Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid – Subaru has always been known for its practicality, reliability, and longevity. And with the release of the Subaru Ascent in 2019, the Japanese automaker entered the crowded midsize SUV market.
The Ascent was designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer, and it has quickly become a popular choice for families looking for a capable and spacious SUV.
However, not all years of the Subaru Ascent are created equal.
While some years have been praised for their reliability and safety, others have been plagued by issues that have left owners frustrated and unhappy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Subaru Ascent years to avoid and the best years to buy.
Subaru Ascent Years to Avoid
Before we dive into the best years for the Subaru Ascent, it’s important to first take a look at the years that should be avoided.
While Subaru has a reputation for building reliable cars, some Ascent model years have had more problems than others.
2019 Subaru Ascent
The first model year for the Subaru Ascent, the 2019 model, had a number of issues that owners reported. The most common complaint was related to the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Many owners reported that the CVT would shudder or jerk when accelerating from a stop or when driving at low speeds. Some owners experienced problems with the infotainment system freezing or crashing.
Another issue with the 2019 Ascent was related to the vehicle’s front-end suspension. Some owners reported that the suspension would make a clunking noise or would feel loose while driving.
While this issue wasn’t as widespread as the CVT issue, it still affected a significant number of owners.
Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is a model year to avoid if you’re in the market for a used Ascent. The issues with the CVT and suspension make it a risky choice, and there are better years available.
2020 Subaru Ascent
The 2020 Subaru Ascent had fewer reported problems than the 2019 model, but it still had its fair share of issues. The most common complaint was related to the infotainment system, which would sometimes freeze or crash.
Some owners reported that the adaptive cruise control would not work as intended, which could be a safety concern.
Another issue with the 2020 Ascent was related to the windshield. Some owners reported that the windshield would crack or chip easily, and replacement windshields were not always readily available.
While the 2020 Subaru Ascent is generally considered to be a reliable car, the issues with the infotainment system and adaptive cruise control should be taken into consideration if you’re looking to buy a used Ascent from this model year.
Best Years for the Subaru Ascent
Now that we’ve covered the years of the Subaru Ascent to avoid, let’s take a look at the years that are considered the best.
2021 Subaru Ascent
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is widely considered to be the best year for this midsize SUV. It has received high marks from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for its reliability and safety, and it has few reported problems from owners.
One of the standout features of the 2021 Ascent is its standard all-wheel drive. This makes it a great choice for families who live in areas with harsh weather conditions.
The 2021 Ascent has a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a great choice for families with children.
Another great feature of the 2021 Subaru Ascent is its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management.
These features make the 2021 Ascent one of the safest cars on the road.
Overall, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and practical midsize SUV.
2018 Subaru Ascent
While the 2019 model year was a bit of a miss for Subaru, the 2018 model year was a hit. The 2018 Subaru Ascent was the first year of the Ascent’s production, and it was a great debut.
It received high marks from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for its reliability and safety, and it had few reported problems from owners.
One of the standout features of the 2018 Ascent is its spacious and comfortable interior. It can seat up to eight passengers, and it has plenty of legroom and cargo space.
The 2018 Ascent has a standard all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for families living in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Another great feature of the 2018 Subaru Ascent is its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management.
These features make the 2018 Ascent one of the safest cars on the road.
The 2018 Subaru Ascent is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and practical midsize SUV.
Tips for Buying A Used Subaru Ascent
If you’re considering buying a used Subaru Ascent, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get a good deal and a reliable car.
1. First, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly before purchasing it. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and make sure to take it for a test drive to get a feel for how it handles on the road.
2. Second, consider the car’s mileage. While Subaru has a reputation for longevity, higher mileage can increase the likelihood of problems down the road.
Look for a car with a lower mileage if possible.
3. Third, consider where you’re buying the car from. Buying from a reputable dealership or a private seller with a good reputation can increase the likelihood of getting a reliable car.
4. Finally, consider getting a vehicle history report before purchasing a used Subaru Ascent. This can give you important information about the car’s history, including any accidents it may have been in, any previous owners, and any service history.
Why is the Ascent unreliable?
It’s important to note that the Subaru Ascent, in general, is not considered an unreliable car. However, there have been some issues reported with certain model years, such as the 2019 and 2020 models, which had a higher incidence of engine problems.
Does the Subaru Ascent have issues?
Like any car, the Subaru Ascent can experience issues, but overall it has a good reputation for reliability and safety. Some model years have had more reported problems than others, such as the 2019 and 2020 models with engine issues.
Is Ascent bigger than the pilot?
Yes, the Subaru Ascent is slightly bigger than the Honda Pilot in terms of overall length and width. However, the Honda Pilot has slightly more interior space than the Ascent.
Is The Ascent recall fire risk?
The Subaru Ascent has not been recalled due to fire risk as of the time of writing. However, like any car, it may be subject to recalls for other issues or defects.
Is the Subaru Ascent fun to drive?
The Subaru Ascent is generally not considered a particularly fun car to drive, as it prioritizes practicality and safety over sportiness. It does handle well and has a comfortable ride.
Where is Subaru Ascent built?
The Subaru Ascent is built in Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Is Subaru Ascent bigger than Forester?
Yes, the Subaru Ascent is bigger than the Subaru Forester in terms of overall size and interior space. The Ascent is a midsize SUV, while the Forester is a compact SUV.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year when buying a used Subaru Ascent is important to ensure that you get a reliable and safe car. While some years have been plagued by issues, others have received high marks for their reliability and safety.
The 2021 and 2018 Subaru Ascent are considered to be the best years, while the 2019 and 2020 models should be avoided.
When buying a used Subaru Ascent, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly, consider the car’s mileage, buy from a reputable seller, and get a vehicle history report.
With these tips in mind, you can find a great used Subaru Ascent that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.