2025 Subaru Ascent recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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."
What could happen: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 custome…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2025 ASCENT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V436000 (manufacturer code WRH-26).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-844-373-6614.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2025 Subaru Ascent owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (4), Steering (2), Electrical system (2), Engine (2), Body / structure (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/21/2026 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
The contact owned a 2025 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with a foot on the brake pedal, the engine suddenly revved loudly and unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle crashed into a pole head-on and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed a total loss. The contact sustained cuts on the hands…
08/17/2026 · Airbags
Was getting out the car the door shut car door and side curtain on drivers side and drivers seats airbag deployed. My children were in the car no injuries during event. But, could have depending on when the airbags would have deployed if not then. Please inspect. Had manufacturer come inspect and was denied repair. No lamps or messaged reported. (Nothing wa…
07/23/2026 · Steering
2025 Subaru Ascent has a popping noise randomly usually when turning left. Dealership services can not find the source.
06/26/2026 · Steering
The car will spontaneously brake for no reason while driving forward and reverse. The steering wheel will spontaneously steer you out of the lane. The doors will lock while you are in the car and you can't get out for about 30 seconds. The deck door will come down on you unexpectedly while loading items. It has hit us in the head or makes us twist our back…
06/25/2026 · Forward Collision Avoidance
Traveling in my 2025 Subaru Ascent with cruise control set at 50mph. Bright sunny day, no shadows on the road and no vehicles in front of me. My vehicle slammed on the brakes out of nowhere. Held deceleration about 5-7 seconds and then resumed cruising speed. The road I was on is generally busy. I got very lucky there was no one behind me or I would…
06/03/2026 · Electrical system
31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete…
05/03/2026 · Body / structure
The window pillars on the passenger side deformed on exposure to sunlight reflected from our house windows; in less than 6 months of ownership! We are the original owners and took possession in June 2025. Both the local Subaru dealer and Subaru USA have been involved. Subaru USA Case number is: 251230 - 1500232. Subaru will NOT cover this despite us having…
02/28/2026 · Unknown Or Other
While driving the passenger door window behind the driver burst, then began falling into the car. The safety issue would have occurred if one of my grandchildren were sitting there. Also, the startling event of it just bursting and possible causing a jerk in the car. The dealer said that they have not heard of this and would not repair under warranty (br…