The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a large SUV that has received positive reviews from both consumers and critics. The vehicle boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and excellent all-weather capability thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system.

Even though Subaru sold 59,980 Ascent vehicles last year, many Subaru Ascent owners have reported a number of problems.

Learn about the common problems with the 2022 Subaru Ascent in this lemon law article.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021

2022 Subaru Ascent Problems Summary

Most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Ascent

• • TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
  • ENGINE PROBLEMS
  • BRAKE PROBLEMS
  • BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEMS
  • INFOTAINMENT PROBLEMS

Ascent Transmission Problems

Subaru claims “Love is now bigger then ever” with its 2022 Ascent, however many owners are not exactly loving the transmission.

Ascent owners have reported transmission problems, including hesitation, surging, and rough shifting.

Historically, Subaru’s CVT transmission has been a weakness, and the Ascent SUV is no different. In 2019 Subaru issued a recall for problems with the its Ascent transmission software (19V855000).

Despite the transmission recall, transmission problems continued to plaque the Ascent.

A 2022 Ascent owner from New York reports to the NHTSA

The transmission is slipping and lunges forward, I believe this is the same reason there was a recall for my model car in 2019 & 2020…. I was carrying five (5) passengers in the car when it lunged forward and I almost rear ended the car in front of me and was also rear ended because I had to apply my brakes quickly….There were no warnings of any kind other than a few hesitations in the forward motion just before the car lunged quickly forward.

Just read this Ascent Transmission complaint to Edmunds

If you want a vehicle that hesitates in the middle of intersections, and the transmission slips at will, then the Ascent is the perfect vehicle for you.

Engine Problems

The Subaru Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine is one of Subaru’s most popular boxer engines, used almost exclusively in its vehicles for over 40 years. Although Subaru has used boxer engines for decades, it has experienced problems and defects with its engines, including the Ascent 2.4 liter engine.

Among the most prevalent powertrain complaints for the Subaru Ascent were random engine stalls, “check engine” warning lights, and thick gray smoke from the exhaust with a rapid loss of power.

See this complaint by a 2022 Subaru Ascent to Carhp

Random engine stalls, “check engine” warning lamps, and thick gray smoke from the tailpipe with a sudden loss of power are the most common powertrain complaints that have been registered against the initial batches of Subaru Ascent as per the NHTSA. Most of these issues were later said to have been caused by a faulty low-pressure fuel lift pump in the fuel tank, which was replaced for free under the recall 20V2018000 initiated by the automaker in 2018. At least 2 engine replacements have been recorded against these problems, with one reported crash.

Ascent Braking Problems

The ability to brake is the most critical safety system in a vehicle. An unreliable braking system is not only dangerous, but can also lead to accidents and injuries.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent has experienced issues with its braking system including loud noises and squealing sounds.

Here is a Brake Complaint from another 2022 Subaru Ascent owner in AZ on NHTSA.

The brakes on this vehicle continue to makes squealing sounds when slowing to a gradual stop, and now recently makes a grinding sound when driving from a complete stop to a gradual start. These sounds began when the vehicle was new at 500 miles and continues at 1500 miles. The vehicle has been taken to a Subaru dealership three times and nothing has been found that needs correction.

Battery Drain Problems

Another problem affecting the Subaru Ascent are battery drain issues.  Many owners have reported a battery drain problem leaving them stranded with no ability to start the car.  According to Motor Biscuit, when the Ascent hatch was left open, the battery died, and the car would not start. 

Just read this complaint by a 2022 Subaru Ascent owner to NHTSA

The electrical system/battery failed after only 392 miles. Car could not be jumped. When the cables were put on the battery, the tech said they got real hot (which leads us to believe it was shorting out.) Even though Subaru blamed the battery, the dashboard lights, the horn, and the headlights were all flickering and flashing like a Christmas tree.

Infotainment Problems

Subaru Ascent owners have reported issues with the infotainment system.  Users have reported that the Ascent infotainment system frequently freezes or crashes, making navigation and audio features difficult to use. Other users have reported that the touch screen is unresponsive or that the system is slow to respond to inputs.

Here is a complaint to Edmunds regarding the infotainment problem:

The GPS on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is unsatisfactory for the price paid. When compared to Toyota and Honda, there is no comparison. We find our way using our phones is easier than using the Subaru GPS. When discussing this with Subaru, they have no response or answer. I was informed by a Subaru technician to plug in my phone and use google maps, which was not the answer I expected. I will never by another Subaru. Looking forward to the day I trade in the Subaru.

Subaru Ascent Listed As Least Reliable Car

With transmission, brake and engine problems its not surprising Consumer Reports listed the Subaru Ascent as a Least Reliable Car. Consumer Reports now ranks the 2022 Subaru Ascent at number ten on its list of the least reliable new cars.

According to Consumer Reports the transmission, power equipment, brakes, in-car electronics, and climate system are unreliable and give the Ascent a bottom ranking of 1/5 in predicted reliability.

Problems with your 2022 Subaru Ascent?

Under the lemon law, you may be able to file a claim if you’ve been experiencing Engine, Transmission, or Braking problems with your 2022 Subaru Ascent.  A lemon law attorney can advise you on your lemon law rights and help you obtain a new car or refund for your defective 2022 Subaru Ascent.

Over the years, we have represented thousands of clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii.

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