MODEL
Subaru Ascent Safety
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Ascent model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Subaru Ascent we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 78. 25 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row family SUV that slots into one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Built on Subaru's global platform and aimed squarely at families needing genuine passenger capacity, the Ascent competes with the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It carries the brand's signature all-wheel-drive standard equipment and positions itself as a practical, safety-conscious choice for households moving beyond smaller crossovers.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent presents a safety profile with both strong crash-test performance and a concerning recall history. The vehicle achieved a 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band. This is underpinned by perfect 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact crash tests. The rollover assessment resulted in a 4-star score, consistent with expectations for a larger, three-row SUV. However, the Ascent's recall record across model years 2019-2025 warrants close examination. Four recall campaigns received park-outside or do-not-drive severity designations from federal investigators, indicating defects serious enough to require the vehicle be taken out of service until corrected. Such a figure cannot be overlooked. Owner complaints total 998. This pool includes 31 reported crashes, 12 fire allegations, and 24 injury claims. While these allegations remain unverified, the number of fire-related complaints bears monitoring. The Ascent's crash-test credentials are robust within its segment. Nevertheless, its recall history necessitates that any prospective used-model buyer conduct a thorough VIN check to confirm the resolution of all open campaigns.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ascent as a competent and well-rounded three-row family SUV, praising its standard all-wheel drive, usable third-row access, and family-friendly feature set. Most professional assessments position it as a sensible, if not class-leading, choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, with ride comfort and interior practicality frequently highlighted as genuine strengths.
- The 2024 Ascent achieved a 95 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, with top 5-star frontal and side crash ratings in its best-tested years, making recent model years among the stronger safety performers in the three-row SUV class.
- Seventeen recalls across 2019 to 2025 is a high count for this nameplate, and four of those campaigns were serious enough to carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations. Any shopper, especially those buying used, should run a free VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov before purchasing and confirm every open recall has been remedied.
- Rollover protection scores 4 out of 5 stars consistently, a result typical for tall three-row SUVs but a real-world reminder that the Ascent's higher center of gravity requires respect in emergency maneuvers and on slippery surfaces.
- The 998 owner complaints on file include 12 fire-related allegations and 31 reported crashes. These are unverified claims, not confirmed defects, but the fire complaint count is elevated enough that buyers should ask a dealer to document any relevant technical service bulletins and verify that recall repairs, particularly those tied to the do-not-drive campaigns, have been completed.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Subaru Ascent with 9 recalls.