Subaru Ascent owners have reported 4 seat belt related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common seat belt problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's seat belt (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt problems |
2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'condensation build up on the interior of roof (seat belt area)' due to unlocated water intrusion. The dealer attributes this to 'leaf debris' in the front cowl area and rear hatch hinge despite the leak occurring at the rear c-pillar (and notably cargo area and front footwells showed no moisture making this physically impossible). Despite confirmed moisture exposure to critical passive restraint systems, the dealer relays that the manufacturer has issued a verbal-only warranty denial (stating no addl records exist aside from the initial technician report) and suggest the only repair be carpet replacement, with refusal of confirmation of the source of the leak and no proposal of replacing the 2nd-row seatbelt retractors nor provide a written safety guarantee. The vehicle is covered by an active 8yr/120,000-mile Subaru gold plus added security plan (agreement #*******, started on 8/2/21), yet the manufacturer is refusing to honor the contract for the defect or the resulting biohazard ('mold spouts' documented by their technicians on carpeting and into the foam). This unaddressed moisture creates an unreasonable risk of internal corrosion and failure of the seatbelt g-sensor/locking mechanisms on both sides. Also as an immunocompromised owner (due to medication for multiple sclerosis to such an extent that requires monthly ivig infusions), the documented mold is a significant health hazard. Vehicle has only 15,166 miles. Correspondence with dealer and soa as well as agreement# are available on request. Date of incident was when taken to dealership (events in summer/fall 2025).
I have reported to dealership in edinburg TX that the head lights dem at night. Dealership claims is normal for lights to dem. Now, the battery is dead. It won’t start. On 11-19 I arrived from disney at the airport only to experience that my 2029 Ascent didn’t start. I called road side assistance it it would take about an hour to come jumó start me. I went with a helper to get some cables and started my vehicle. I called the dealer and I was told to bring the Ascent until December 1. That’s the date that dealer could check my vehicle. I’m home and the and I can’t get an answer if my batter has warranty. I’ll keep calling. Bad service from dealership to roadside service.
In February 2020, my wife and I discovered fraying on the edge of the second row center seat belt on our 2019 Subaru Ascent. The belt was stuck in the connected position and would not retract into the ceiling retracting apparatus. Other than the fraying on the edge of the belt, the belt was in near-new condition. The vehicle had approximately 23,000 miles on it. She took it to the dealer, adventure Subaru of fayetteville. The wear pattern was substantially the same as depicted on a 2022 Subaru outback we own, complaint #11468872. The dealer refused to honor the belt’s lifetime warranty. The technician said the fraying was caused by an “outside influence”, possibly our dog. The dog could not have damaged the belt in the manner of the fraying and there were no teeth marks or stains on the belt. It was imperative that the belts be replaced on the spot since our five grandchildren were occasional passengers. The dealer has no records identifying the “outside influence” when the fraying was discovered on the rear center belts on our outback in may, 2022 (complaint #1146872), I checked all belts in the Ascent. I discovered that the right and left third row belts had the same wear pattern as on the rear center seat belt replaced in February 2020 and as on the 2022 outback (complaint 1146872). The dealer honored the lifetime warranty on the belts and replaced them on June 8, 2022, when the car had mileage of 48439. The wear pattern on the belt replaced on February 20, 2020, and June 8, 2022, were substantially similar to each other and to the wear pattern on the 2022 outback. I checked both vehicles closely to find a pinch point or some other edge that could cause the fraying. It is not possible that our dog could have chewed any belt in the pattern displayed. Attached are 8 photos of the belts replaced June 8. I could not upload two photos that exceeded the allowed size.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated the passenger side front seat was unable to be extend far enough backwards for the seat belt to be used. The contact stated that due to his height and weight a standard seat belt was not adequate to securely fastened. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and no further assistance was provided. Failure mileage unknown. The VIN was not available.