This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Subaru Ascent powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent have filed 80 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 18,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
80
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ascent (this page) | 80 |
| 2020 Ascent | 54 |
| 2021 Ascent | 16 |
| 2022 Ascent | 13 |
2crashes
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Subaru Ascent we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 80.
Owners have filed 80 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 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 ↗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 ↗In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2019 Ascent describe a powertrain plagued by CVT transmission defects. The most common complaint is the CVT slipping under acceleration—the transmission revs but the vehicle hesitates or loses power, sometimes accompanied by squealing, screeching, or a grinding noise. Shuddering, jerking during shifts, and sudden surges after hesitation are also reported. Many owners say these symptoms start early (5,000–12,000 miles) and worsen over time; some experience complete transmission failure requiring replacement within weeks of initial symptoms.
Loss of motive power is another recurring failure mode. Drivers report the engine running while the transmission disengages—the vehicle won't accelerate despite revving, or stalls completely in traffic. Check engine and transmission warning lights often illuminate alongside driver-aids disabling, creating a safety hazard during highway merging or intersection crossings. Multiple owners report dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose the issue unless the fault reoccurs during a test drive.
Subaru issued recalls (WUV-07, WRK-21, 21V955000) to reprogram the transmission control module and address CVT chain slip, but many owners report symptoms persisting after recall completion. One critical issue: remedy parts for recall 21V955000 remained unavailable for months after notification, leaving owners driving defective vehicles. One owner also reports a thrown engine rod while towing within manufacturer specs; Subaru denied warranty coverage.
Less frequently reported but serious: unwanted acceleration when brakes are applied, electrical system faults causing repeated battery drain, and a PCV valve failure that seized the engine at highway speed.
Same Subaru Ascent powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Chain Slip and Transmission Slipping
The CVT transmission experiences intermittent or continuous slipping under acceleration, causing loss of power, hesitation, and surging. The chain may slip or fail to maintain proper engagement, especially under load or at highway speeds. Some owners report the transmission stuttering, shuddering, or jerking during gear transitions, and in severe cases, complete transmission failure requiring replacement.
When: Typically between 5,000–50,000 miles; some failures occur within weeks of initial symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Transmission shuddering, jerking, or hesitation; Squealing, squeaking, grinding, or screeching noise; RPM jump or oscillation without corresponding acceleration; Transmission slipping or not holding gears; Sudden surge or lurch forward after hesitation; Reduced fuel efficiency post-recall
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Transmission warning light, CVT chain slip detected (per recall WRK-21)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often reprogram CVT/TCM software (WUV-07, WRK-21 recalls); full transmission replacement necessary when mechanical failure occurs. Some owners report multiple replacements receiving faulty units; repair costs and warranty coverage vary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall WUV-07 (CVT reprogramming), Recall WRK-21 (CVT chain slip warranty extension and TCM reprogramming); Recall 21V955000 (Power Train—parts availability delayed for extended periods); many dealers unable to diagnose intermittent issues and refuse warranty repair unless codes are present or failure can be replicated on test drive
Loss of Motive Power and Transmission Disengagement
The transmission suddenly loses power, disengages, or fails to accelerate despite engine running. This occurs under normal driving conditions, during acceleration, or when shifting from stop. The vehicle may coast to a stop, require restart, or experience complete immobilization. Multiple warning lights often illuminate simultaneously (Check Engine, CVT, driver aids disabled).
When: Various mileages from 1,500–106,000 miles; often intermittent and unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Transmission disengages—engine revs but no movement; Whining noise accompanying power loss; Vehicle stalls or fails to restart; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Difficulty accelerating from stop or merging; Vehicle coasts downhill without brakes applied
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Transmission/CVT warning light, TCM fault codes (when present), Driver aids disabled message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose when issue is intermittent or codes absent; some perform fluid changes or software updates without resolving root cause; transmission replacement required in severe cases. One owner reports starter also failed during transmission repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V955000 (Power Train) issued December 2021; remedy parts were unavailable for extended periods (owners report 4+ months with no fix); Recall 22V907000 (Electrical System) related to some power-loss incidents; dealers often state 'no codes present' as reason to withhold diagnosis and repair
Engine Failure (Thrown Rod) Under Towing
Engine suffers sudden catastrophic failure while towing, producing loud knocking and valve-flutter sounds, followed by rapid oil temperature rise. Investigation determined cause was 'excessive towing weight,' though owner disputes this, citing camper weight within Subaru's own promotional spec and proper loading procedures.
When: 86 miles into towing trip at 39,000 miles; after oil and fluid checks passed at start
Symptoms owners cite: Valve flutter sound at initial onset; Loud knocking noise from engine; Rapid oil temperature increase; Engine failure (thrown rod)
Codes mentioned: Oil temperature warning
Repairs/costs cited: Engine failure; full replacement required. Subaru denied warranty claim citing excessive towing weight despite camper being 100 lbs under weight of Subaru's own promotional vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru investigation concluded excessive towing weight was cause; no warranty repair offered; no inspection report provided to owner
Unwanted Acceleration and Brake Interlock Failure
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly when brakes are applied at stop signs or traffic lights, or accelerator pedal engages on its own during normal operation. Occurs at low speeds and in stop-and-go situations, creating collision risk.
When: Various mileages and driving conditions; some at 6,991 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches forward when brake is applied; Accelerator engages without driver input; Sudden unexpected acceleration at stop; Inability to control vehicle speed via brakes alone
Codes mentioned: Transmission shift anomaly codes (when generated)
Repairs/costs cited: Software update applied in some cases; one owner reports failure persisted after multiple software updates; intricate diagnosis and repair required for underlying electronic or mechanical cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V955000 (Power Train) issued December 2021; remedy parts unavailable for months; some dealers performed software updates but failures recurred
Battery Discharge and Electrical System Faults
Battery repeatedly drains despite being new or recently replaced. Multiple warning/dashboard lights illuminate spuriously while driving, then clear on restart. Electrical system reboots or resets solve the issue temporarily. Owner reports second battery replacement under warranty; monthly jump-starts needed.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; mentioned at 9,800 and 11,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Battery discharged repeatedly despite new batteries; All dashboard warning lights illuminate while driving; Lights clear after vehicle restart; Requires monthly jump-start
Codes mentioned: Multiple check engine and warning lights, Electrical system fault (when coded)
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical system reboot/reset performed; dealer describes as possible 'software bug that can fix itself'; battery replacements covered under warranty, but root electrical cause unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V907000 (Electrical System) issued; one owner's vehicle unable to complete recall due to salvage title
PCV Valve Failure and Engine Damage
PCV valve breaks apart internally during highway driving, causing severe smoking from exhaust and loss of power. Engine damage is unknown pending teardown. Vehicle unable to restart or move after incident.
When: At 16,462 miles on highway at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Severe smoking from tailpipes; Loss of power while driving; Engine failure to restart; Vehicle immobile
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve failure diagnosed; engine teardown required to assess full damage; repair still pending at time of complaint filing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; dealer authority unclear on warranty coverage for component failure
Recall Non-Compliance and Parts Supply Delays
Subaru issued multiple recalls (WUV-07, WRK-21, 21V955000, 22V907000, 19V856000, 19V855000) but remedy parts remain unavailable for extended periods (4+ months documented). Owners unable to schedule repairs despite recall notification. One owner reports previous recall (WUV-07) was performed but ineffective, replaced by WRK-21 with parts still unavailable.
When: Recalls issued December 2021 onwards; parts availability issues extend months into 2022 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Recall letter received but no parts available; Manufacturer exceeds reasonable timeframe for remedy; Dealership unable to perform recall repair; Owners continue to operate unsafe vehicles under recall
Repairs/costs cited: None—repairs cannot be completed due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (WUV-07, WRK-21, 21V955000, 22V907000, 19V856000, 19V855000); parts distribution disconnect documented; Subaru failed to fulfill remedies within reasonable timeframes
Synthesized from 80 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2019 Subaru Ascent purchased new. The car only has about 25,000 miles on it now. I have had several incidents when driving on a curved road about 30 miles an hour the transmission jerks and causes the whole car to shudder abruptly sevral times in a row. Also when backing up and I completely stop the car before putting into drve, it jerks and makes a load noise. I have had the car into the…
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that occasionally at start-up and while driving up an incline, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 80 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,800 and 21,000 miles, with the median around 18,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,800; a quarter make it past 21,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.