2020 Subaru Ascent

Introduction The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It is available with two engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to all four wheels.

The Ascent is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive safety features. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine

• Head gasket failure: Description/Symptoms: Blown head gaskets can cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and a loss of coolant. Solution: Replace head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+. Recalls: None Found
• Piston ring failure: Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged piston rings can cause excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a loss of power. Solution: Replace piston rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+. Recalls: None Found

3.6-liter six-cylinder engine

• Timing chain failure: Description/Symptoms: A stretched or broken timing chain can cause engine damage and a loss of power. Solution: Replace timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+. Recalls: None Found
• Valve spring failure: Description/Symptoms: Broken or weak valve springs can cause valve float, resulting in a loss of power and engine damage. Solution: Replace valve springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found

Transmission

CVT

• Transmission shudder: Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shudder or vibrate during acceleration or deceleration. Solution: Reprogram the transmission control module or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+. Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V276000
• Transmission failure: Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip, hesitate, or fail to engage. Solution: Replace transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Front suspension:

• Strut failure: Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged struts can cause a loss of stability, excessive tire wear, and a bouncy ride. Solution: Replace struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per side. Recalls: None Found

Rear suspension:

• Spring failure: Description/Symptoms: Broken or weak springs can cause a sagging rear end, a loss of stability, and a bouncy ride. Solution: Replace springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per side. Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. Solution: Diagnose and repair the cause of the drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
• Electrical short: Description/Symptoms: An electrical short can cause a variety of problems, including blown fuses, flickering lights, and even a fire. Solution: Diagnose and repair the short. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Body panel misalignment: Description/Symptoms: Body panels may be misaligned, resulting in gaps or uneven seams. Solution: Adjust or replace body panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+. Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V364000
• Paint defects: Description/Symptoms: The paint may chip, peel, or fade prematurely. Solution: Repaint the affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+. Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattle: Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may rattle or squeak, especially on rough roads. Solution: Install sound dampening material or tighten loose components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment system issues: Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, lag, or crash. Solution: Update software or replace the head unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+. Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V146000

Summary

Overall, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is a reliable and well-rounded SUV. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used Ascent.