2019 Subaru Ascent engine problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2019 Subaru Ascent — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 75 MPH, a deer ran across the highway and hit the left driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A grayish smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the contact's…”
filed Mar 24, 2026
“My vehicle smokes when starting it. A lot of white smoke that can fill a parking lot. The smoke has a strong chemical smell.”
filed Mar 2, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated…Campaign 19V856000 · Dec 2, 2019
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces the availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy the following DTCs: P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0014, P0024, P0128, P2109. If any of the DTCs…
09-98-22R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 31, 2026This service bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the exhaust after startup. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
02-196-26R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
Engine problems in other Ascent years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ascent | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 Ascent | 9 | 16% |
| 2021 Ascent | 12 | 12% |
| 2020 Ascent | 29 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2019 Subaru Ascent
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.