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Subaru · Known Issues

2025 Subaru Ascent Problems: 4 Known Issues

2025 model year · 2,280+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,280+ owner reports, the 2025 Subaru Ascent has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement ($0-$9,000 repair) and EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking Activates With No Obstacle (Phantom Braking) ($0-$400 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement with 1,300 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Ascent Transmission1
  • Ascent Brakes1
  • Ascent Body/Panels1
  • Ascent Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Brakes1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls5

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS20262025202420232022202120202019
Community reported
1,300 owners

On the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent FA24, the Ascent's high-torque Lineartronic CVT (TR730 - the largest CVT Subaru has produced) paired with the 2.4L turbo FA24 engine exhibits hesitation from stops, harsh engagement when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, and surging at low speeds. The TR730 CVT must handle significantly more torque than Subaru's other CVTs, leading to durability concerns. Multiple TSBs have addressed calibration issues. Some owners report complete CVT failure under 60,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Subaru BRZ, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester

Common Symptoms

  • 1-2 second hesitation when accelerating from a stop
  • Harsh thunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
  • Surging or bucking at low speeds in parking lots
  • Shuddering during light acceleration at 25-40 mph
  • Transmission warning light
  • Burning smell from transmission area

How to Fix

Have dealer apply latest TCM software calibration (multiple TSBs released). Perform CVT fluid drain and refill with Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid (SOA427V1660) - note this is different from the standard CVT fluid. If hesitation persists after software update, valve body replacement may be needed. For complete failure, Subaru reman CVT is available. All Ascents have 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty from factory.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $9,000

Research This Issue

Based on 1,300 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,300 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Ascent FA24F, owners of later Ascents report the EyeSight automatic emergency braking system applying the hydraulic brakes hard with no driver input and no obstacle present - on open highway, mid-turn, and while taking a curve. A proposed class action filed May 11, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey names the 2023-2026 Ascent alongside 2023-2026 Legacy and Outback, 2024-2026 Impreza and Crosstrek, 2022-2026 Forester and WRX, and 2025-2026 BRZ, and cites more than 25 NHTSA consumer complaints across the affected vehicles. The complaint alleges the system misreads ordinary road conditions - and sometimes entirely clear road - as an imminent collision and brakes unnecessarily early and with unnecessary force. The alleged mechanism is miscommunication among the ABS control module, transmission control module, engine control module and Vehicle Dynamic Control module, which commands unwanted brake application. Note: the litigation is pending and there is no NHTSA recall for this on the Ascent as of this writing.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle brakes hard with no obstacle present
  • Sudden deceleration at highway speed
  • Braking triggered mid-turn or on a curve
  • EyeSight warning chime and dash alert with nothing ahead
  • Risk of being rear-ended

How to Fix

No recall remedy exists. Report every event to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem with date, speed and road conditions - complaint volume is what drives an investigation. At the dealer, ask for the latest EyeSight and VDC/ABS software levels to be applied, and have the windshield-mounted stereo camera checked for calibration, especially after any windshield replacement (a very common Ascent repair given the separate windshield-cracking issue) - a miscalibrated camera after glass replacement is a known independent cause of false activations. EyeSight pre-collision braking can be temporarily switched off via the dashboard control if the behavior becomes unsafe, though it re-enables at the next ignition cycle.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
980 owners

On the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent, the Ascent has one of the highest rates of windshield cracking complaints of any Subaru model. Cracks frequently originate near the EyeSight camera housing or from windshield edges without any rock impact. The large windshield, acoustic lamination, steep rake angle, and EyeSight system create stress points. Temperature fluctuations (cold nights followed by morning defrost) are a common trigger. Replacement windshields must be EyeSight-compatible and require camera recalibration ($200-400 additional). Some owners have reported 3-4 windshield replacements.

Common Symptoms

  • Crack appearing near EyeSight camera area without impact
  • Edge crack spreading across windshield rapidly
  • Crack developing overnight during temperature swings
  • EyeSight system shutting down due to windshield crack
  • Multiple windshield replacements needed

How to Fix

Contact Subaru of America customer service (1-800-782-2783) to request goodwill windshield replacement. Document crack origin with photos before it spreads. Use an EyeSight-compatible replacement windshield (Subaru OEM 65009XC04A or Pilkington-branded EyeSight glass). EyeSight recalibration at dealer is mandatory after replacement ($200-400). Some insurance policies cover windshield replacement with zero deductible.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,800

Research This Issue

Based on 980 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence980 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2019-2026 Subaru Ascent, subaru is recalling roughly 541,000 vehicles, including every 2019-2026 Ascent, because the federally required certification label on the driver's door jamb carries an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating. Owners who load the vehicle to the number printed on the label - a real scenario on a three-row family SUV carrying seven or eight occupants plus cargo, or towing near the 5,000 lb limit - can exceed the true axle capacity, which degrades braking, steering and tire load margin and increases crash risk. This is a documentation defect rather than a mechanical failure, but it affects the entire production run of the model.

Common Symptoms

  • No driveable symptom - incorrect axle weight rating printed on the door-jamb certification label
  • Risk of unknowingly overloading an axle when fully loaded or towing

How to Fix

Free remedy under NHTSA campaign 26V436: Subaru mails owners a corrected overlay label with self-installation instructions, or a dealer will apply it at no charge. Owner letters were scheduled to be mailed August 25, 2026. Until the corrected label is applied, use the tow and payload figures from the current owner's manual rather than the door-jamb sticker, and check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Subaru customer service: 1-844-373-6614.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Campaign #26V43600007/07/2026

TIRES

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.

Campaign #23V25800007/04/2023

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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.

Campaign #23V392000
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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Forester46Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Solterra24Subaru Crosstrek23Subaru Legacy18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Ascent problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,280+ owner reports, the 2025 Subaru Ascent has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement, EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking Activates With No Obstacle (Phantom Braking), Windshield Spontaneous Cracking. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has 4 known issues documented across 2,280+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement and EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking Activates With No Obstacle (Phantom Braking). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Ascent problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Ascent issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement, typically costs $0-$9,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent CVT Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Engagement?

The Ascent's high-torque Lineartronic CVT (TR730 - the largest CVT Subaru has produced) paired with the 2.4L turbo FA24 engine exhibits hesitation from stops, harsh engagement when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, and surging at low speeds. The TR730 CVT must handle significa… Repairs typically run $0-$9,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Ascent EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking Activates With No Obstacle (Phantom Braking)?

Owners of later Ascents report the EyeSight automatic emergency braking system applying the hydraulic brakes hard with no driver input and no obstacle present - on open highway, mid-turn, and while taking a curve. A proposed class action filed May 11, 2026 in the U.S. District Co… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,280+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

FAQ
01/06/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

Campaign #22V90700008/12/2022

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Campaign #23V64700021/09/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Ascent Windshield Spontaneous Cracking?

The Ascent has one of the highest rates of windshield cracking complaints of any Subaru model. Cracks frequently originate near the EyeSight camera housing or from windshield edges without any rock impact. The large windshield, acoustic lamination, steep rake angle, and EyeSight… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2026 Subaru Ascent Incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on Certification Label (Recall 26V436)?

Subaru is recalling roughly 541,000 vehicles, including every 2019-2026 Ascent, because the federally required certification label on the driver's door jamb carries an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating. Owners who load the vehicle to the number printed on the label - a real scen… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: low.