NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
The 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 55 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
An 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index places the 2022 Subaru Ascent in the Strong band, signaling a generally robust safety performance. However, this assessment is notably tempered by a single serious recall campaign and a three-point decline from its 2021 index score. The vehicle's NHTSA crash-test results are otherwise excellent across the majority of evaluated categories.
The 2022 Subaru Ascent received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Subaru Ascent ranks 67 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 55 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
For the 2022 model year, the Subaru Ascent carries a meaningful open-safety-action flag for used-market shoppers: a park-outside recall campaign. This defect, tied to a potentially unsecured ground bolt in the interior wiring, presents a fire or electrical risk severe enough to prompt NHTSA and Subaru to recommend against parking the vehicle inside a structure until repairs are complete. This single recall accounts for the 2022 Ascent's decline to a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, down three points from the 2021 model year's 89. The defect record component scores 10 out of a possible 20 points, marking it as the weakest segment of the index breakdown. Crash protection remains robust, scoring 66 out of 70 points, and avoidance technology earns a full 10 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The 55 unverified owner complaints on file, including alleged reports of brake and powertrain concerns, further shape the safety profile of this year's model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Subaru Ascent perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash tests both returned perfect 5-star ratings. The rollover category presents as a relative weakness in the Ascent's safety profile, rated 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, indicated No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16680
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. The 2022 Subaru Ascent carries one recall, and it is serious: a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign covering an electrical system wiring fault under the dash. Subaru identified a ground bolt securing the ground terminal that may be improperly torqued, affecting certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. Owners should verify remedy completion immediately.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has received 55 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 Ascent. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain, service brakes, and engine. Consumers have also reported alleged issues with visibility and wipers, and forward collision avoidance. Six crashes and two fires are among the unverified allegations on file.
55 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
A significant "park outside" recall regarding an electrical issue affects the 2022 Ascent. Prospective buyers of this model year should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that this specific recall has been addressed. Remedy rates for such multi-year campaigns can vary, and it cannot be assumed a previous owner completed the necessary repair.
- The 2022 Ascent's Safety Index of 86 represents a three-point drop from the 2021 model year's 89, a decline traced to the defect record component scoring only 10 out of 20 points.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall is active for certain 2022 Ascents, covering an interior wiring ground bolt fault that carries a potential electrical risk serious enough to warrant not parking the vehicle indoors.
- NHTSA recorded 55 unverified owner complaints, with powertrain and service brakes as the top two alleged problem areas, alongside five unverified allegations specifically targeting the forward collision avoidance system.
- Rollover protection is the only crash-test category below 5 stars, rated 4 out of 5, with a 17 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip result on the dynamic test.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Subaru Ascent places
The 2022 Subaru Ascent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Subaru Ascent safety questions
Was the 2022 Subaru Ascent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Subaru Ascent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2022 Subaru Ascent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Subaru Ascent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 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 2022 Subaru Ascent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 55 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16680), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Ascent 2022.
- 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 67 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.