2020 Subaru Ascent
4S4WMAFD2L3477753
Vehicle record for the 2020 Subaru Ascent (VIN 4S4WMAFD2L3477753). Black, wagon / suv, gasoline. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 4S4WMAFD2L3477753
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2020 Subaru Ascent data →
What's a 2020 Subaru Ascent worth?
What comparable 2020 Subaru Ascent vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
Rollover risk: 17.0% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2020 Subaru Ascent costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Subaru Ascent — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 530
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 530.
This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (M · Electrical System · Oct 2026This Bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for customer concerns about hesitation, reduced acceleration, or lack of power when driving uphill or under heavy engine load.
Bulletin 09-141-26 · Electrical System, Engine · Sep 2026This Bulletin provides a repair procedure for increased dark current and unintended battery discharge that occurs in a small number of unique cases.
Bulletin 07-244-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (T · Power Train, Electrical System · Sep 2026This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Sep 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years to (8) eight years / 150,000 miles to cover certain qualifying…
Bulletin 15-322-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Sep 2026This bulletin provides additional examples, diagnostics tips and installation tips as helpful aids to be used when working with sunroof seals and sunroof frame assemblies on Ascent models. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Bulletin 12-258-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ASCENT AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label lists an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR). This could lead you to overload the vehicle, which could cause poor handling or a tire failure. Note: For the Forester model, this recall affects both gas and hybrid models. For the Crosstrek model, only the Crosstrek Hybrid model is affected. Safety Risk: Poor handling or a tir…
Transport Canada #2026329 · Jul 2026Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safet…
Transport Canada #2024546 · Aug 2024Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolt for the ground terminal on the auxiliary heater may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the ground terminal and nearby parts could overheat and melt. Safety Risk: Wiring that overheats and melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealers…
Transport Canada #2022703 · Dec 2022Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the transmission control unit (TCU) may cause the drive chain to slip or break. If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to tak…
Transport Canada #2021745 · Dec 2021Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the mounting holes for the tie rod ends were not manufactured correctly. As a result, the front tie rods may not fit properly. This could lead to damage during assembly and servicing. Over time, parts that do not fit correctly could separate and cause a loss of steering control. Safety Risk: A loss of steering control could create the risk of a crash…
Transport Canada #2021746 · Dec 2021Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Subaru. In some markets, it is sold as the Subaru Evoltis. It is the largest automobile Subaru manufactures. The seven or eight-seat passenger SUV, with the design based on the VIZIV-7 concept, made its debut at the LA Auto Show on November 28, 2017, and became available in the third quarter of 2018. It has an American-built predecessor, the Tribeca. The Ascent is not available in Japan.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 5
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may con
NHTSA Campaign #26V436000 · manufacturer #WRH-26 · 07/07/2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the
NHTSA Campaign #22V907000 · manufacturer #WRL-22 · 08/12/2022STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
NHTSA Campaign #21V954000 · manufacturer #WRL-21 · 09/12/2021POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CHAIN/BELT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall in
NHTSA Campaign #21V955000 · manufacturer #WRK-21 · 09/12/2021FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 · manufacturer #WRG-21 · 29/07/2021Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 322 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Ascent, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 6 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 5 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 322
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
WHEELS
After replacing tires I started hearing noises from rear wheel. I searched online and it appears there is an issue with wheel bearings on several Subaru models (see YOUTUBE video by FIXBOOK dated July 12, 2026). The issue was confirmed by my Subaru dealer on 9/10/2026. Subary wheel bearings prior to 2026 were subject to poor design resulting in premature co…
NHTSA ODI #11763590EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru has a known problem/design with their LED daytime running lamps on the Ascent model. Dealerships are seeing a high failure rate of these LED lights, and it is always with the left side headlamp assembly. The LED strip quits working. In my case my car has about 42,000 miles on it with estimated 1,500 hours of operation. LED lights are designed to l…
NHTSA ODI #11762193POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was skipping. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was completed on July 15, 2025. The contact was the v…
NHTSA ODI #11759965POWER TRAIN
1. The vehicle is experiencing a transmission malfunction/failure. The dealership was able to replicate the issue and confirm the malfunction, which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership, and any failed components should be available for inspection upon request while the vehicle remains in the…
NHTSA ODI #11758390POWER TRAIN
The Transmission is slipping on my 2020 Ascent. I had the recall wrk-21 performed in July of 2025. Over the last 6 months the car has been hesitant to go at low speeds and shakes at high speeds. Over the last month the transmission started to slip while accelerating , especially up hill. There would be a grinding noise and RPMs would jump. I took it to th…
NHTSA ODI #11753615SUSPENSION
My strut bearings have been replaced several times in the drivers sides, my shock and strut has been replaced twice on the drivers side and now the passenger side is doing the same thing. The dealership tells me that there is nothing wrong but research shows this car has known suspension issues. My passenger side front has a loud metallic grinding sound when…
NHTSA ODI #11751605SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I am reporting a repeat safety concern involving a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle was involved in two separate collisions after failing to decelerate as expected following normal brake pedal application. The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026. While approaching a traffic signal, I applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did …
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11740848UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a known exhaust manifold/flex pipe failure affecting my 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle was diagnosed by a Subaru dealership with a “broken flex pipe on the header” causing excessive exhaust noise and exhaust leak concerns. Repair estimate was slightly over $2,000. After researching the issue, I…
NHTSA ODI #11739638+ 314 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 4S4WMAFD2L3477753 valid?
4S4WMAFD2L3477753 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
Are there safety recalls on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Ascent model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Comparable 2020 Subaru Ascent listings run roughly $35,988–$42,500, typically around $39,434 (from 11 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2020 Subaru Ascent safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2020 Subaru Ascent an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).
What fuel economy does the 2020 Subaru Ascent get?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent has a U.S. EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.