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Verdict

2025 Subaru Ascent: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2025 Subaru Ascent — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.

Owners filed 12 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 68% of 2025 SUVs. Structure leads the reports (17%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2025 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

12

Reports to NHTSA, 2025

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

22

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

Fewer complaints than 68% of 2025 SUVs

The bar is this car's percentile among 2025 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Structure issues lead owner complaints (17% of 12 reports), followed by unknown or other (17%).

Structure17% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other17% · 2 reports
Visibility17% · 2 reports
Electrical System8% · 1 report
Engine8% · 1 report
Forward Collision Avoidance8% · 1 report
Steering8% · 1 report
Tires8% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 12 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11735425, ODI 11677132.

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

EquipmentJul 2026 · 26V436000Details +

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."

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 are expected to be mailed August 25, 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.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2025 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Ascent2.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive202622

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2025 Subaru Ascent: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

Owners filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the 2025 Subaru Ascent — fewer complaints than 68% of comparable 2025 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

The most-reported problem areas are Structure (17% of complaints) and unknown or other (17%).

How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Ascent have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2025 Subaru Ascent, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2025 Subaru Ascent get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Subaru Ascent at 22 mpg combined.