2019 Subaru Ascent

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and family-friendly features. It comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners often praise its comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and safety features. Common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, the CVT’s performance, and some initial reliability concerns.

Engine

2.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. This can manifest as the oil level dropping significantly within a few thousand miles.
  • Solution: Subaru issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to address this issue and may perform an oil consumption test. Depending on the results, they may replace the piston rings or the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the repair needed; could range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand for engine replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature turbocharger failures, leading to a loss of power, unusual noises, and potentially requiring a full turbocharger replacement.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger. It’s also recommended to inspect the oil feed lines for any blockages.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• CVT Hesitation and Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. The CVT may feel sluggish or unresponsive, especially when trying to pass or merge onto highways.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve some of these issues. In more severe cases, the CVT may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software updates; $6,000 - $8,000+ for CVT replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• CVT Whining Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable whining or high-pitched noise coming from the transmission, especially during acceleration.
  • Solution: In some instances, a fluid change or internal CVT repair is the solution. A full CVT replacement might be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 for fluid change; $1,000 - $3,000 for internal repairs; $6,000 - $8,000+ for CVT replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve these issues. Sometimes a hard reset or replacement of the head unit is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software updates; $500 - $1,500+ for head unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, resulting in difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after it has been sitting for a few days.
  • Solution: Inspect the charging system and replace the battery. Some owners have found parasitic draws to be the cause, requiring further electrical diagnosis.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for battery replacement; $100 - $500+ for parasitic draw diagnosis and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the windshield is prone to cracking easily from small impacts, potentially due to its thin design.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Odor from HVAC System
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a musty or moldy odor coming from the HVAC system, especially when the air conditioning is first turned on.
  • Solution: Cleaning the evaporator core and replacing the cabin air filter. An anti-bacterial treatment may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Subaru Ascent has faced some reliability issues, particularly related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The most concerning problems involve the potential for excessive oil consumption and CVT issues, which can lead to costly repairs. While the Ascent offers a comfortable and spacious ride, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a pre-purchase inspection to assess the vehicle’s condition. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for major component replacements, making it crucial to factor these risks into the overall ownership cost.