2020 Subaru Ascent engine problems
29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Subaru Ascent — 9% 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
“I was driving and I got check engine light and all safety features disabled while I was in the freeway, luckily I was able to drive to nearby Subaru dealer for inspection and I found out that there was a recall on the engine for this vehicle and when I contacted the manufacturer they asked me to…”
filed Mar 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 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% |
| 2019 Ascent | 47 | 11% |
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.