Power Train Problems of Subaru Ascent - part 2

Cvt transmission skips in high gear and shudders randomly while driving down the road. Randy marion in hickory nc is where we purchased and replaced the rear transfer clutch and insists the problem has been corrected. It is not. Our regular mechanic and moderna Subaru of boone nc both agree the transmission is bad. It has been sitting at the dealership for 2 months while all parties argue over who is responsible for repair. (original selling dealership, Subaru of America, 3rd party warranty) meanwhile I have no car but am expected to make payments. There are no warning lights or indicatator lamps to show an issue which is even more scary. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle without repair as the stutter and slipping between gears can cause hesitation that could cause an accident or worse. We did not test drive the vehicle at high gear and that was our mistake, but I drove it on a trip 2 days after purchasing and it had transmission issues the entire time. Dropped back off at dealership Monday morning and have been dealing with headaches since then.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

The car would not move when stopped at a light. I had to call for roadside assistance. They now say the car needs a new transmission. It. Only has 9200 miles.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

The right front wheel was making an airplane type noise. Upon taking it to belle tire in gaylord, mi, they confirmed it was a defective bearing when the mechanic pulled the wheel off, the cv shaft pulled apart. It had to be replaced. I have a picture and invoice.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

I have been asking Subaru to fix the transmission for 2 years now. It seems like it’s going to stall between 20-25 mph and 45-50 mph. There is a torque converter shutter but I’m told that the car is fine. Subaru corporate has 2 case files for this issue now.

Car has always refused to accelerate if gas pedal is pushed down too quickly. Just before 60k miles, on way home we had pulled over at a roadside stop on a hill. Tried to pull across highway to continue up road, car refused to accelerate and luckily were able to brake in time to keep from getting t-boned by big truck heading down the hill. No trouble lights came on, so weren't sure if this was operator failure from pushing gas down on hill or mechanical problem. Also were too close to 60k miles to get home and back to dealership without going over warranty and serious service issues with dealership previously, and leaving for vacation following day. Decided to see if there were further problems. Live at 8k elevation, vacation at half that. No further problems until after returning from vacation. Car definitely hesitating when cold to accelerate at 8k elevation. Checked owners manual, at this time believed appropriate 36k service at dealership had inspected cvt fluid as requested, and was a bit early for next inspection listed in book at 66k miles, but thought perhaps cvt fluid needed changed (did not expect transmission to be failing with such a new car, only a bit over warranty miles now). Because of previous with dealership, instead found ase certified shop for cvt fluid inspection. Fluid at shop inspection was dark and needed replaced. Shop exchanged with oem fluid, not Subaru brand. Cvt functioned much better for a time, then got worse and not just hesitating with cold but also jerking. Called service shop to insure they had used correct fluid and amount, they had. Brought in to confirm and fluid level was correct. They suspected cvt was failing. Called Subaru of America and made appointment at suggested dealership different from purchase dealership, confirmed transmission failure. Dealership rented car for safety because of suspected cvt failure. Subaru refused to replace cvt under warranty and wanted $7k+ to fix after $3k "discount: still no trouble lights.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Ascent 🔎.

Vehicle has completed all transmission recalls. Until recently, Subaru continued to say that the issues I was experience with loss of power or glitchy shifting could not be duplicated. After the vehicle exceeded it's warranty coverage, they were suddenly able to duplicate the problem and say that the cvt was causing my problems, that reprogramming failed and that the vehicle needs a new transmission. These issues have persisted before and after the recalls related to the cvt and have cause two near accidents as I pulled out into traffic only to have the car not shift/accelerate as expected. I no longer allow my teenagers to drive the vehicle due to this safety concern. I firmly believe the prior recalls were not effective in resolving the issues with the cvt and/or that Subaru said no damage to the chain was visible and checked the recall as done without actually doing anything more than reprogramming. I believe the issues should be looked into further and coverage for the cvt should be extended beyond the initial reprogramming provided by the recall.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after 30 minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The mileage was approximately 42,000.

Between October of 2021 and February of 2022): shuddering (like driving on rumble strips) and sluggish transmission (slow to respond acceleration and sometimes jumping when depressing the gas pedal) - reported this multiple times to dealership but was told they couldn’t replicate what I was feeling/experiencing. I also reported that the cvt would not adjust to the lower rpm (remained between 2000-3000) after ascending a hill. I was told in a dismissive manner that it was throttle control, which it was not. Brought vehicle back in June 2022 reporting the same issues. Determined it was the wrk-21 service bulletin. Wrk-21 repair was done in July/August of 2022. I was without my car from June through August 30th. Transfer case was replaced. By March of 2023, the exact same symptoms returned and got worse on a much shorter timeline than the first time this happened. On 5/31/23 I brought the car back in. Approx 2. 5 weeks later it was determined that it was the wrk-21 issue again. Today 6/30/23, I was told that a regional service technician from Subaru of America has determined that the transfer case needs to be replaced again. I opened a case at Subaru of America (case #230628-1300171), requesting that a new transmission be installed into the vehicle, citing major safety concerns about repairing/replacing a repair. No warning lights ever went on at anytime in this reported timeline. Car is not in my possession so it would only be accessible at the dealership. It has been there since 5/31/23. Ultimately, I feel like driving the vehicle is dangerous. I’ve wondered if it’s just going to die while driving at times when it shudders. I have a young child and need a safe vehicle. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.

The transmission jerks and slips after accelerating from stops. It causes the car to jitter and not accelerate when necessary while in traffic. After taking it to the service center multiple times, the problem was reproduced with a service technician in the car. The tech had a computer connected to the diagnostic box. The service tech stated that he completed a computer update to correct the issue. The issue is still happening and I've returned the vehicle to the service center at least 3 times since the "computer fix". The issue happens every day during my morning and evening commutes. The manufacturer hasn't inspected the vehicle. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before, during, or after the issue.

I purchased the car brand new in 2019. Shortly after purchasing, the transmission started having hesitation and slipping. I took the car back to the Subaru, and they replaced the transmission under warranty. Unfortunately, they replaced it with another full transmission, and very shortly there after, they had to replace it again. Unfortunately, they replaced it with another faulty transmission and now it is at 150,000 miles and needs another transmission. No one offered me to buy back my car with a second transmission replacement. I was told I was trying to scam a new transmission from Subaru. For this third transmission, I had it verified by an independent shop. I have placed a complaint with Subaru and ask them to buy back my vehicle and I have been told it’s unlikely to happen. I am worried about what will happen when the transmission goes out while I’m driving 70 miles an hour down the highway. This is a pattern in the warrants consumer protection. Many other car companies have stopped. Trying to make this cvt because it kept having problems. .

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 22v907000 (electrical system). The contact was made aware that the VIN was also included in NHTSA campaign number 21v955000 (power train); however, they were unable to complete the recall repair because the vehicle had a salvaged title. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

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.

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.

The cvt transmission has failed and been replaced three times despite proper maintenance. Subaru has replaced the transmission multiple times under warranty, but the failure continues to recur. •first cvt replacement at 50,542 miles •second cvt replacement at 88,175 miles •third cvt replacement at 92,832 miles this shows repeat failure, not wear-and-tear. It is a safety risk: the vehicle hesitates and loses power intermittently, which creates a safety risk when accelerating or merging into traffic. The most recent replacement is incorrectly listed as pan replacement.

On speeds of about 70+, both on cruise control and off, car jerks for about 5-10 seconds when accelerating on steep hills. It also happens after the car has been driving for more than 1hr or so. Fuel consumption is about 19-20mpg regardless of highway only driving contrary to advertised.

Transmission is lurching and surging when driving. Pressing gas pedal from a stop the belt continues to slip. Took it to paul moak Subaru they claimed to do the inspection told me they don’t do test drives for malfunction checks. They said they completed the inspection for transmission recall. The Ascent continues lurch and slip with grinding noise and loss of speed. I told them about the issues for over a year and they continue to give run around I was having trouble while it was still under warranty. I’ve contacted Subaru customer care they would only provide me recall information and told me the trans inspection is all they have to do.

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.

When accelerating from a stop it sometimes shudders as if it cannot decide which ratio to use in the cvt. It can get pretty severe and I am afraid that it will tear the transmission apart if it continues.

The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. Subaru of America has failed to repair after (1) year. The consumer has/will incur costs to make vehicle available during the limited times for cvt recall issues. The consumer has/will incur negative depreciation in resale value of the vehicle due to cvt issues. Subaru of America has not actively made the recall a priority. The vehicle has had (3) oil changes/services at a Subaru dealer since the recall was announced and zero times Subaru has remedy the cvt.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, there was a delay while shifting gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v955000 (power train). The recall repair was performed; however, the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was repaired several times. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Car purchased in August 2021 new. In may 2022, the car had hesitation problems when traveling between 15-30 mph. The car was taken into the dealership with approximately 7,600 miles. Dealer had a Subaru field tech review data as they saw transmission slippage at basically all speeds. Suggested to reprogram the transmission. We were advised to drive it and let it "relearn" the reprogram. The transmission slipped but not as bad with reprogram until about 150-200 miles later. The slippage was even worse and immediately taken to the dealer. The dealer found metal particles in the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission. A loaner was provided for approximately 2 weeks and work was completed. Car has been better and we were told we just need to get used to the cvt on this car. On 9/10/2022 with approx 11,700 miles, we were driving around town and experienced slippage of transmission just as bad as the original faulty transmission. Car is parked and appointment will be made with dealer to check. Subaru was notified as we are also experiencing brake problems.

The transmission of my 2022 Ascent regularly slips or shutters when trying to accelerate. While maintaining speed I can also feel a shutter or flutter. As if it is trying to decide what ratio to keep. Even though I’m on flat ground and maintaining speed. It is a similar feeling to the transmission of y 2020 Ascent I got rid of because of the fear of safety.

My car had a cvt drivetrain recall which has been labeled as "repaired" because I brought it to the dealer, however, the issue still exists and my car has been to the dealer 5 times already concerning this recall. The symptoms of the cvt drive train that I am experiencing are: shuddering (dealership vocabulary) at approximately 20 mph (approximately 1500-2000 rpm). The issue has gotten worse because now I experience the occasional shuddering at 40 mph and about 60 mph. In addition, occasionally at about 20 mph after slowing down and then accelerating there is a heavy vibration from the engine (which was heard over the phone by someone). Some things that the dealership have done included updating the computer, reflashing, reprogramming it, etc. However, as I mentioned the issue still exists and has gotten worse. I also personally contacted corporate Subaru to let them know that the issue has not been resolved. I wanted to report this issue to you because they have labeled my car as "repaired" based on the fact that I brought it in for the recall, however, the issue was not fixed and it has gotten worse.

The contact owns a 2020subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v955000 (power train) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. . VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Yes, inspect it. Bought 2019 Subaru Ascent from carvana, March of 2022. 5 months later, the transmission started to low screech and hard shift. I took it to osteen Subaru dealership. They test drove it, then reprogrammed transmission. Same day while leaving their parking lot, hard shifted and slighty screeched yet again, reprogrammed again. On my way home that day, did it again, problem persisted. Called and told them, asked them about replacing transmission, was told I had to go on waiting list because recall was released yet. Started getting even worse by November 2022. They ended up keeping it for 2 and a half months. Got it back in January 2023. Was told the problem was torque converter lockout. Subaru company began to have recalls on their cvt transmission & still refused mine. My VIN # was/and is included in the lawsuit for the extended warranty, & I was still under the manufactures warranty for drivetrain when this first happened. The last I took it to the dealer I went to a dealer and hr away, was told they wont touch. Subaru of America told me they won't fix either because was out of warranty @100467miles. I explained I went to the dealership several times under 100k miles as it states my mileage on the service invoices she was looking at on her screen. I have papers being in their shop still under man. Warranty. They still refuse. My car is part of the lawsuit about transmission & still won't fix their recalled transmission. This vehicle has been to dealer 4 times since built with this same issue and not fixed. The service manager at dealership named joe, told me the screeching is normal. It was not doing that when I first bought. It's my only transportation and still making payments on it. Subaru refuses to rectify their recall problem. I have kids & unsafe SUV. The car was great then without cause transmission stops working. Subaru of America won't help or take responsibility. Highly disappointed in the brand.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v955000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent premium with 6,000 miles. The transmission or cvt feels odd every time I shift from park to drive or reverse I feel a hard clunk additional to that every time I get in the highway and add some rpms to the SUV the cvt shifting feels hard more likely like I m driving a manual vehicle something that is not suppose to happen or feel that way. I took it to the dealer and they only found that the part that press tp brake to shift was not lubricated ( no clue the real name) and they also mention that is how the cvt works something that I don't think so and they also mention to wait for a recall.

It has been since February and they still do not have a fix for recall 21v-955 I have called the dealership several times without a solution.

The transmission is slipping and lunges forward, I believe this is the same reason there was a recall for my model car in 2019 & 2020. I have reported this to the car dealership and it will be placed in their service department tomorrow. . . I was carrying five (5) passengers in the car when it lunged forward and I almost rear ended the car in front of me and was also rear ended because I had to apply my brakes quickly. As stated above I'm hopeful this will be done by the dealership tomorrow. No inspection have been performed but it is scheduled to be done. There were no warnings of any kind other than a few hesitations in the forward motion just before the car lunged quickly forward.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v955000(power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Driver front wheel was making a noise when turning or slowing down. In Sep 2022, the dealership said they repaired it, but had we not brought it to them, where the front wheel meets the axel would have caused us problems. The noise did not go away, and when we took the vehicle to dealers again, they found front strut mount and bearing failure, and had to replace these (the car is just 3 years old).

Vehicle will jerk and shudder when accelerating and DE-accelerating. Mostly between 15mph and 30mph. I’ve taken the vehicle back to the dealership and they didn’t find the issue. This prompted me to do some research online and found in one of many. There is a class action lawsuit for 2018-2019 Ascents. The 2020-2021 and 2022 models will follow suit as they have identical issues. I’m concerned the transmission will fail and I’ll have a lemon on my hands. The sudden loss of power to sometimes sudden acceleration by suddenly downshifting is a concern. The vehicle will often hesitate while it tries to figure out which gear it needs. This has been happening since day 1 of ownership.

This was our second Subaru Ascent. We traded in our first 2020 Ascent for slipping transmission and shaky brakes. Shortly after trading that vehicle in we received a recall for the slipping transmission. This vehicle (2022) started showing the exact same symptoms. We requested Subaru buy back the vehicle they never followed up even though they said they sent us a buy back evaluation email 07/01/2022 which we never received. Case# 220622-173085 we ended up selling the vehicle out of frustration and buying a new Toyota.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v955000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Transmission completely failed last year April 2021 in the middle of highway and car is stalled. Tow to dealership for transmission replacement. After almost a 1 year of driving the transmission problem is coming back with gears are slipping again. Took the car to dealership and this time they are doing the repair of transmission instead of replacement. I am not comfortable with the approach since I already bad experience and concerned about repair reliability. Called Subaru north America and waiting for resolution. There is already open recall for cvt transmission for this vehicle but no remedy yet from Subaru. It's safety concern as car broke down earlier in the middle of highway with heavy traffic.