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 ↗2022 Subaru Ascent powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Subaru Ascent have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ascent | 80 |
| 2020 Ascent | 54 |
| 2021 Ascent | 16 |
| 2022 Ascent (this page) | 13 |
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Subaru Ascent we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (13).
Powertrain accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
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 ↗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 ↗This Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 CVT-equipped vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Ascent CVT transmission is generating consistent complaints about loss of drive and unpredictable shuddering. Owners describe two main scenarios: the vehicle outright refusing to move when the accelerator is pressed (requiring multiple attempts or sitting dead at stoplights), and the transmission shuddering or jerking during acceleration or cruise, as though it cannot decide what gear to use.
Loss-of-drive incidents have put owners in real danger—one owner nearly got rear-ended by a semi while unable to accelerate on the highway; another was rear-ended after emergency braking when the car suddenly lurched. A third owner sat dead at a stoplight with no movement, requiring roadside assistance at just 9,200 miles.
Shuddering starts early (10,000 miles or from purchase) and worsens over time. Owners report it at any speed but more often between 45–60 mph. One owner drove their 2020 Ascent with the same issue before trading it in, then received a recall notice—only to experience identical symptoms in the 2022 model.
No warning lights appear before or during failures. Dealerships have performed software updates and, in some cases, transmitted replacement, yet owners return with the same problems. Several owners cite situations where the dealer evaluated the vehicle but only drove it minimally and claimed they couldn't reproduce the issue—directly contradicting owners who can trigger it daily.
One owner documented the slipping on video. Another had a technician perform a computer diagnostic while riding along, implement a "fix," and the problem persisted within days.
Same Subaru Ascent powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
CVT slipping and loss of drive
Transmission fails to engage or moves sluggishly when driver presses accelerator. Vehicle may not move at all from a stop, or takes multiple accelerator attempts before engaging. Occurs unpredictably and creates dangerous merging/passing situations.
When: From around 10,000–23,000 miles onward; one case at 9,200 miles; cold mornings cited; occurs during daily commuting and traffic situations
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle won't move when accelerator pressed; delayed or no acceleration response; multiple accelerator presses needed to engage; loss of power while merging or passing; no warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission replacement at 115,000 miles; another had transmission replaced under warranty after multiple dealership visits; software updates attempted but failed to resolve issue in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates performed at dealerships; transmission replacement authorized under warranty in some cases; dealerships unable to replicate issue during evaluation periods (in one case drove vehicle only 20.2 miles); Subaru of America involved in one case; buyback offered in one case but never followed through
CVT shuddering and jerking
Transmission shudders, stutters, or jerks during acceleration from stops or while maintaining speed on flat ground. Owners describe it as slipping, hesitating, or the transmission 'not deciding which ratio to use.' Occurs frequently and increases over vehicle lifetime.
When: Starting as early as 10,000 miles; increases in frequency with mileage; occurs during acceleration and at 45–60 mph cruise; one case present since purchase; morning cold starts noted
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering/stuttering during acceleration; jerking sensation from complete stop; transmission feels like it's slipping; hesitation before lunging forward; difficulty deciding gear ratio while cruising; jittering sensation
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported computer diagnostic performed with technician riding along; one owner has video documentation of transmission slipping; no repairs have resolved the shuddering in reported cases despite multiple service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software/computer updates attempted at dealership; issue reported at every service visit by some owners; dealerships unable to duplicate issue during evaluation despite owners being able to reproduce it easily; no manufacturer inspection in multiple cases
Aggressive downshift and transmission disengagement
Vehicle downshifts aggressively while descending hills or under load, causing momentary disengagement and loss of power. Engine overheats and vehicle becomes unsafe to operate.
When: Downhill driving; vehicle hot
Symptoms owners cite: aggressive downshift causing disengagement; scary loss of power on hill; vehicle overheating and smoking; owner afraid to continue driving
Transmission whining and complete failure
Whining sound from transmission followed by complete failure and loss of propulsion. Vehicle required full transmission replacement.
When: At approximately 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: whining sound from transmission; vehicle failed to properly accelerate; complete transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no assistance provided
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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…
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.
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…
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 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.
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…
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.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Subaru Ascent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 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?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 115,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2022/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.