NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 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.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 3 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 18435
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V647000
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Reported 2023-09-21
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM23V392000
Risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Reported 2023-06-01
TIRES23V258000
Risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
Reported 2023-04-07
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.