2020 Subaru Ascent electrical system problems
101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2020 Subaru Ascent — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The pressure sensor coming out of the transmission has failed, and it's pushed transmission fluid throughout the engine harness, transmission harness, the bull harness in the dash and the 02 sensors. All of those have been damaged. The car is now unsafe to drive due to the pressure sensor failing…”
filed May 15, 2026
“Component- steering locks Safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was…”
filed Sep 13, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient…Campaign 22V907000 · Dec 8, 2022
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 Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other · issued Aug 21, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or…
15-308-23R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
15-304-22R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 13, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Ascent years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ascent | 4 | 8% |
| 2023 Ascent | 4 | 9% |
| 2022 Ascent | 3 | 5% |
| 2021 Ascent | 18 | 18% |
| 2019 Ascent | 160 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 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.