2020 Subaru Ascent
2020 Subaru Ascent
Overview
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV designed for families, offering standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride. It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While generally well-received for its practicality and safety features, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported concerns. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability issues, excluding routine maintenance and common wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential mechanical and electrical vulnerabilities for the 2020 model year.
Engine
2.4L Turbocharged Boxer
Oil Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible oil on the engine block, low oil level warnings, burning oil smell.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of seals or gaskets (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
- Cost: $200 - $600
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential replacement of the turbocharger assembly or related hoses and lines.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Transmission
CVT (Lineartronic)
Hesitation or Jerking
- Symptoms: Noticeable delays in acceleration, rough shifting feel, occasional jerking during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module, or in severe cases, transmission fluid flush or internal component repair/replacement.
- Cost: $300 - $1,500
Overheating
- Symptoms: Transmission warning light illuminated, reduced engine power, burning smell.
- Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition, inspect cooling system, and potentially replace transmission cooler or add auxiliary cooler.
- Cost: $500 - $1,200
Suspension
Standard Suspension
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software updates, system resets, or potential replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Cost: $500 - $1,500
Battery Drain
Premature Battery Failure
- Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, battery warning light, electrical components malfunctioning.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify parasitic draw or faulty charging system components, battery replacement.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Exterior
Body and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Cabin Features
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2020 Subaru Ascent demonstrates a generally solid reliability record, with its primary concerns centering around the powertrain, specifically the 2.4L turbocharged engine and the CVT transmission. Owners have reported instances of oil leaks and turbocharger issues, which can be costly to repair. The CVT, while functional, has seen some complaints regarding hesitation and potential overheating. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system’s responsiveness and occasional battery drain, are also noted. However, the suspension, exterior, and interior components appear to be relatively robust, with no widespread critical failures reported in these areas. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to early signs of engine or transmission trouble are recommended for optimal long-term ownership.