 Electrical
    283 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Powertrain
    161 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Wipers & Visibility
    151
  4. 04 Other
    143 ⚠ 5
  5. 05 Engine
    94 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (283 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (161 complaints)
⚠ Wipers & Visibility (151 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Ascent 1 (2019–2026) — 5 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics. Considered reliable: FA24F (2.4L Turbo DI).

What to watch out for with the Subaru Ascent? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Ascent 1 have? +
The Subaru Ascent 1 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Ascent 1? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: FA24F (2.4L Turbo DI). The most reliable engine is the FA24F (2.4L Turbo DI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the FA24F (2.4L Turbo DI).
Which Subaru Ascent 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Subaru Ascent 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Subaru Ascent 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Ascent 1 — rated: "Not Really". {description} FA24 turbo with CVT and AWD in a big SUV package. Room for 7-8, standard AWD. Popular in the US. No sporting ambitions, pure family hauler with Subaru AWD. CVT chain slip recall and fuel pump recall on early models — check before buying.
Is the Subaru Ascent 1 worth buying used? +
The Subaru Ascent 1 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Ascent 1? +
The Subaru Ascent 1 is available with engine variants from 260 to 272 hp. Petrol: FA24F (2.4L Turbo DI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee