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 ↗2020 Subaru Ascent electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Subaru Ascent have filed 98 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 6,000 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
98
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ascent | 150 |
| 2020 Ascent (this page) | 98 |
| 2021 Ascent | 17 |
| 2022 Ascent | 3 |
| 2023 Ascent | 3 |
| 2024 Ascent | 3 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 98 electrical complaints filed for the 2020 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
Electrical accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 98 electrical 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 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
Owners report recurrent parasitic battery drain on 2020 Ascents with as few as 2,100 miles on the odometer, sometimes within weeks of purchase. Battery dies overnight or after 3–5 days of parking, even in climate-controlled garages with no lights or accessories left on. Many owners have had their battery jumped 6–7 times or more and required roadside assistance repeatedly. Dealers struggle to identify the root cause; some replace the battery (sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle), others advise owners to lock doors, avoid electronics, or drive more frequently—none of which solve the problem.
More serious: burned wiring harnesses in the driver's side main harness have caused fires and complete electrical failure. One owner documented burning twice one year apart; the second time, the dealer refused warranty coverage despite the owner removing the suspected cause (trailer electric tongue jack). Another owner reported white smoke and burning plastic smell from the floorboard at 21,000 miles. Water intrusion through a missing or poorly installed grommet on the firewall around the main wiring harness created additional fire and mold risk.
Owners also describe engine stalling mid-drive, shift mechanism failures, rear liftgate opening on its own while parked (draining battery), infotainment systems refusing to shut down, Eyesight safety system false warnings, and brake grinding within months of ownership. Subaru issued an electrical system recall (22V907000), but repair parts were not yet available at the time of these complaints.
Same Subaru Ascent electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Parasitic battery drain / dead battery
Battery discharges overnight or during short periods of non-use, even with all accessories off and doors closed. Owners report needing jump-starts repeatedly within weeks or months of ownership. Drain occurs with vehicle parked and off, sometimes after short city drives or idling. Multiple owners report the vehicle completely dead after 3-5 days of parking, even in climate-controlled garages.
When: Throughout ownership; some cases as early as 5-6 weeks after purchase. Occurs on vehicles with low mileage (2,100 to 20,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead with no warning; Unable to start engine; rapid clicking sound when attempting to crank; All lights, horn, and electronics inoperative when battery drained; Interior/exterior lights flickering or flashing during battery failure; Rear liftgate inoperative (locked doors, unable to open hatch manually when battery dead); Infotainment system malfunction (staying on when car powered off, unable to shut down); Rapid ticking or beeping from inside vehicle when battery dead; Engine stalling while driving due to electrical failure
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE light illuminated after drain events, EYESIGHT system disabled after battery failure, KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis inconclusive in most cases. Some dealers replaced battery (multiple replacements on same vehicle), some installed higher-capacity batteries. Owners report battery tests show battery in good condition (green grading, adequate voltage) yet failures continue. Dealer advice to lock doors, reduce electronics use, drive more frequently, or avoid leaving hatch open ineffective. One owner replaced battery after 2 years of dealing with the issue; charged cost of $465. Class action lawsuit mentioned by multiple owners regarding 2020 Ascent OEM batteries.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued NHTSA Campaign 22V907000 (Electrical System) but recall parts unavailable at time of complaints. Subaru told owners modern vehicles have continuous electrical draw and frequent driving necessary to keep battery charged. Dealers claimed fluid leakage from spilled beverages caused some electrical issues (unconfirmed by owners). One manufacturer offer of $10,000 settlement mentioned in context of broader vehicle defects, but specifics unclear from narrative.
Wiring harness burning / fire risk
Main left wiring harness burned, causing electrical system failure and burning smell. One case documented burning twice in separate incidents one year apart. Excessive power draw (possibly from aftermarket trailer equipment like electric tongue jack) caused initial failure; second failure occurred without the cited cause. Another case reported burning plastic smell and white smoke from floorboard with multiple electrical issues. Water leak into passenger compartment through missing/poorly installed grommet on firewall around main wiring harness created potential for electrical fire.
When: First harness burn at 9,214 miles (6/2021); second at approximately 18,000-19,000 miles (8/2022). Another case at 21,000 miles (10/2022). Water intrusion case at 2,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from vehicle, white/black smoke from floorboard; All dashboard warning lights flashing simultaneously (Transmission, Tire Pressure, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Airbag, Eyesight disabled); Battery dead or severely depleted; Vehicle unable to start; Interior water accumulation under driver's seat (grommet failure case); Sloshing sounds during driving (water in interior)
Codes mentioned: Multiple simultaneous warning codes (transmission, tire pressure, stability control, airbag, eyesight)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced main left wiring harness (part #81502XC11B) and slow blow fuse (part #82211XC00A) on first occurrence. Second occurrence: dealer refused warranty coverage despite owner not using cited cause (electric tongue jack). Dealer replaced entire carpet and wiring harness in water intrusion case. Owners in both burning cases stranded; required towing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified first failure as caused by excessive power draw from trailer electric tongue jack and recommended removal of tongue jack. Despite owner complying (switched to manual jack), failure recurred. Dealer refused second warranty claim. One owner (case #220824-232370) awaiting Subaru of America response. Multiple recalls mentioned (NHTSA 22V907000) but parts slow to arrive.
Shift mechanism / ignition start system failure
Vehicle fails to start or shift despite engine running or battery adequate. Shift lever stuck or unresponsive. One case involved shifter identified with 'fluid leakage' (alleged beverage spill). Another involved unable to start vehicle unless shift lever moved to Neutral before ignition, even with battery holding charge. Pressing start button had no effect despite all electrical systems appearing normal.
When: Early in ownership: one case at ~1 year old with 3,600 miles; another repeated three times within first year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition will not turn on / start button does not engage starter; Vehicle will not shift into gear; Randomly placing shift lever in Neutral required before ignition would work; Vehicle unresponsive to start button despite battery voltage present; Engine running but unable to shift (one case while already driving)
Codes mentioned: TRANSMISSION warning light, Possible TCM (Transmission Control Module) fault
Repairs/costs cited: First case: dealer replaced shifter assembly after multiple failures. Charged for labor under warranty, claiming 'customer at fault' for alleged fluid damage. Second case: required jump-starting with shift lever manipulation to start. One case involved vehicle stalling mid-drive while in gear and unable to restart; towing company noted possible TCM issue and unable to shift to Neutral for towing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First case (three occurrences within year): dealer eventually replaced entire shifter assembly. Owners' safety concern about being stranded on busy roads noted. No recall or TSB mentioned for shifter failures.
Liftgate / rear hatch electrical failure and unintended opening
Rear liftgate opens on its own while parked, draining battery. Liftgate inoperative (unable to open or close) when battery dead or drained. Liftgate beeping continuously when battery drained. Software issue causing false obstruction detection reported by Subaru roadside tech, but dealer unable to replicate or repair.
When: Throughout ownership; some cases early (3,600 miles), others after 10,000+ miles. Liftgate left open for 15-20 minutes or overnight causes battery drain in multiple cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear liftgate opens on its own while vehicle parked; Continuous beeping from rear liftgate area; Liftgate unable to open or close electronically when battery drained; Manual release inaccessible or difficult to locate when battery dead; Rapid clicking sound associated with liftgate operation
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix documented. Dealer unable to replicate problem or repair. Subaru roadside tech identified software problem with false obstruction detection but no repair performed. Manual release extremely difficult to access when battery dead, creating safety concern. Owners report liftgate must be reprogrammed after each battery drain to function.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru tech identified software fault in liftgate obstruction detection system. Dealer refused to repair, stating they could not replicate the issue despite multiple occurrences. No recall or firmware update mentioned.
Audio / infotainment system failure
Radio and speaker system malfunction, including complete audio loss, random sound cutoff, Bluetooth connectivity failure, and system resets. Infotainment system sometimes remains on when vehicle powered off and cannot be shut down. Amplifier draws power and generates heat even when car is off.
When: Within first 2,000-6,000 miles; some cases within 4 months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete audio loss (radio, navigation, voice commands all mute); Sound cutting off frequently during normal use; Rebooting system does not resolve audio loss; Bluetooth system deletes paired phones unexpectedly; Infotainment system stays on when car is powered off; Cannot completely power down infotainment; push button start ineffective; Amplifier overheating / running when vehicle off; Radio system frequently resets
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced radio/audio head unit in at least one case. Rebooting audio system (holding power button) does not resolve issues. Owners report audio loss sometimes associated with other electrical events (battery drain, etc.).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or TSB cited by owners for audio system failures. One owner mentioned Subaru recall in February meant to prevent electrical issues, but problem persisted after recall work.
Eyesight system malfunction
Forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems behave unpredictably, generating false warnings when no hazard present or disabling completely without warning. Pre-collision braking control malfunction. System disabled during battery or electrical events.
When: Throughout ownership, as early as within first year.
Symptoms owners cite: Forward Collision Avoidance front camera inoperative; Lane Departure warning light on without cause; Pre-collision braking light illuminated erroneously; System disabled unpredictably; False warnings creating dangerous driving conditions; System unreliable for actual collision avoidance
Codes mentioned: EYESIGHT disabled / warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause of failure in at least one case. System disabled during electrical events (battery drain, wiring harness burn). No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific fix or recall cited. Owners note Eyesight was a feature influencing purchase decision, but reliability issues make it a safety concern rather than safety feature.
Engine stalling / loss of power while driving
Engine shuts off completely while driving at highway speed or city speed. Vehicle loses electrical power, steering, or braking capability during stall events. Dashboard warning lights and electrical systems flicker or fail during stalls.
When: Within 16,000 miles; one case at 35 mph on city street, another at 50-55 mph on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving without warning; Dashboard warning lights flash simultaneously; All electrical systems fail or become erratic during stall; Vehicle unable to restart immediately; Steering and brakes work but vehicle immobilized in traffic; Message 'KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED' displayed; Vehicle restarts after delay of 30 minutes to an hour
Codes mentioned: KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED message, CHECK ENGINE light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find cause in one case despite keeping vehicle 4+ days. One incident occurred opposite cell tower; possible interference suspected by owner. Vehicle towed to dealer. One case suspected TCM (transmission control module) fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostics inconclusive. No TSB or recall identified for engine stalling events.
Window / door lock malfunction
Power windows operate intermittently or sluggishly. Electric door locks fail to respond to key fob or electronic triggers when battery drained. Windows may not close fully even when power available.
When: Throughout ownership; multiple owners report slower closing than normal.
Symptoms owners cite: Power windows close more slowly than normal; Door locks unresponsive to key fob when battery drained; Unable to lock/unlock vehicle without manual key; Windows continue operating during battery drain events
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented. Window operation returns to normal when battery recharged.
Brake system issues
Brake replacements required at very low mileage, often within 6 months of ownership. Brakes produce grinding or pulsating noise at low to moderate speeds. Brake action inconsistent and unreliable. Braking performance issues persist despite multiple dealer service visits.
When: Within 6 months of ownership; one case required replacements on four separate occasions.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard pulsating and grinding noise on brakes at low to moderate speeds; Vehicle pulls during braking on curved roads and highways; Feeling that vehicle 'not going to stop in motion'; Brakes making unusual grinding noise even after replacement; Inconsistent and unreliable brake action
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced brakes multiple times (up to four occasions), but grinding and pulsating persists. No permanent fix achieved despite multiple service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered $10,000 settlement (mentioned in one complaint) but details unclear regarding what this settled. No specific recall or TSB for brake issues cited.
Climate control system malfunction
Air conditioning system activates unexpectedly even when set to heating mode. AC compressor kicks in automatically during remote start regardless of temperature settings.
When: Within first year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: AC compressor kicks in when vehicle set to heating mode; AC activates at full speed even in cold weather; Remote start triggers AC regardless of settings; Temperature settings do not control AC behavior
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issue persists after multiple dealer visits.
Synthesized from 98 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I have about 1600mi and have had to jumpstart the ascent 5 times. The dealer says everything checks out, but I continue to have issues with starting the car.
The rear liftgate on our 2020 Subaru Ascent opened on its own during the night of 12/18/21, resulting in a drained battery. The tech dispatched by Subaru roadside assistance stated that there is a software problem resulting in these doors falsly detecting an obstruction and opening the liftgate, which results in a drained battery. The Subaru dealer stated that they could not replicate the problem…
Started having electrical and audio glitches ultimately causing the battery to completely drain
My Subaru ascent 2020 is just 4 mos old and is currenlty at 6kmiles odometer reading. Speaker system stopeed working twice already. Amplifier getting hot even when the car is not used. Last night the car wont start and and all the light inside and out just flickered for a few minutes then died. Had to call roadside assistance to have it jump started. So yeah a 4 month ikd car with battery and…
This is the second time I've had a dead battery problem with my 2020 Subaru Ascent. The first time was 4/2021 and they replaced the battery. The second time is today - dead battery, could not charge or jump start. Tow truck coming to take it to a Subaru dealer.
The care continues to drain power resulting in dead battery. We have had continuous issues since purchasing the vehicle. The Dealer even installed a higher quality battery and due to Subaru admitting tot the problem. However this has not resolved the issue. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times at a factory dealer. We can't be in and out of the care while parked for 45 minutes.…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received an email regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Subaru Ascent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 98 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 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,228 and 10,593 miles, with the median around 6,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,228; a quarter make it past 10,593. 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/2020/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.