NHTSA Complaint #11448532 — 2020 SUBARU ASCENT

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.