NHTSA DATA SNAPSHOT · SEP 21 2026MODEL MATCH ≠ VIN MATCHCHECK A VIN AT NHTSA ↗
RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2020 Subaru Ascent recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 5 safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, spanning 5 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

URGENT CAMPAIGN FLAG

NHTSA records include a Park Outside advisory for at least one campaign associated with 2020 Subaru Ascent. Open the campaign and verify the VIN before operating or parking the vehicle.

Distinct campaigns5not VIN-specific
Component groups5distinct top-level categories
Latest recordJuly 7, 2026report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2020 Subaru Ascent recall campaigns

The 2020 Subaru Ascent report contains 5 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 26V436000 dated July 7, 2026.
PARK OUTSIDE
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Report received
December 8, 2022
Potential units
271,694campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

Why it matters: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Owner notification: January 25, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 26V436000

Component
EQUIPMENT
Report received
July 7, 2026
Potential units
541,237campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims.".

Why it matters: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.

Owner notification: Date not reported · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 21V955000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
December 9, 2021
Potential units
198,255campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Why it matters: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Owner notification: August 19, 2022 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 21V954000

Component
STEERING
Report received
December 9, 2021
Potential units
1,305campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.

Why it matters: The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.

Owner notification: February 7, 2022 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Report received
July 29, 2021
Potential units
175,968campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Why it matters: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Owner notification: September 24, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The most frequent component groups in 2020 Subaru Ascent campaign records are Fuel System, Gasoline (1), Steering (1), Power Train (1), Electrical System (1), Equipment (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Steering1
Power Train1
Electrical System1
Equipment1

03 / MODEL-YEAR CONTEXT

How the 2020 Subaru Ascent compares across model years

RecallRoad publishes 3 model-year reports for the Subaru Ascent, spanning 2019–2023; each year keeps its NHTSA campaign count separate.
Open the complete Subaru Ascent model history →