2022 Subaru Ascent Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Transmission issues are the primary concern, with reports of slipping and shuddering that can lead to costly repairs.
- Inspect service brakes thoroughly for signs of premature wear or vibration, as these are frequently reported problems.
- The windshield is prone to cracking and chipping, suggesting a potential material fragility that could lead to replacement costs.
- A single recall exists for the PTC heater ground bolt; ensure this has been addressed by a dealer.
2022 Subaru Ascent
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that offers standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable family-hauling experience. However, used-car shoppers should be aware of its mixed reliability record. While it boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a high number of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain and service brakes, warrant close examination. It's powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and achieves 23 MPG combined.
Critical Failure Risk
The transmission may hesitate, slip between gears, or exhibit shuddering during acceleration. This is a significant concern reported by owners.
Early detection can help you avoid a $2,500-$5,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
Watch-outs include high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Families seeking a safe and capable three-row SUV with standard AWD.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers prioritizing absolute mechanical dependability above all else.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2022 Subaru Ascent Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2022 Subaru Ascent.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 7
- Transmission
- Automatic (AV-S8)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23
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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 11 reports
2. Braking System
Usage: 10 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter)
Est. shop cost: $75 - $100
Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.
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FAQ
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2022 Subaru Ascent is 8.5/10. Reliability score is 8.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 1. Owner complaints: 64.
How practical is the 2022 Subaru Ascent for daily use?
Practicality score is 6.8/10. Watch-outs include high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 7. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 2449 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2022 Subaru Ascent is 7.9/10. Overall score is 7.9/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 6.8/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) at 3,750 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 85,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,500 • Max: $5,000).
What engine is in the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.
What transmission does the 2022 Subaru Ascent use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, transmission is Automatic (AV-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
12 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2022 Subaru Ascent?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, seating capacity is 7.
What body style is the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2022 Subaru Ascent use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Ascent, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S8).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a family-oriented SUV not designed for performance tuning.
What are the most common power train problems on the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
Top complaint category: power train (11 reports, 17.2% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
This model year has 1 official safety campaigns listed.