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Recall Campaigns
5
Federal recall campaigns
Urgent Safety Directives
1
Do Not Drive / Park Outside
Affected Subsystems
5
Electrical System, Fuel & Propulsion System
Authorized Remedy
100% Free
Mandated dealer repair by law
Federal Safety Campaign Analysis

Executive Recall Findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 5 official safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Electrical System, Fuel & Propulsion System, Other / Miscellaneous. NHTSA records include 1 campaign carrying an official Park Outside safety advisory.

VIN Specificity Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is open.
Campaign Status & Legal Rights
  • • Federal Authority: Recalls administered under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301.
  • • Free Dealer Remedy: Under federal law, safety defect repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers.
  • • High-Priority Warnings: 1 campaign(s) include urgent Do Not Drive or Park Outside instructions.
  • • Latest Campaign Filing: Recorded on July 7, 2026.
Federal Directives

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (5)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

⚠️ PARK OUTSIDE ADVISORY — Park outside and away from structures until remedy is completed.
NHTSA Campaign #22V907000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Filed: December 8, 2022

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer 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.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #26V436000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Filed: July 7, 2026

What is defective?

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."

Safety Risk / Consequence

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

Authorized Free Dealer 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 are expected to be mailed August 25, 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.

NHTSA Campaign #21V955000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Filed: December 9, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

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

Authorized Free Dealer 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.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V954000 STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Filed: December 9, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

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

Authorized Free Dealer 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.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Filed: July 29, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

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

Authorized Free Dealer 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.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Subsystem Scope

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2020 Subaru Ascent

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

01 1 CAMPAIGN

Electrical System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Electrical System subsystem.

101 Consumer Complaints →
02 1 CAMPAIGN

Fuel & Propulsion System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Fuel & Propulsion System subsystem.

14 Consumer Complaints →
03 1 CAMPAIGN

Other / Miscellaneous

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Other / Miscellaneous subsystem.

34 Consumer Complaints →
04 1 CAMPAIGN

Powertrain & Transmission

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Powertrain & Transmission subsystem.

57 Consumer Complaints →
05 1 CAMPAIGN

Steering System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Steering System subsystem.

2 Consumer Complaints →
Fleet History

Recall History for Subaru Ascent

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2019–2026)

Model Year NHTSA Recalls NHTSA Complaints Detailed Report
2019 Subaru Ascent 9 439 View 2019 Recalls →
2020 Subaru Ascent Current Page 5 319 Current
2021 Subaru Ascent 2 100 View 2021 Recalls →
2022 Subaru Ascent 2 55 View 2022 Recalls →
2023 Subaru Ascent 4 43 View 2023 Recalls →
2024 Subaru Ascent 1 48 View 2024 Recalls →
2025 Subaru Ascent 1 14 View 2025 Recalls →
2026 Subaru Ascent 1 0 View 2026 Recalls →
Consumer Checklist

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns apply to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and manufacturing date ranges. To verify if your individual vehicle has an uncompleted safety recall:

  • Locate your 17-character VIN on the driver's side door jamb or dashboard.
  • Enter the VIN into the official NHTSA recall lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
  • Contact any franchised Subaru dealership to schedule a free remedy appointment.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 711)
Related Workstations

Related Official Reports for 2020 Subaru Ascent

Explore owner problem reports and crash safety ratings for this model year

← 2020 Subaru Ascent Overview

Key performance indicators, EPA fuel economy specs, powertrain variants, and summary ratings.

2020 Subaru Ascent Owner Complaints (319) →

NHTSA defect complaints breakdown across all vehicle subsystems and recurring symptoms.

2020 Subaru Ascent Safety & Crash Ratings →

NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash test results, driver assistance systems, and rollover ratings.

2020 Subaru Ascent MPG & Range →

EPA fuel economy ratings, electric range, and annual energy cost benchmarks.
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Safety Recalls & Federal Directives for the 2020 Subaru Ascent

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2020 Subaru Ascent

How many safety recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is associated with 5 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns, affecting systems including Electrical System, Fuel & Propulsion System, Other / Miscellaneous.

A recall campaign listing indicates that a safety defect or noncompliance standard was determined for specific production runs of this vehicle model year.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

Are there urgent 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' warnings for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Yes. Federal recall records for the 2020 Subaru Ascent include 1 campaign with high-priority safety directives including a Park Outside advisory.

Urgent directives are issued when an unreasonable risk of severe injury or fire exists prior to authorized dealer repair.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database

Are recall repairs free for the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge.

Federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301) requires manufacturers and franchised dealers to provide authorized safety recall repairs at no cost to the vehicle owner. Because campaigns apply to specific production runs and option packages, vehicle owners must verify their 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm individual applicability.

Source: National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301)

Does a recall campaign apply to every 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Not necessarily. Model-year recall campaigns typically apply to specific vehicle production date ranges, assembly plants, or optional equipment packages.

AutoUtility's model-year records describe campaign scope; owners must check their individual 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm if an open recall applies to their specific vehicle.

Source: NHTSA VIN Lookup Service
Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database under 49 U.S.C. 30118.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.