2023 Subaru Ascent recalls and problems

4 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Subaru Ascent.

4
recalls
45
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2023 Subaru Ascent recalls

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · reported July 7, 2026 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 541,237 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
The risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Power train: driveline, driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · reported September 21, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 4,311 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm

NHTSA campaign 23V392000 · reported June 1, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 5 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk
Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Tires

NHTSA campaign 23V258000 · reported April 7, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 4,409 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk
A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 17, 2026 · Tires · 14,000 miles

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Ziex ZE001 A/S, Tire Size: 245/50/R20 102H, DOT Number: […] Contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the front wheels turned outward, the contact became aware that there was severe inner-edge tire wear with missing rubber on the…

Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical system

2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehicle after shopping. •Opened rear hatch, loaded groceries and…

Aug 18, 2026 · Tires · 25,000 miles

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: ZIEX, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: 1R8KH DM2R 0323. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was rubber flying from the vehicle. The vehicle was driving to the shoulder of the road, and the driver became aware…

Aug 6, 2026 · Service brakes

I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are…

Jul 31, 2026 · Power train

The vehicle exhibited transmission slippage but did not provide any warning lights or other symptoms . About 100 miles later, the Automatic Transmission Oil light came on (flashing YELLOW), and all other systems light up (both Yellow and Red) disabling front collision, auto vehicle hold, RAB, etc. Pulled to a safe…

Ascent model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2020 532461
2021 210431
2022 25662
2023 44541
2024 15130
2025 11521
2026 1300

Across all years, the 2019 Ascent has the most complaints (443). All Subaru Ascent years →

Questions

Does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Ascent, the most recent reported on July 7, 2026 (Equipment: other, labels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (10 complaints), followed by unknown or other (8).
How many 2023 Subaru Ascent complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 45 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 17, 2026.