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ProblemsByVin Index / 2022-SUBARU-ASCENT / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2022 Subaru Ascent owner complaints

53 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

powertrain 7 complaints shown

13 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/28/2023 ODI #11562472.0

I was sitting in a long line of stopped cars. I looked in my mirrors to move to the right lane. I made sure no vehicles were coming. I pressed on the accelerator to move, and nothing happened. In a panic I quickly repeated pressing the accelerator and nothing happened. The third time the car finally moved forward. I was terrified that someone would come along quickly in the right lane a hit my car. I also had a passenger that was speechless about the incident. Now I feel unsafe to drive the car. This has happened one time previously, but I thought it was a fluke. Also, like many other comments the transmission shudders sometimes but not often. I waited to buy a new 2022 Ascent Limited because I read where the transmission issue had been fixed. Mentioned it to the service advisor and he lau

11/17/2022 ODI #11494039.0

When accelerating from a stop it sometimes shudders as if it cannot decide which ratio to use in the CVT. it can get pretty severe and I am afraid that it will tear the transmission apart if it continues.

10/31/2023 ODI #11552904.0

The transmission jerks and slips after accelerating from stops. It causes the car to jitter and not accelerate when necessary while in traffic. After taking it to the service center multiple times, the problem was reproduced with a service technician in the car. The tech had a computer connected to the diagnostic box. The service tech stated that he completed a computer update to correct the issue. The issue is still happening and I've returned the vehicle to the service center at least 3 times since the "computer fix". The issue happens every day during my morning and evening commutes. The manufacturer hasn't inspected the vehicle. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before, during, or after the issue.

09/30/2024 ODI #11617218.0

At approximately 10000 miles the drive train (transmission) developed a shuddering while driving. This occurs at any speed but more frequently at 45-60 MPH. The frequency of this problem has increased with the vehicle which now has 45202 miles. It is now occurring periodically at acceleration from a complete stop. The problem has been reported to the dealer at every service. It was evaluated by the service department for a 4-day period in which they could not duplicate the problem. However, they only drove the vehicle 20.2 miles during this evaluation. It is unknown if this may lead to a safety issue, but it produces a very uncomfortable driving experience and distraction while driving. There is no warning lamp associated with this problem at this time.

09/08/2022 ODI #11483461.0

The transmission of my 2022 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate. While maintaining speed I can also feel a shutter or flutter. As if it is trying to decide what ratio to keep. Even though I’m on flat ground and maintaining speed. It is a similar feeling to the transmission of y 2020 ascent I got rid of because of the fear of safety.

08/29/2023 ODI #11541506.0

CVT issues. Shuddering of transmission (acts like it's slipping), either on slight incline or even flat road. Delayed acceleration when needed, feels unsafe if I ever need to avoid a situation by accelerating. At least 2 occurrences when car shut off due to transmission lurching (while driving). This issue has been happening from purchase. The head unit continues to buzz, freeze, and reset itself during carplay (known issue with the software). Have been told an update is coming, but it never does. The concern is navigation disappearing when driving and not returning, making it unsafe to operate vehicle and phone at the same time. This issue has been happening from purchase.

08/29/2023 ODI #11541546.0

The car would not move when stopped at a light. I had to call for roadside assistance. They now say the car needs a new transmission. It. Only has 9200 miles.

brakes 5 complaints shown

9 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $450 · see brakes cluster analysis →
11/23/2023 ODI #11556541.0

Brake making squeaky noise when it's being applied. This happened less than 30,000 miles during April 2023. I went to dealership during a routine oil change and the service tech found nothing wrong. I took it to road trip and it was to the point where the vehicle shakes and everyone else around me could hear it when we apply the brake. I took it to another dealership and the service manager said he has seen several vehicle came in and the caliper sticks to the brake pad, so they had to change the inner brake system as well as the rotor. Well, after changing it in July, it is now November and I am hearing the squeak again so I know it will get worst very soon. It seems like the dealership that changed it knew it was happening to other 2022 Ascent vehicles, too. I scheduled an appointment w

11/22/2022 2,076 mi ODI #11494550.0

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 2,076.

09/21/2022 ODI #11485650.0

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. I have contacted Subaru Corporate and they continue to direct me to the dealership. Meanwhile I do not feel the brakes are working correctly and fear there is a safety issue.

08/14/2023 ODI #11538520.0

The brakes have felt under-designed since purchase and began to chatter when applied shortly after purchase. This progressed to the point where the shaking was felt at every braking and we had several passengers ask "what is wrong with your brakes". The braking became progressively worse to the point we were concerned for our safety and those sharing the road with us. Called dealership and spoke with our service advisor. They said they had no other reports but would take a look. Technician confirmed the rotors were warped and both front rotors were "resurfaced" and "front brake pads adjusted". We have had no problems since the repair. The repair was done at 17608 miles. No warning lights or messages came on.

07/31/2025 38,000 mi ODI #11677586.0

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and resumed driving repeatedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the same dealer had previously repaired the brakes under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer even though the contact had safety concerns.

other 4 complaints shown

09/04/2022 ODI #11482855.0

The panoramic moonroof stopped working and was stuck open, making a grinding sound when trying to close. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the issue. The issue was reviewed by a Subaru dealership, they were able to recreate the issue, and they replaced the parts to fix the issue, covered under warranty.

07/31/2023 ODI #11535607.0

When driving and lane lines change width the car tried to street across them at highway speeds. Happens regularly.

07/19/2023 ODI #11533259.0

This observation/complaint is about a 2022 Subaru Ascent automobile, which I own. When the gas cap is loose, the car's computer disables several safety features, including collision avoidance, lane control, cruise control, reverse-automatic-braking control, all occur suddenly, while driving, after the computer processes the fault. Upon securing the gas cap and ostensibly fixing the problem, the computer MAY continue to disable said safety features for (according to Subaru Service agents) multiple days for as long as 30 days. On 7/2/23, while driving, several warning lights illuminated in the instrument cluster advising of the loss of many safety features. After stopping and reading the owners manual, I inspected and confirmed that the gas cap was properly sealed. That action did not

07/13/2023 ODI #11531983.0

The Automatic liftgate in the rear of the vehicle upon opening, closes suddenly and immediately. I am not touching the key fob or anything. This happened several times and hit me on the head. The dealer has replaced the liftgate motor, but it happened again. This is dangerous and can be harmful to adults or children standing behind a vehicle.

visibility 1 complaint shown

7 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $350 · see visibility cluster analysis →
12/26/2022 ODI #11498823.0

2022 Ascent. Windshield cracked in cold weather. No impact.

engine 1 complaint shown

4 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
08/18/2024 ODI #11609222.0

Stopped car turned car off, smoke started to come from under the hood on right side. Turned car on and “low oil” came on, turned car off and exited car. The smell of oil was noted and a light white colored smoke was continuing to rise from under hood. Proceeded to call dealership for advice

wheels 1 complaint shown

07/20/2024 ODI #11603540.0

2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also did not look over the car since its new they also sent me on my way and I asked for an inspection nothing. I call the dealership a week ago to speak to the service manager so I can get the info for the extended warranty since I am having these issues and its close to 20K miles now and they have not done anything regarding the issue. Waited never sent the info and before I could take it to the deale

Showing 300 of 53 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Subaru/Ascent#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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