This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Subaru Ascent electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent have filed 150 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 11,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
150
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ascent (this page) | 150 |
| 2020 Ascent | 98 |
| 2021 Ascent | 17 |
| 2022 Ascent | 3 |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 |
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 150 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Subaru Ascent we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 150.
Electrical accounts for 35% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings caused by O-ring leakage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Ascent electrical cluster reveals systemic issues across battery, charging, and power management. Battery drain dominates complaints—owners report complete discharge within 30 minutes to a couple of hours whenever the tailgate is left open, even with the engine off and no lights visibly on. Subaru confirmed this is by design, yet the severity catches owners off guard during camping, dog training, and grocery loading, forcing multiple jump starts and battery replacements ($100–$250 per replacement). Many owners now carry portable jump starters as standard equipment.
Unexplained overnight battery drain—with all doors shut, lights off, and no tailgate open—occurs repeatedly across dozens of vehicles. Dealers typically replace the battery without addressing a root cause, and failures recur within weeks or months.
Two separate fire incidents were reported: one involving the PTC heater ground bolt melting its wiring harness after the manufacturer's 2023 recall repair, and another caused by electrical system overheating while the car sat in a driveway. Both resulted in total losses.
Secondary electrical malfunctions cascade after battery drain events: EyeSight collision detection, power steering, and traction control disable until the vehicle is serviced. The rear power liftgate occasionally fails to open or close and may emit persistent beeping. Radio presets reset, transmission glitches occur, and interior lights reportedly drain the battery overnight.
Dealers consistently deny responsibility, claiming design intent or owner misuse, and refuse to investigate the underlying electrical architecture. No recall addresses the core battery drain or starting failures.
Same Subaru Ascent electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
PTC Heater Ground Bolt Failure / Melting Wiring Harness
PTC heater ground bolt fails even after manufacturer recall repair, melting wiring harness and surrounding components. Fire risk when vehicle sits idle or runs with engine off.
When: Occurred after recall 22V907000 completed 3/27/2023; event January 2025 at 96k miles. Also reported in narrative #6 fire event February 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from vehicle while remote started; Fire and flames from engine bay; Smoke damage to interior; Burnt smell ('perm solution' smell); Smoke entering cabin while driving downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 22V907000 performed (removed ground bolts, cleaned threads, replaced bolts). Owner states repair failed within ~2 years; second vehicle required complete exhaust replacement due to related heat damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V907000 issued for PTC heater ground bolt. Owner reports Subaru uncooperative post-fire incident. Narrative #6: Subaru offered partial contribution toward exhaust repair after multiple complaints.
Battery Drain – Tailgate/Liftgate Open
Battery drains completely when rear hatch/liftgate is left open for extended periods (30 minutes to a few hours) with engine off. Affects ability to restart and traps occupants if electrical locking fails.
When: Widespread issue; occurs within 30 minutes to 1.5+ hours of tailgate open. Reported across early ownership (1–3 years) and ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery discharge with tailgate/liftgate open; Vehicle will not start after tailgate opened; Cannot open tailgate electrically after battery drain; Tailgate beeps but does not open (manual override required); All electrical systems non-functional after deep discharge
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace battery multiple times (usually ~$100–$250 cost cited by owners). Some owners purchase aftermarket higher-capacity batteries. One owner installed battery disconnect switch after dealer installation; switch causes preset loss and triggers voltage-drop warnings in EyeSight system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledges design intent: tailgate-open battery drain is 'how the car was designed.' Technical Service Bulletin mentioned in narrative #39 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163522-0001.pdf). One dealer installed power liftgate module replacement to stop drain after >20 min open (narrative #9). No official recall or software patch offered. Class-action lawsuit referenced in narrative #4.
Spontaneous Electrical Shutdown / Complete Power Loss
Vehicle experiences sudden total electrical system failure while parked or driving, with loss of all electrical functions including starting ability, dashboard displays, climate control, and power windows.
When: Early ownership (2–3 years). Narrative #2 at ~1,500 miles in July 2019; narrative #11 at undetermined mileage on rural road.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning lights flashing randomly; LCD screen goes blank then reappears; Engine will not start or cranks once then stops; No electrical systems functional (windows, hatch, lights, climate); Vehicle vibration and rattling while driving, then sudden shutdown; Speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph in seconds
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #2: battery disconnect and reconnect, jumper cables attempted—all ineffective. Dealer diagnostics found 'no defect.' Narrative #11: dealership unable to diagnose for 9 days (corporate system 'down'); tow truck driver noted high current draw on diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru support contacted in narrative #2 and 'could not find any defect.' Narrative #11 reports ongoing diagnostic difficulty.
Intermittent Starting Failure / Dead Battery (Unexplained Drain)
Battery dies repeatedly with no obvious cause—vehicle parked in garage, all doors/lights shut, no tailgate open. Multiple owners report 4–8+ instances requiring jump starts, battery replacements, or roadside assistance.
When: Throughout ownership (first few months to 2–3 years). Early examples: narrative #5 multiple instances over 6 months; narrative #8 since June (1 year after purchase).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after sitting 1–3 days; Battery drains overnight in garage with no apparent cause; Slow cranking, sluggish start after extended storage; Repeated failure to start; some instances only resolve with jump or tow; Check engine light and battery warning lights illuminate; Difficulty starting after short trips
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified code), Battery warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers repeatedly replace battery (often 2–4 replacements per owner). Narrative #8: loose cable found and tightened on third tow; still recurs. Narrative #17: battery tested 'good' but drained again 1 week later. Owners purchase portable jump starters ($100+) and battery maintainers. Narrative #3: owner installs aftermarket battery disconnect switch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers attribute to: (a) owner not driving enough; (b) 'defective' battery only; (c) loose cable (one-time fix). Subaru support unable to replicate or provide root cause. No TSB or software fix offered for this symptom pattern. Narrative #23 cites class-action lawsuit filed 2020 alleging Subaru aware of issue since 2017 and issued related TSB.
Power Liftgate / Tailgate Malfunction – Failure to Open or Close
Rear power liftgate fails to open or close properly. May be stuck closed, emit beeping sound without opening, or open spontaneously. Often coincides with or follows battery drain events.
When: Scattered throughout ownership; often after battery drain events or cold weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate will not open via button, key fob, or door switch; Liftgate opens only partially; Constant audible beeping tone, liftgate remains locked; Liftgate opens spontaneously in parking lot; Liftgate beeps during driving even when closed; Manual override required to open/close
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9: power liftgate module replaced to stop drain if open >20 min. Narrative #24: hatch sensor beeping repeatedly; replaced battery resolved issue. Narrative #36: manual battery disconnect/reset is only temporary fix; no dealer-provided solution found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #9: dealer installed liftgate module replacement. Narrative #36: dealership unable to find trouble code; no fix provided. Narrative #39: TSB referenced but dealer refused warranty replacement of module (narrative cites TSB https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163522-0001.pdf).
EyeSight and Safety System Failures
EyeSight collision detection, power steering, traction control, and other critical systems disable or malfunction intermittently. Often triggered by low battery voltage or after battery drain events.
When: Varies; narrative #22 after multiple battery replacements; narrative #26 after tailgate battery drain; narrative #34 at ~9,500 miles during rain.
Symptoms owners cite: EyeSight system stops working while driving; Power steering loss while driving; Check engine light with EyeSight disabled; All warning lights on dash flash simultaneously; Traction control (X-Mode) disabled; EyeSight system resets after voltage-drop events; Rapid on/off cycling of electronics during low-voltage conditions
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #3: owner's battery disconnect switch causes voltage-drop warnings and EyeSight failures. Narrative #22: issues mitigated after new battery but recur when battery dies again. Narrative #26: check engine and all safety warning lights remain on after jump start from tailgate drain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific remedy reported. Narrative #3 indicates Subaru aware that disconnect switch causes system sensing issues but no alternative solution provided.
Electrical Gremlins – Radio, Transmission, Lighting Malfunctions
Intermittent electrical faults affecting multiple vehicle systems: radio not saving presets, transmission malfunctions, dashboard lights behaving erratically, interior lights draining battery.
When: Narrative #25 documented log of recurring issues; narrative #34 at ~9,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio resets presets every few days; Dashboard message: 'Car will be restarted in a few hours'; Dash lights rapidly turn on and off; Transmission skipping gears or jumping; Car drives backwards when put in Drive; Radio will not shut off when car locked; Trunk/hatch door will not lock or unlock; Interior lights drain battery overnight (single light); High-pitched electrical whine from rear passenger wheel area
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #25: battery replaced, transmission replaced twice, radio replaced, switch replaced—issues persist. Narrative #8: dealer blames interior light left on. Narrative #20: owner suspects fuel pump or undersized alternator as possible cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #25: radio replaced but issues continued; dealer advised 'issues would resolve in a few days'—they did not. Narrative #8: Subaru support has 'nothing about this' in reporting system. No systemic investigation or recall offered.
Vehicle Fire / Engine Fire
Engine or electrical system catches fire while vehicle is parked or shortly after running. Two separate fire incidents reported.
When: Narrative #1 (PTC heater): January 2025 after remote start; 2+ years post-recall repair. Narrative #6 (exhaust): February 2025 while descending mountain. Narrative #42: while stationary in driveway after battery charge.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from engine bay while remote started; Flames and smoke visible from hood; Smoke entering cabin; Fire completely consumes vehicle (total loss); Preceding smell described as 'perm solution' or chemical
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #1: PTC ground bolt melted wiring harness; vehicle deemed unsafe to drive. Narrative #6: entire exhaust replaced by Subaru with partial cost contribution. Narrative #42: fire marshal determined electrical issue ignited engine; insurance specialist to examine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #1: Subaru uncooperative after fire; no answers provided to owner. Narrative #6: Subaru offered partial reimbursement for exhaust work after repeated complaints and fire incident. Narrative #42: no manufacturer response mentioned.
Synthesized from 150 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what the lift-gate will remain in a locked and fixed state. The only…
Has a defective electrical system causing the battery to drain prematurely. Just had the new Subaru battery tested and charged at advance auto parts and it was brought up to almost a full charge. After 4 days of short trips, battery is dead again.
Car battery died in store parking lot. Low mileage (24,000). I do lots of short trips and this is a reported problem for 2019 Subaru Ascents. I had to wait 2 hours for someone to bring a charger to drive to auto parts store fire replacement battery.
Recently have had issues with the battery. I've had to jump the car 4 times in the last month. The car was purchased in August 2021. I believe the electrical system is draining the battery.
Sunday, car wouldn’t start. Even though lights and display came on, engine wouldn’t turn over until I got a jump. After car started, center console went black and all infotainment, Bluetooth and rear view camera ceased to work. Drove hour and a half on highway. Monday morning, battery completely dead. Had to jump again. Now, center screen working, but seems to be battery issue. We had…
Dead battery multiple times, dealer ship has replaced the battery but continues to have issues and left stranded each time this occurs, one time on 12-17-2020 in the mountains in freezing cold weather with a child, no heat because of dead battery. This issue cann occuring when the back tailgate is open for 10 minutes. Subaru is not going to look into the problem even thou they are aware of…
Every week or two the car fails to start. When the ignition button is pushed, the vehicle gains power but does not turnover and start. You need to exit the vehicle, lock the vehicle and unlock the vehicle and go through this process up to 7 times before the vehicle will start. Vehicle has been brought back to Subaru service department 3 separate times for up to 2 weeks at a time and they are…
Battery keeps dying.
The car caught fire while sitting in the driveway (stationary). The car was having electrical/battery issues in the morning. I charged the battery, then started the car and left it running in the driveway, when I came out of the house, the engine of the car was on fire. I called the fire department to put the fire. The fire marshal determined that an electrical issue ignited the engine.…
Several times, when trying to close the driver side window, the front passenger window and the sunroof, the window did not close completely and subsequently re-opened. It happened when the vehicle was in motion as well as stationary.
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Subaru Ascent?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 150 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 76 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 7,000 and 19,848 miles, with the median around 11,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 19,848. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Subaru/Ascent.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.