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2020 Subaru Ascent

2020 Subaru Ascent: the electrical system tops the owner complaints

Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA. The electrical system is the most reported area at 32%, followed by the power train (17%) and the windshield and wipers (16%). No deaths are reported. The brakes draw the fewest complaints of these areas but the most crashes (2) and injuries (2), so they are worth a close look on a test drive.

Most reported areas

Electrical System safety 32%
The single biggest complaint: 101 reports (32%), including 1 with fire. No crashes or injuries reported in this area.
Power Train0 17%
Second most reported: 55 reports (17%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries logged. Watch for vibration or wobble at speed on a test drive.
Visibility/Wiper0 16%
49 reports (16%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries. Owners commonly mention windshield cracks and chips.
Engine safety 9%
29 reports (9%), tied to 1 crash, with no fires or injuries. A smaller but recurring complaint area.
Service Brakes safety 8%
The fewest of these areas at 26 reports (8%), but the most serious by outcome: 2 crashes and 2 injuries. Test the brakes thoroughly.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 316 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.