general problems of the 2019 Subaru Ascent - part 1

The battery is draining so quick that the car doesnt start at all. The battery drained completely in 3 days and it’s happening more often.

I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent limited model with 96,xxx miles as of January 2025. In 2023, there was a safety recall for the ptc heater ground bolt sent first class mail for multiple year Ascent models. This recall was completed by local Subaru dealership on 3/27/2023 stating "wrl 22 completed. Removed ground bolts and cleaned threads. Found no signs of heat damage. Removed and replaced bolts. " move forward to Saturday, [xxx]. I remote started vehicle from inside the house while on vacation in bristol tennesee. Car was running for roughly 5 minutes, when fire alarms inside the house starting going off. Seemed odd considering nothing was going on inside. Walked inside to see large amounts of white smoke coming from the windows of the Ascent. I was able to jump into the car and turn the engine off. I opened all 4 doors to let the car air out. I checked the engine, nothing seemed off. I then turned my attention to the air cabin filter, everything seemed normal as well. After the engine cooled and aired out, there is smoke damage to the vehicle. I was able to transport the car safely to wallace Subaru which was less than 0. 25 mile from our airbnb. I was quickly notified by the service technician that the car is not safe to drive until it was fixed. After further investigation, it was found that the ptc ground bolt has failed again, and this time melting the wiring harness and bolt around it. This was right next to the carpet and put my life as well as my wife, who is [xxx] and my [xxx] daughter. Thankfully we weren't in the vehicle when this occurred. There was no warning. No check engine light, nothing. No other issues leading into the incident. Car is still parked in bristol TN at the dealership and I am 5 hours away in lexington ky. Subaru has been uncooperative with this situation and is avoiding talking to me or making this situation better. I literally have no answers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Started the vehicle to drive 30 miles for an appointment. While driving, all of the intrument cluster lights illuminated. The eye sight turned off, cruise control no longer worked, parking brake light was illuminated, abs light was illuminated. Tpms light was illuminated. This has occured 2 times before. The fix for the previous issues was to clean the battery terminals.

We have had to replace battery twice and had to have auto club give us a jump start multiple times. We drive this vehicle once or twice a month, but something is causing battery to run down way to fast. Manufacturer claims we need to drive more often. I have always had one car, that burned to much fuel, and was used as an occasional vehicle, but never had this type of problem. Something needs to be provided so that battery does not leak power when it is a low use car. I don’t want the internal lights to turn on when I walk by, or for it to access the internet. I believe that this leaves us vulnerable to non-availability at a critical time. We are planning a multi-week trip and have no idea if car will start when we return. Nor is their a way to disconnect unneeded activity that is draining battery.

Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell when pulling up the mountain. The smell is what I described as a perm solution smell. Each time, the response was 'cannot duplicate. ' in February, I took the car in to have the exhaust inspected because it was getting louder each passing day. I was advised that the entire exhaust needed to be replaced, and I would be responsible for costs. I brought my car home, unrepaired, and called Subaru of America to file a claim through them. I had repeatedly expressed concerns, and nothing was done, yet I'm expected to foot the bill now. Since February 12th, I have been back and forth with Subaru and just made the appointment to get the exhaust work completed, with a small contribution from Subaru. However, this past Saturday, April 13, 2024, my vehicle caught on fire while driving. I am fine, but my vehicle has now been deemed a total loss. As I was descending the mountain, I smelled the same 'perm solution' smell, and shortly after, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke entered the cabin as I pulled off the road. Upon exiting the vehicle, flames and smoke were visible from the hood. I grabbed my purse and ran, called 911, and watched my vehicle engulfed in flames.

Car battery died in store parking lot. Low mileage (24,000). I do lots of short trips and this is a reported problem for 2019 Subaru Ascents. I had to wait 2 hours for someone to bring a charger to drive to auto parts store fire replacement battery.

Battery keeps dying.

The radio started turning on and off repeatedly and does not work. The back door will not open using any of the buttons.

Arrived at my car after traveling for the weekend, and arrived to my car to find out the battery was dead. Nothing on, lights were in auto like normal. The last thing I did after getting out of my SUV was grabbed my suitcase from the trunk. I think it must not of latched correctly and it drained the battery. There is supposed to be a light delay to preserve the battery but it did not work in this case. I still can't open the trunk. This happened once before while camping with our dogs we left the tailgate up to unpack and pack the SUV. We loaded the dogs up to leave the campsite. When we went to start the SUV the battery was dead. Seems leaving the tailgate open drains the battery. The problem is even after we got our car jumped and the car was operating okay, we could not open the tailgate. It just makes a beeping sound like it wants to release but will not open. The manual handle should allow anyone to open the gate even if there is a electrical disturbance. This is a safety issue related to not being able to get our dogs out of the cargo compartment. Our dogs are over 100 lbs and their travel crates are large and need to be opened from the rear of the vehicle.

Car has been not able to roll up driver side window for a year randomly. Suddenly 3 years old and battery is draining and rab and eyesight and engine light on. Took in and saying can’t replicate window after they did replicate it 3 months ago and did not solve issue. Did battery parasitic draw and numerous parts of car are draining battery. Cannot find source.

Rear lift gate drains battery to the point where the vehicle won't start. The tailgate will beep three times, but will not open. Within 24 hours, the battery is insufficient to start it. You have to do a manual override to open the lift gate. The battery, starter and alternator were all tested and had no issues. I have to keep a jump pack in the car as the issue has become more frequent. The local Subaru dealership in mequon, WI said they would replace the battery, but won't replace the module identified in a technical service bulletin for no charge: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2019/mc-10163522-0001. Pdf this seems to be a very common problem with the my19 Ascents.

Car system drains battery for no reason. Opening a trunk or door for a 5-10min to load or unload vehicle is enough to drain a new full battery. This can leave people stranded in parks and remote areas. We have had the battery checked and verified it is good. This problem has happened multiple times on our Ascent.

I parked my Ascent rear facing inside of my garage to unload my groceries. When I opened my hatch at the front button, the hatch only opened halfway. The hatch would not close with the push of the button and had to be closed manually. Once I returned to my Ascent to go somewhere, the hatch sensor beeped repeatedly, while driving, until coming to a complete stop. Once driving continued, the sensor continued beeping. This occurred with two straight vehicle drives. The entire course of the drive. I parked the Ascent in my garage and returned to the car the next morning and the Ascent would not start. Aaa came to do a jumpstart with no remedy. We replaced the battery with a new, borrowed battery and the car started immediately with no beeping. We charged the old battery and replaced the new battery and the Ascent had no other issues, including easy startup and no beeping. There were no warning lights for any of the issues including the hatch or the battery.

Battery went dead after leaving tailgate open for 1hr.

My vehicle won’t stay charged. We replaced the battery and still every single time I go out to start it it’s completely dead and I have to get it jumped.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: tbd (electrical system), manufacturer recall number: wrl22, however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that she became aware that the VIN was included in a recall. The VIN tool confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 22v907000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was not notified of the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that she would be notified within 24 hours. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Battery dead, once 6 months ago when rear gate opened and closed several times before staying open for a few hours before neighbor asked if I knew it was open. Battery dead after driving to 2 stops on 10/24/22 then dead again in airport parking on 10/28/22 when returning from trip. Took into dealership 10/29/22 and problem confirmed although not sure if it is the battery or charging the battery. No warning lamps. Have to wait by myself until I can get a jump start. Don’t know when or where it might not start, puts my safety at risk by not knowing where or at what time of day or night I might be stranded.

2019 Subaru Ascent experience battery drain. Was able to start after jump and had 13 volts when returned home. Next morning it did start, barely, but was down to just above 12 volts. Appears to be the electrical system drain.

Vehicle has experienced total loss of power while driving under normal circumstances. This has occurred in a drive-thru, at 45 and 50mph, and also twice during 70mph highway driving. The entire vehicle shuts down and multiple dash board lights illuminate at the time of power loss. I first documented this on 4/7/22 and it randomly occurs every month, once it even happened twice in the same day. I had called the dealership (where I purchased the vehicle and have it serviced) multiple times throughout the spring and summer awaiting parts for the tcm recall with the assumption that this could be the issue. However , my vehicle passed the recall and even after the new tcm was placed on 8/19, I again had the same event on 10/1. Vehicle was taken in on 10/6 for diagnostics on this issue again and nothing found. I do not feel like the dealership has been accurately documenting my issues so I will need to be more persistent in getting someone to address the problem as this could be a serious safety issue.

Subaru Ascent issues with electrical system and battery. Engine cranks longer than it should before starting- anywhere from 5 to 25 seconds. Battery dead multiple times. Have taken to Subaru multiple times, they replaced the batter once but have ignored repeated requests to fix the issue of parasitic battery drain from faulty electrical system.

Electrical (dead battery) issues. On 4 or 5 different days during the last 3 years, I have attempted to start my car and found the battery completely drained. In March of 2022, I replaced the battery at my own expense ($235. 30). I assumed this would surely cure the problem. However, another dead battery on 8-18-22. I learned (at that time) there are numerous 2019 Subaru Ascent owners with similar problems.

My battery continues to drain prematurely. It’s been replaced twice within the year, and I just took it in for a 3rd time and the Subaru service department cannot diagnose the problem claiming my batteries were bad. There has to be an electrical problem. I’ve never owned a car with this issue and it’s less than 3 years old. It’s left me stranded with my children.

Parked car in garage last night. All working properly. Attempted to start car in morning: tailgate open and no electrical activity car battery dead.

Electrical system repeatedly malfunctions. Intermittent starting and shut-off issues, rear hatch will not properly operate, per dealer the radio was replaced, and periodic unexplained battery drain issues resulting in replacement of battery. Dash warnings are displayed for no apparent reason. When radio was replaced there were still issues and dealer said it "would take a few days for the issues to resolve. " even after battery and radio replacement periodic shutting off car and restarting is necessary for volume control and station change. Safety could be an issue if car will not start, or shut off as related in a timeline attachment. Dealer is unable to reproduce periodic/intermittent issues.

I am experiencing battery drain. I have replaced the battery and had the starter and alternator checked. Everything is fine, but the battery continues to drain inappropriately. Yes, the battery and electrical system are available for inspectioon. My son and I have been left stranded on multiple occasions, risking our safety. The vehicle was inspected and the problem confirmed by an independent service center, b & g automotive, eugene, or. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? there were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? battery was drained completely when rear hatch is opened for the short period of time to unload stuffs from the car. Similar situation happened when the car was about a year old. When rear hatch was opened for less than an hour to sit at rear part of the car and watch an event, battery was completely drained and we had to call road side service to restart the car. My car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? both of my cases did not caused safety issue. But it will be a serious safety issue if it happens at a remote location where there is no other car or cell phone signal to call for help. Our family do travel to remote location where there is no cell phone signal. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I am very sure that problem can be reproduce by simply opening rear hatch for a while. When I took car to the dealer, the representative was aware of the issue but was not willing to provide free service to fix the issue because basic warranty was expired. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no. It first happened when the car was about a year old (12,000 miles).

Spent 5 hours at a tailgate/beach event with the rear lift gate open. I made sure that interior lights were off to avoid draining the battery with the lift gate open. When we were ready to leave, the car battery was dead. We were panicked because we have a 5mo old and had to track down another driver to borrow jumper cables. Once home, we discovered that the lift gate will always draw power from the battery unless you trick the hatch lock with an off-market device or carabiner clip.

Battery drains and goes dead at least once a month. Battery was replaced by dealer and still having battery drain issues.

2019 Subaru Ascent with a battery draining for no known reason. Found the lift gate open one evening in the garage when I had not driven the car recently, though had been in the garage and not noticed the issue. Replaced the battery and it was dead within a week. Spoke with a Subaru dealership who denies knowing anything about this issue and stated the diagnostic could take 10-20 hours at over $100. 00/hr in certain cases. Really!!!.

My battery drains rapidly on many occasions, and as you can assume it is never a fun time being stranded. When you own a car this expensive, you expect it to work. We have replaced the battery twice already in our 2019. The car completely shuts down with the drained battery and leaves you stranded and begging for a battery jump. With two kids and being a women this leaves me vulnerable to many dangers. I would say including the time Subaru replaced the battery and the time my husband replaced it, we have lost total power due to this failure a dozen times or more. If I’m loading feed bags or recycling and the trunk is open for more then 30 minutes ,without the car being turned on burning fuel and releasing carbon dioxide into my face, the car will die. I am aware of it’s sensitive battery and try to avoid these situations, but it happened again on vacation this weekend prompting me to be quite angry with the car. It is a definite issue with the Subaru its-self and not an error on its humans part. The car battery drains completely because of wiring issues. The defect has cost me over $500 plus hours of stress and anxiety. I’d like to join the class action law suit against Subaru. After reading that they, Subaru corporation, claim no responsibility.

Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what the lift-gate will remain in a locked and fixed state. The only (temporary) fix is to manually disconnect the battery terminals and "reset" the car. No warning lights are displayed, dealership is unable to "find" a trouble code or fix. This is an ongoing problem, occurring with intermittent frequency. This is certainly a safety issue, as a rear occupant can be trapped in case of an emergency.

Sunday, car wouldn’t start. Even though lights and display came on, engine wouldn’t turn over until I got a jump. After car started, center console went black and all infotainment, bluetooth and rear view camera ceased to work. Drove hour and a half on highway. Monday morning, battery completely dead. Had to jump again. Now, center screen working, but seems to be battery issue. We had similar car starting problems before and replaced battery less than a year ago February 2021!!!.

Recently have had issues with the battery. I've had to jump the car 4 times in the last month. The car was purchased in August 2021. I believe the electrical system is draining the battery.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would resume normal operation soon after failure. The contact called a dealer and an appointment was made to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.