NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Ascent
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2020 Subaru Ascent carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14815
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH22V907000
Risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the grou
Reported 2022-12-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V955000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 wi
Reported 2021-12-09
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V954000
Risk: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Reported 2021-12-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Reported 2021-07-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
316 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.