2020 Subaru Ascent: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Second-year Ascent is improved but still carries notable CVT failures and engine oil/PCV complaints, plus battery-drain and undersized-brake issues. Crash safety and standard AWD are excellent; buy only with records showing the transmission recalls were performed. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Subaru Ascent ranged from $31,995 to $45,045 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10
Mixed track record

Second-year Ascent is improved but still carries notable CVT failures and engine oil/PCV complaints, plus battery-drain and undersized-brake issues. Crash safety and standard AWD are excellent; buy only with records showing the transmission recalls were performed.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=ascent…
  • cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/articles/is-the-2025-subaru-ascent-a-good-3-row-suv-5-pr…
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/subaru/ascent
  • torquenews.comhttps://www.torquenews.com/1084/investigation-subaru-ascent-transmission-prob…
  • classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/subaru-ascent-transmission-problems-lawsuit

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (1)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=ascent…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on every trim, giving confident all-weather traction.
  • Runs on regular 87-octane fuel, keeping fuel costs reasonable for a three-row turbo SUV.
  • Turbo 2.4L makes 260 hp / 277 lb-ft and tows up to 5,000 lb when equipped, strong for the class.
  • Top-tier safety: NHTSA 5-star overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick, and standard EyeSight driver assist on all trims.
  • Low beltline and large glass give excellent outward visibility and easy maneuvering for its size.

Cons

  • The CVT drones under hard acceleration and feels less engaging than a conventional automatic.
  • Early model years (2019-2021) had widespread CVT shudder, slipping and chain-slip failures addressed by recalls.
  • Brakes are widely reported as undersized for the weight, prone to early rotor warping and pad wear.
  • Cabin is about two inches narrower than rivals; the third row suits kids and cargo behind it is tight.
  • EyeSight can be overly intrusive, with false forward-collision braking and aggressive lane-centering warnings.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Base $31,995 discontinued — —
Premium $34,395 $40,795 — —
Limited $39,345 $47,885 — —
Touring $45,045 $51,165 — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-subaru-ascent-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-ascent-price

Depreciation

$11k $22k $33k $44k 202020222024202620282030
2020 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($31,995). Higher trims started higher (up to $45,045), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 24% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-ascent/resale-value

Cost to own

Expected lifespan~225k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)
  • sportsubarusouth.comhttps://www.sportsubarusouth.com/blog/subaru-gas-requirements-guide/
  • subaru.comhttps://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources.html

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have?

Documented issue patterns include: CVT shudders, slips and can fail outright, with some owners reporting repeat failures after warranty repairs; Engine oil leaks, sludge buildup and PCV-valve failures, in some cases leading to engine replacement; Battery drain and electrical faults affecting power steering and other systems; Premature rotor warping and rapid brake-pad wear from brakes undersized for the vehicle weight. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?

Second-year Ascent is improved but still carries notable CVT failures and engine oil/PCV complaints, plus battery-drain and undersized-brake issues. Crash safety and standard AWD are excellent; buy only with records showing the transmission recalls were performed.

How much did the 2020 Subaru Ascent cost new?

Between $31,995 and $45,045 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.