What 48 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Subaru Ascent

I am submitting this complaint regarding the original-equipment Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S 245/50R20 tires installed on two separate 2024 Subaru Ascents owned by my family. The vehicles were purchased approximately one month apart and are operated under similar New England driving conditions. Both vehicles were equipped with identical factory-installed Falken tires. Beginning at relatively low mileage, both vehicles exhibited substantially similar wet-weather traction concerns, including hydroplaning tendencies and reduced traction during rain. As tread depth decreased, traction in snow, slush, and icy conditions also deteriorated significantly. Both vehicles experienced loss-of-traction events during winter driving conditions, including incidents in which the vehicles slid off the roadway. The concerns were reported to Falken Tire and Subaru of America. Falken advised that the tires were manufactured to Subaru's original-equipment specifications and directed me to Subaru regarding my concerns. One of the vehicles ultimately received replacement tires through a Subaru retailer. The original Falken tires were replaced with General AltiMAX RT45 tires. Following replacement, the concerns were improved. The second vehicle remains equipped with the original Falken tires. At approximately 13,000 miles, the tires measure approximately between 2&3/32 inch tread depth and continue to exhibit the same traction concerns. Because two separate vehicles equipped with the same original-equipment tires have exhibited substantially similar wet-weather and winter-weather traction issues, and because replacement of the tires corrected the concern on one vehicle, I believe this matter warrants review from a vehicle safety perspective.

NHTSA ODI 11744250

While pulling up to a drive thru window the vehicle shuddered and the engine shut off. I lost all power steering and had to come to a stop, shift into park, then restart the engine. No check engine lights or warnings illuminated. There were no status messages to indicate what caused it to shut off. Also the driver side mirror shakes a lot, just like all the other reports say.

NHTSA ODI 11740740

I am a current lessee of a 2024 Subaru Ascent. I leased this vehicle starting July 27, 2024. My lease ends on July 27, 2027. I live 60 miles away from the dealership and only did a test drive around town. The minute I got on the freeway after leaving the dealership the night I leased the vehicle, I noticed the drivers side mirror heavily vibrated and I remember thinking how strange it was to have the headlights from the cars behind me look so shaky in the mirror. I took the car to the service department on August 9, 2024 where they logged a "driveability diagnostic" and "MPI." My reason for that appointment was the side mirror vibrations. It is bad during the day, but not as noticeable and very distracting when driving at night. I was told by the service member that they were "aware" of this issue and had seen it "a few other times." They "fixed" it but the vibrations continue to this day. I'm filing this complaint now as I have become aware of a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this very issue and I want to document my vehicle as one that was affected and ignored.

NHTSA ODI 11740418

While cruising on a 2-lane road or a freeway, the vehicle will cross over the adjacent line, either left or right. This generally happens between 50 to 75 mph. The event happens either when cruise control is on or off. Wind is not necessarily the problem. The solution requires one to take the necessary immediate steering correction. At times, the departure from the lanes may repeat. This may be a temporary correction. This may create a head-on collision if not immediately correctly manually. VERY DISTURBING!

NHTSA ODI 11738307

On 9-May, 2026, the vehicle was driven during the morning with no warning lights or indication of component failure. Vehicle was parked on the owner's driveway at approximately 13:00. Approximately 15:40 I started the Ascent’s engine, let it idle for about 60 seconds, buckled up and scanned dashboard and rearview mirror. No warning lights or any fault indication. Approximately 15:42, I put the vehicle in reverse and released the brake Approximately 15:42:30 the vehicle exited the driveway Approximately 15:43 there was a shudder on [XXX] (heading north); the dash lit up with multiple warning lights; the check engine warning illuminated and the ATOIL Temp warning light engaged. At this time, the vehicle rolled down a hill, un-commanded, and only with repeated pumping of the brake did the vehicle stop. Approximately 15:49 I was able to park the vehicle, engaging the hazard flashers and exited the vehicle. While no one was injured in this instance, had this happened on a highway there would have been insurance losses and potential injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11736826

The hood acts like it is going to come loose whenever I : 1> Meet a semi-truck on a two lane road. 2> If following a truck on interstate. 3> Driving when windy. The flex in hood is very unnerving for fear it is going to blow off when in traffic. The body shop has adjusted latch today but did not correct the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11727976

Uncommanded maximum braking with simultaneous high-voltage and low-voltage shutdown. Vehicle is not safe in Florida with puddles or any types of ongoing obstructions vehicle shuts down in the middle of traffic if it perceives you do not match Google maps

NHTSA ODI 11702898

My 2024 Subaru Ascent developed a recurring clunk/thump noise from the steering system during low-speed turning (10–15 mph) and when turning the wheel at a stop. The noise was present daily and worsened over time. I took the vehicle to two Subaru dealerships. Sterling Subaru dismissed the steering noise completely and stated they could not duplicate it. Dulles Subaru also initially dismissed the issue. Only when I returned to pick up the vehicle and insisted on demonstrating the noise did their technician acknowledge it. They compared my vehicle to another Ascent on the lot and confirmed the noise was abnormal. Dulles then replaced the steering gear box assembly (steering rack) under warranty. This confirms there was a mechanical defect in the steering system. Before this repair, I also reported excessive inner-edge wear on both front tires. The technician documented “excessive wear on both front inner tires” and recommended replacing all four tires and performing an alignment. Inner-edge wear on both front tires is not caused by lack of rotation—it is consistent with misalignment or steering geometry deviation, which matches the confirmed steering defect. Subaru America has refused to replace the damaged tires even though the tire manufacturer (Falken) stated in writing that irregular wear caused by a mechanical defect is the vehicle manufacturer’s responsibility. Safety concern: A defective steering rack caused abnormal steering behavior and front-end geometry issues, which led to rapid inner-edge tire wear. If unnoticed, this can result in loss of steering control or a tire failure at highway speeds. Both dealerships initially dismissing the issue is also concerning. I am filing this report so NHTSA can track potential steering-related defects and resulting tire safety issues on the 2024 Subaru Ascent. I can provide service records, photos, and Subaru correspondence upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11699279

When driving below 5 mph—forward or reverse—with the rear passenger door fully open, the only alert is a small “door ajar” icon on the dash. This icon is the same drawing, whether the door is completely open or semi-latched, so the driver has no way to know the extent of the hazard. Without an additional warning, an fully open door can strike pedestrians, poles, garage, or other vehicles, and any passenger seated beside it is needlessly exposed to injury.

NHTSA ODI 11698561

My vehicle has lost EYESIGHT TOO MANY TIMES while Am driving ON HIGH WAY SO STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, ADATER,CRUISE CONTROL SIGN APPEARS TOGETHER .JUST A SECOND MY FAMILY HAD ALMOST DIED DUE TO VACATION TIME IN AUGUST,2025.I CANT BELIEVE THAT IS BRAND NEW SUBARU ASCENT TOURING 2024 I PURCHASED FROM MARCH ,2024. We found SUBARU DEALERSHIP AT LAS VEGAS ,NA But TECHNICIAN OF THERE RESPONDED TO ME THAT : THEY DONT KNOW EXHAUST BUTTON NUMBER and THEY ARE NOT SURE MY CAR STILL SAFE OR NOT SAFETY WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, (MY FAMILY HAS 7 peoples from [XXX] OLD TO [XXX] OLD ,WE HAD TO SLEEP AT GAS STATION OVER 2 NIGHTS WITH OUT ELECTRONIC,..) THEY ANSWERED TO ME THAT : THEY CAN NOT FIX IT. Their ANSWER MADE ME SCARED BECAUSE WE NEED TO A CAR GO BACK HOME .WE CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE ,I DECIDED TRADE IT TO CHEVROLET TO PURCHASE OTHER BRAND NEW CAR on AUGHUST 9,2025 TO BACK HOME. I wanted to SUBARU MANUFACTURE MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO MY NEW EXPENSES VEHICLE like insurance higher, LOAN INTEREST HIGHER. The Car only 14,823 miles, I spoke to SALESMANAGER AT MY DEALERSHIP and Requested Refund but He did not have resolve to Me and keeping quiet until now.IF MY WHOLE FAMILY DIE FROM SUBARU CORPORATION FROM THEIR TECHNOLOGY ERROR,WHO WILL RETURN OUR LIFE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11685769

When the passenger cool seat is turned on, a loud vibration like sound can be heard. My assumption would be a fan. I’m unsure if this could lead to any other issues such as electric problems or cause a fire.

NHTSA ODI 11685210

Driver's side mirror vibration on uneven road or at highway speeds makes visibility in mirror difficult. This has been the case since purchasing the vehicle in November 2024. Have had most recent Subaru service bulletin on mirror performed by dealer (on 8/8/25), but the problem remains.

NHTSA ODI 11681000

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: ZIEX, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: IRAKH. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the rear tire experienced a blowout. The tires were the original tires. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,200.

NHTSA ODI 11679290

The windshield cracked right at the corner of where the defects have taken place on the previous year Ascents, which is not covered under the extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11673578

The drivers side mirror has a constant vibration that causes visibility issues. Has done it since we bought it new.

NHTSA ODI 11668200

Driver's side mirror vibrates when driving. Almost not usable when at highway speeds. Seems like Subaru does not have a fix for it.

NHTSA ODI 11654734

Have had two fuel level senders fail in one year of ownership. The dealer/manufacturer has replaced the first one, and a second replacement is pending. The failure shows inaccurate fuel levels including a full tank reading as 1/4 or less full. Subsequent refueling does not change the level reading. If the car thinks it is out of fuel, it may cease to operate (even if there is fuel in the tank).

NHTSA ODI 11651602

Driver side mirror shakes/vibrates excessively sometimes to the point of distorting images seen on the mirror. Many other users are reporting this issue with 2024 and 2025 Subaru Ascents. The issue has been there since the vehicle was purchased brand new. There are threads on reddit, facebook, and the Subaru Ascent forum, where many owners have reported this issue. Below is a link to a thread in the Subaru Ascent online forum. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11649058

My 2024 Subaru Ascent started experiencing brake issues in early January. The car would shake heavily and make noise when braking, despite having only 10,500 miles. Concerned, I contacted Subaru of America and was advised to take it to a dealership for an inspection. On 1/31/25, the dealer inspected the brakes and determined that the front rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. Subaru of America confirmed that the dealer would order new parts for the front brakes. A few days later, I received an email from the dealership stating that the new rotors and brake pads had arrived, and they scheduled me for service on 2/14/25. However, after waiting at the dealership for three hours, I was informed that instead of replacing the rotors as initially promised, they had simply resurfaced them. The explanation given was that these were already “upgraded” rotors. This raises serious concerns for me—if these rotors were already upgraded, why did they fail before 10,000 miles? This is a clear safety issue, and I am increasingly worried that both Subaru of America and the dealership are not properly addressing the situation. I was supposed to receive brand-new rotors, yet I am now left with resurfaced ones, which does not give me confidence in my vehicle’s safety. I need a proper resolution to this issue. Potentially Subaru America should issue a safety recall for these breaks.

NHTSA ODI 11643242

Driver's side mirror glass vibrating to blur vision when looking to rear at all travel speeds , depends on how rough road is !!!!!!!!! Had warranty work done but problem is not resolved , April 2024 to NOW STILL !

NHTSA ODI 11639278

The vehicle was being driven on a public road, going roughly 45mph. I felt a very harsh studder/clunk and completely lost responsiveness from the accelerator. There was no throttle response even pumping the pedal all the way to the floor. I was able to coast to a parking area and make a safe stop. Once I was stopped, I turned the car off, back on again, and it got me the rest of the way home. This was the most severe instance of the problem, but both primary drivers of the car have experienced the accelerator going unresponsive at different times. Since this was a severe safety related concern, we took the car in for service at the dealer, but were told they were unable to reproduce the problem and did not make any repairs. We provided the dealer with a video we captured toward the end of the latest incident, but they haven't been able to find any cause. There were multiple warning lights on the dash, but no codes were stored. We did have another warning light for a brake system error, but there was no code stored and the dealer was unable to located the source of a voltage anomaly in the parking brake system. We've taken it in to another dealer service center for additional diagnostics but the original shop is refusing to provide the complete details of any diagnostics and corrections they have made, so we don't have the original data that was pulled from the car.

NHTSA ODI 11635744

Drivers side mirror vibrates and blurs view. Subaru replaced mirror assembly but the issue persists. Dealer said they can’t fix it

NHTSA ODI 11635427

When driving the side mirror on the driver’s side vibrates so much that it impairs the drivers ability to see anything in it. I have had the mirror replaced once and the replacement does the same thing. I was told by the dealership that it is a known issue without a solution.

NHTSA ODI 11628146

Driver side mirror shakes so much while driving that it is totally unsafe. Rear view and passenger side mirrors are fine. No vibrations. I have had this problem from day one.

NHTSA ODI 11626138

Noted the driver side mirror produces a shimmying image (glass appears to vibrate) at highway speeds and when going over bumps in road at lower speeds. This produces an unsafe vision of items out of the drivers side view mirror. Subaru replaced the glass and it actually got worse. So Subaru replaced the mirror housing on the driver side however the vibrating images are still there. Passenger side view mirror is unaffected. This creates a hazard as the view in the drivers side view mirror is distorted.

NHTSA ODI 11623844