NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru Ascent scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 316 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru Ascent achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, earning it a Strong band rating. This score is largely supported by excellent crash-test results and the inclusion of a full suite of standard crash avoidance technologies. However, four recall campaigns and a modest sub-score for its defect record somewhat temper the Ascent's overall safety standing.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru Ascent ranks 55 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
| Recalls on file | 5 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 316 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 Ascent earns an 84 out of 100 on MotorCaliber's Safety Index, placing it in the Strong category. This marks an improvement from the 2019 model's 79, which was rated Average. This five-point increase is largely attributable to the Ascent's near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. Additionally, the vehicle achieved a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the 2020 Ascent's defect record presents a contrast to its strong crash performance. Its defect-record sub-score stands at 7.75 out of 20. This lower score is influenced by four active recall campaigns, one of which carries a park-outside directive. A recall concerning tie rods is specific to the 2020 Ascent, indicating a manufacturing tolerance issue unique to this model year. Furthermore, a transmission control module recall, shared with 2019 Ascent units, contributes to the overall defect burden. The 2020 Ascent demonstrates elite-level structural and active-safety engineering; however, its recall history warrants close attention from owners and prospective buyers alike.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. This included 5-star scores in both the frontal and side impact tests. While the Ascent's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk, the dynamic tip test recorded no tip, a mitigating factor to consider for that specific result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. The 2020 Subaru Ascent carries four NHTSA recall campaigns. One is a park-outside directive tied to an interior wiring ground-bolt fault that affects 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The remaining three address a transmission control module programming error, a front tie rod assembly with an incorrectly tapered housing hole specific to the 2020 Ascent, and a fuel pump concern shared with several Subaru models. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V436000
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Reported 2026-07-07
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Owners have filed 316 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2020 Ascent. The most-reported category is the Electrical System with 101 alleged issues, followed by Unknown or Other at 56, Power Train at 55, Visibility and Wipers at 49, Engine at 29, and Service Brakes at 26. Reported incidents include 6 alleged crashes and 5 alleged injuries.
316 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
A recall to park 2020 Subaru Ascent models outdoors due to fire risk stands as a significant concern for this model year. Four total recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 Ascent, and any prospective owner should verify the completion of all remedies through a Subaru dealer, retaining documentation of these critical repairs.
- The 2020 Ascent Safety Index of 84/100 represents a five-point improvement over the 2019 model year's 79/100, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band.
- A park-outside recall tied to an interior wiring ground-bolt fault covers 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles, meaning many 2020 units may still have an open remedy that requires dealer attention.
- The front tie rod assembly recall is specific to 2020 Ascent vehicles due to an incorrectly tapered housing hole, a defect not shared with the 2019 model year.
- The defect-record sub-score of 7.75 out of a possible 20 is the weakest component of the 2020 Ascent's Safety Index, standing in sharp contrast to its 66/70 crash-protection and 10/10 avoidance-tech scores.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru Ascent places
The 2020 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru Ascent earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 316 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ascent years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14815), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 55 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.