Table 1 shows one common steering related problems of the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
Component- steering locks safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was to tow the vehicle the vehicle to dealership. Online fix is to man handle the steering wheel and turn it in the direction of the tension. Pulling into a normal parking space should not create the tension necessary for the steering wheel to lock. I have been on Subaru Ascent form us and this seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Mine has been inspected for the last occurrence and was told battery issue. The other times there were no battery issues and dealerships cannot find issues. Warning light only lights up after steering wheel locks up and vehicle cannot be started. The safety risk for me is being stranded - and no way to prevent it or know when it might happen.
I bought this car brand new from Subaru dealer in sterling va. Starting form first week we start having issues with certain parts. (steering, line assist, unexpected breaking, shaky/wobbly brakes, raw fuel smell in the cabin and around the car. ) I took the car may times to dealer to get it serviced however every time I was sent back as they couldn't replicate the issue. In one instance, they found some errors on the front brakes and changed it. After that car still having issues with breaking noise and also shakiness when breaking during high speeds. One of my biggest concern is the raw fuel smell coming into the cabin during idle or low speeds. I have to use the internal air circulation to avoid to bring raw smell from engine to cabin. I also noticed raw smell is also noticeable if you park. Front of the car, front passenger and driver sides also have that raw fuel smell. Dealer couldn't replicate the smell however I have some of my friends and family members noticed it without having expert knowledge on the issue. I am thinking, Subaru Ascents turbo system might be causing the fuel smell. Either its dangerous for fumes in the cabin and/or it is fire hazard eventually. I also think break problems are due to wrong sizing of the break parts for the size of the car. You can easily feel breaks are having difficulty stopping car when going down hill over 50 miles hr. . . It starts wobbling. Per master tech in my Subaru dealer, this is normal Subaru Ascent behavior and there is nothing wrong. I don't believe that. Attaching all the documentation I have.