Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Subaru Ascent - part 2

The transmission of my 2021 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate time to time(not always). Loud noises when shifting from low speed. Went to dealership but they said car working perfectly.

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As I am going up a hill I will be pushing on the gas and the engine will rev up loudly and the rpm will increase but the vehicle speed won’t increase or it decreases as I’m trying to accelerate. This is dangerous because the people behind me are expecting me to be speeding up to go up the hill but my vehicle will be slowing down and won’t let me increase speed. It has been to the dealer multiple times and they say they can’t find nothing wrong. We drove the mechanic around and it did the exact same thing I explained and he still said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I know this isn’t normal because when we first bought it, it did not drive like this. I’ve also had multiple people tell me they are experiencing the same exact issues. This has been going on for about a year now. It also has been doing a few other things as well.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

Transmission still slipping when accelerating between 20-30mph. Brought car in for recall but it continues to have the same issue. Ac stopped working even when leak was fixed. Now smells like exhaust fumes when warming up the car.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

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.

I found a lot of oil leaking from the oil filter cup and that would splash all around the filter area. I brought the car at the dealership and they have replaced the filter but when I checked after few days ( smoke was coming out of the hood) there was oil all over again. I bought an aftermarket filter and I installed it myself. No one drop of oil found. So I believe this a is a safety concern because the oil might catch on fire with the heat of the engine. I believe a defective oil filter design or a bad technician training or both are causing the problem.

When starting it blows blue smoke out of tail pipes that lingers in the air. I bought used on 7/23/22 and previous owner just said it did the same with them. It was taking to subura dealer to be fixed and they don’t know what to do to fix it.

We own a 2020 Subaru Ascent we purchased brand new. A few weeks ago we noticed a faint gasoline smell while at a red light. I thought it was a one time occurrence but it has been happening now every time the vehicle is at idle or stopped. I have read on Subaru owner forums about 2019 to 2021 models having this issue all the way from 2100 miles to almost 90,000 miles. Many customers have had to make multiple trips to the dealership to get charged diagnostic fees and many times they say they can’t smell the problem. I just recently contacted my dealership about this issue and found an old service recall about the low pressure fuel pump and was told to not believe everything I read online. This is the vehicle that my family uses and I’m not sure if this is safe for them to be in and is getting to sound eerily similar to when Ford had the CO problem in their explorer and people were crashing. For the amount I paid for this vehicle and all my service intervals at the dealership and many people having the same safety concern I hope this is investigated and I won’t have to pay for repairs.

My Subaru 2020 with 16,000 miles stalled in the middle of driving down the road in town, I was driving 35 mph when out of nowhere the car stalled. I was able to coast/turn on to a side street. I’m lucky the car had enough momentum to keep going or we would have been hit by traffic as the street we were on is a busy road. The car flashed all the lights when it stalled and refused to crank over, it was low on gas so I called aaa and they brought 5 gallons of gasoline and filled it. The technician then tried to get the vehicle to start but it wouldn’t. Luckily he offered to tow it to my house for free. I have tried multiple times to get the vehicle to start and it wont. It cranks but doesn’t actually move. I don’t know what’s wrong and now I have to have it towed to the the local dealership. This is the second major issue that has happened. The first one was that the transmission failed and with my car having a branded title for being stolen/recovery. Subaru would not replace the transmission at 7,600 miles and I had to find a used one to replace it with. I now just got the recall letter and have messaged Subaru about it.

I’m very disappointed in the terms of the Subaru recall. Instead of just replacing the faulty transmission, they will only fix cvts w/ evidence of problems. I reported transmission issues at my last service and was told to wait for the recall as they would charge me $175 if they couldn’t replicate the problem. So now I have to drive until at least may (probably longer with all the other recalled cars seeking appts) w/a faulty transmission that could cause an accident, while they figure out a remedy? plus my 2020 Ascent will be out of warranty soon (6000 miles). So I’m stuck with paying to replace the trans, if these problems show up later? I’ve had so many problems w/ this car incl squealing brakes (my car was in the shop for a total of more than 4 weeks before they figured out how to fix this) and a hood that came close to detaching at highway speed — I had to bring the nthsa bulletins to the dealer to get them to admit these both were known problems that could be fixed. Please insist that Subaru do the right thing by just replacing the transmission now rather than waiting till may to figure out a remedy and exposing the owners of this problem-plagued car to further needless risk.

Recall id 21v-955 affecting the drive chain. Vehicle is showing signs of this (vibrations while driving). My families safety, two toddlers ages 2 and 4 are at risk. I am not comfortable driving this vehicle and it is my only car. Dealership cannot do anything as there are no parts to fix it. I need an immediate fix which is not happening.

Recently, we experienced another problem with our 2022 Subaru Ascent limited. I am asking that this issue be diagnosed and corrected. On January 21, 2022, within about 15 seconds of starting the car, the engine shut off while still parked for no apparent reason. The car was able to be restarted, however the multi-function display went blank, and the starlink multimedia touchscreen displayed only the starlink logo. I attempted a reset by depressing the “home” button, but nothing happened. Neither the radio nor any other features would function. The car was then driven several miles and shut off. Then, after restarting it, the normal touchscreen and multi-function display operated correctly, including the radio. I remain concerned however that unless this issue is diagnosed and corrected, such a shutdown could occur again in the future, possibly when driving the car, which could result in a serious accident. We have had recent problems with this car involving its electrical system. The excessive battery drain caused by the power rear gate resulted in a dead battery, producing only 8 volts. (the car had to be jump-started on two separate occasions). Subaru pacific replaced the prg module (per TSB 07-155-19r), and installed a new soa821b600 enhanced flooded battery (per soa’s October 1, 2021 memorandum). We do not know how or if the recent unexpected engine shutdown was related to these events, but we expect that Subaru should be able to determine the cause of this failure and find a remedy.

Transmission slipping especially while climbing an incline though it’s happened while on flat surface accelerating.

When the fan is on there is a strong smell of gasoline in the vehicle. This happens whether the vehicle is in motion or is idling. The smell of gas fumes is very noticible if the fan for the heater/ac is pulling air from outside the vehicle. When the fan system is re-ciruclating the air from just the cabin, there is no smell. This is a very noticble smell and we have to drive with our windows open. My children are not able to be in this vehicle due to this smell. This is our family vehicle and daily driver. I have to drive this vehicle to work. This vehicle we have called about to multiple dealerships. They want to charge us over $300 dollars, but no one has ever heard of anything like this according to the dealers. The online forums say a completely different story. No warning lights or messages have happened. There has been no change to my gas mileage. We are current on all maintence. We have replaced the cabin and engine air filters, and we have replaced the gas cap to see if this would make a difference. It has not. There is no gas leak to the ground that is noticeable. But there is a faint gas smell in the engine area when the vehicle is running.

They have not have remedy for a long time!.

Unknown. I am smelling gasoline in the cabin of the car. A lot of fumes fill my garage when I start the car. The car sometimes accelerates when I put it in park, resulting in more fumes. Fuel efficiency is lower than expected as well.

Oil leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leaking. Recommend engine reseal). Massive oil leaks found in car due to rtv sealant. Subaru uses rtv silicone sealant (formed-in-place gaskets) instead of traditional rubber gaskets for many sealing surfaces (cam carriers to heads, timing cover, oil pans, etc. ). Transmission failure at 37,000miles which needed replacement. In dealership service for 52 days at that time. Transmission symptoms continued after replacement. Car hesitates while accelerating making it dangerous to accelerate to speed needed to merge into traffic. Same transmission symptoms occurring now that were present prior to complete transmission failure in 11/2021 that left me in middle of busy freeway with a disabled car. Subaru not taking transmission symptoms seriously. Continuous brush off from service and Subaru. Car is a lemon. Subaru not standing by product. Oil should not be leaking from every orfice of engine.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting from park to drive, the rpm abruptly went up from 1,200 to 4,000. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral to check if the accelerator pedal was stuck but found no obstruction to the pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle and slowly drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact called a local dealer but was unable to schedule a date to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,915.

I was taking my kids to school. On the way, we stopped at an intersection. The car all the sudden stopped while it was in the drive gear. The electric part of the car turned on but the engine didn’t. A police officer and a towing company came to the rescue to make sure our car didn’t get hit. However this was a quite scary process for our kids and myself. If could have happened in the middle of the intersection or on a highway and we could have been hit. The towing company couldn’t put the gear in the neutral and suggested an issue with tcm. They had to get a different towing track and took it to the dealer.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle shut down completely. A message indicating that the vehicle had unexpectedly stopped, and to check the vehicle as the remote start had failed was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road safely and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. However, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they could not assist as the dealer diagnosed that no issues were found. The failure mileage was 300.

Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, with more than a dozen vehicles close behind). Emergency collision warning, eyesight warning, check engine, rab, and numerous dash error alterts illuminated. The parking brake turned on and off without human intervention (it's computer-controlled). The engine shut off and a multiple car fishtail began behind me. Fortunately, no one was hurt. I put the car in neutral, lurched to the side of the road, and called onstar. Calls to the dealer have not been returned. I drive elementary children to scouts and sporting events. I can't imagine the horror had they been harmed or worse.

I recently bought my Subaru and I noticed the transmission would stall when going in to gear or changing gears and the rpm would be high, also last night I DE fogged my windows and drove to my destination and noticed a crack in my windshield from the top where my eyesight is, I did not hear or see anything hit my car windshield, my car didn't give off any warning signs for either of the problems I stated, I have contacted subur 1800subur3 they say there is no recall so now talk to customer service so now I am waiting to speak to them.

Huge plumes of smoke on startup. Complained to the service department on multiple occasions and even left the car with the dealer service department. They said they could not duplicate my complaint. They said I should take pictures. Can't take pictures when it happens three or four times a month. I think there is something wrong with the engine am afraid of fire or failure of the engine.

We purchased our 2020 Subaru accent on 8/9/2020. On 6/9/2021, our family took a day trip to petaluma and stopped at a park to let our toddlers play. When we returned to our vehicle in the parking lot, the ignition would not turn on the vehicle. Aaa roadside assistance was called to the scene and the technician found no issues with the battery. He was able to get our car to start, but only by randomly placing the shift to neutral, then turning on the ignition. We were advised to bring our vehicle in for repair, brining the car to the dealership of original purchase at elk grove Subaru. Following diagnostics, they stated there was an issue with the shifter, identifying "fluid leakage" and it was cleaned out. Although we have a new car warranty, they charged us for the labor out of the warranty, citing “customer at fault” claiming fluid leakage caused the issue from a spilled beverage. We do not recall any beverage being spilled in our vehicle near that area. On 7/21/21, the same issue for a second time with the ignition not turning on happened once again. My husband and I were stranded in summer heat with my 2 year old son, my 1 year old daughter, and I was 30 weeks pregnant at that time. A third occurrence, same issues, on 8/14/21. Our car is barely a year old. Subaru replaced the entire shifter this time, and so far no recurring issues. I thought of safety concerns if this was to happen to someone else, perhaps stranded on a busy road susceptible to oncoming traffic, or a secluded area that would pose risk of serious safety issues, or perhaps worse. One occurrence is an isolated incident, however three or more points to a significant pattern and worth investigating for a recall of this part. We took to the internet to see if anyone has experienced the same issue with this make and model and we found one video of a couple with an identical experience with the ignition randomly stopping working to start the vehicle. Https://youtu. Be/g--vicp26hg.

Unknown. Electrical failures including eyesight, the dealers lie about the work they do, the latest was recent - they said sludge was everywhere which causes the timing to be off and said the entire engine needed to be replaced but refused to do so. I do not trust they were honest about the spot welds, as my VIN and contract were mysteriously changed after I took delivery. Battery dies, amp dies, head unit stops functioning for months at a time. Eyesight slams on brakes at last minute. I am told it’s normal to shut up and leave. For example the last time I took it in less than 30 days ago they said they changed the filters as well. They did not. According to them they owe me a new engine. I have starlink and documents oil is changed by Subaru yet they claimed they had no record, and it is my fault so I need to replace engine.

On Friday, June 28th, we were driving the Ascent, towing our 4100 lb. Camper from tehachapi, CA, headed north toward las vegas. When we stopped for gas in tehachapi, we checked all fluids including the oil. Then at about 86 miles outside of las vegas coming up a steep grade in hot conditions, we hear a noise that sounded like it could be valve flutter. We drove for another minute (there was no shoulder), and noted that no warning lights were on. Then we heard a louder knocking sound and saw the oil temp indicator start moving quickly to hot, and immediately pulled off onto the shoulder. After our tow to the las vegas Subaru dealer, it became apparent that the battery was also dead (this was the second battery replaced under warranty, and we have had to jump both batteries at least monthly over the last 2 years). Last Monday, June 14, Subaru notified us by phone on a recorded line that the investigation had concluded. They determined towing excessive weight to be the cause of the engine failure (thrown rod). We verified the make and model and registration of our camper with Subaru, which at a dry weight of 4134 pounds, is 100 lbs. Less than the airstream used in Subaru's promotional materials. We disclosed to Subaru that the camper has few miles on it and we tow with empty tanks and less than 100 pounds of cargo (2 adults and one toddler). We also told them that on our two prior trips towing, the transmission has revved frequently and it sounds like it can't find the right gear. Subaru has not provided us a copy of either inspection report, and we have been without the vehicle for nearly a month. We are asking Subaru to repair the engine under warranty (39k miles). This sudden failure put our family's safety at risk. We were forced to stop the car in the middle of a high-speed highway without safely moving to an exit- we waited in excessive heat, barely off the road in deep sand without a shoulder for an hour- we were almost hit by a semi truck as we braked.

Driving from tehachapi, CA toward las vegas towing our camper at about 45-50 mph, we started hearing a knocking that sounded like valve flutter. We drove for about 1 minute looking for a safe place to pull over, but then the knocking grew louder and the oil temp started to rise, so we immediately braked and pulled into the sand (no shoulder). There were no warning lights at any point until we actually pulled over (oil light). After the tow to Subaru las vegas, we noted that the battery was dead. On 6-14, Subaru of America told us on a recorded line that the two investigations had concluded and the cause was towing excessive weight. We shared our camper registration and specs with them, showing a dry weight of 4130 pounds, 100 less than the airstream used in Subaru's marketing materials (we tow with empty tanks and less than 100 lbs. Of cargo. We also indicated to Subaru of las vegas and soa that on our few previous trips with the camper, we noticed the Ascent revving hard on slight inclines and that it sounded like it struggled to find a gear towing. Soa has not shared a copy of either report. We are asking sof to repair under the warranty (car has 39k miles). We will asked for the defective engine whenever we are able to pick up the vehicle. We spent over $1000 between towing, flights home from vegas, renting a substitute vehicle, etc. . Most importantly, this sudden catastrophic failure could have killed us-the failure was so swift (the time from hearing the noise to being stationary was less than a minute and a half) and without warning that we didn't have time to react well and had to pull off into deep sand with no shoulder- a semi truck almost rear-ended us as we pulled over. Then we had to wait in the mojave heat, arm's length away from traffic whizzing by with my toddler and puppy while the tow truck arrived. The Ascent is the vehicle we purchased to be able to evacuate our family from our wildfire-prone home, so every day we are without it poses risk.

All warning lights came on last week may 5th 2021 while I was drivingthecarhone after dropping my daughtertoschool. I pulled over and called the dealership and was advise to take the car in. As I drove the engine started to lag and icouldnotdrive more than 45miles. Took the car to the dealership and found out the transmission was bad. This car is 2 1/2 years old and I've had so many problems with it. When the cvt was replaced the car never run the same, I've taken it to the dealership several times and let them know that there is something wrong with the car. It lags and hesitate duribg acceleration. Unfortunately they could not replicate the issue and that it was normal. Then this happen. I have reported the issue to Subaru of America.

The audio died two days prior to the entire car dying completely. We charged the battery, and most of the car began working except for a few random electrical areas. Seems to be a short somewhere. I have under 10,000 miles and a dead battery. . . Highly problematic.

Car just doesnt start and needs to be jumped randomly, yet dealership service dept could find no probelms. Also wierd lags, noises occuring while driving. This car is too new and has 18,000 miles on it, shouldnt be having these types of problems. Happened numerous times since purchase 2019 and 2020, most recent Jan 2021 brought into dealership service larry miller Subaru bosie id.

At only 17. 6k miles, the battery in my 2019 Subaru Ascent was completely drained overnight, for no logical reason. I called Subaru roadside assistance to give me a jump and I let it run for 33 minutes then took it for a 10 min drive. The battery was dead again the next morning. Vehicle was stationary overnight and until the 10 min drive. During this time the tailgate would persistently beep, trying to open.

The engine keeps stuttering when driving and slowing down to stop at a traffic light. Couple of times, it should shut down and I have to restart the car. I do ensure the car is warmed up to a minimum of 7-10 minutes before starting. It only started recently but I am worried that this will happen more and suddenly stop when driving and me getting involved in an accident.

My vehicle smokes when starting it. A lot of white smoke that can fill a parking lot. The smoke has a strong chemical smell.

My fuel pump was replaced (according to the dealer) based on the most recent recall. However now it idles and runs rough just a short time after this service. I recently read there is another lawsuit or issue with this fuel pump and the symptoms are the same.

Vehicle blows out white smoke upon start up, this is a hit and miss problem. This is after the vehicle has been parked over night, but has occurred after parked for a couple of hours, it has been sent to the dealer several times.

This car is having constant problems with the battery failing. It especially fails when we are going to any type of trip where packing the car is a process that takes time. The battery dies on us often and is unpredictable, leaving us stuck often. I bought this car because I want a reliable car. At any moment we could be stuck somewhere with my kids. No warning comes on to prevent this from happening.