GradeSubaru Ascent Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Subaru Ascent
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Subaru Ascent earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 965 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Subaru Ascent reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2019–2020 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Subaru Ascent last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Subaru Ascent vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B | C+ | B- |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | B- |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | B- |
| Honda Pilot | C | C+ | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | B- | C | C+ |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C+ |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C+ |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C+ | C+ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | C- | B | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | D | C- | D |
| Kia Sorento | D | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
Own a Subaru Ascent?
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Rate your AscentSubaru Ascent reliability FAQ
Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?
Average reliability. The Subaru Ascent earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 965 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Subaru Ascent last?
We estimate a well-maintained Subaru Ascent lasts around 170,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Subaru Ascent?
No Subaru Ascent model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2021, 2022 and 2023.
What Subaru Ascent years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Subaru Ascent years to be most careful with are 2019 and 2020. The 2019 grades a D overall (engine C+, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers. The 2020 grades a D overall (engine C+, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers.
Is the Subaru Ascent transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Ascent transmission a C- (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Subaru Ascent engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Ascent engine a B (above-average reliability).