NHTSA Complaint #11554688 — 2020 SUBARU ASCENT

POWER TRAIN issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number	11554688
Vehicle	2020 SUBARU ASCENT
Component	POWER TRAIN
Date of Incident	November 11, 2023
Date Filed	November 11, 2023
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	VT

Consumer Description

CVT jerks the vehicle and stutters when at certain rpms, making long car rides very uncomfortable. Feels like whiplash every so often. Very dangerous when trying to speed up to pass another vehicle because the vehicle doesn't respond and accelerate as it should. The dealer said its normal because of the CVT technology. They said they tried to reproduce it, but were only gone 5 minutes. The highway is 5 minutes away from dealership, one-way. I explained it happens after about 20 minutes of continously driving at speeds over 50 mph. The vehicle had only been inspected once for this issue. The dealer refuses to look at it again because they, "already explained it to [me]". There are no warnings or indicators prior to it happening.

Related Complaints for the 2020 SUBARU ASCENT

Other POWER TRAIN Complaints

#11719539 — February 21, 2026 — Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leak...

#11717228 — February 11, 2026 — I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and ...

#11710346 — January 12, 2026 — Replaced front multi plate transfer clutch at 96,987 miles.

#11708448 — January 2, 2026 — The CVT transmission has failed and been replaced three times despite proper maintenance. Subaru has replaced the tr...

#11666552 — June 12, 2025 — The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to make a turn...

Recent Complaints for the 2020 SUBARU ASCENT

#11719539 — ENGINE — February 21, 2026 — Oil Leak(s) (found cam carriers leaking, front timing cover leaking, oil cooler leaking, upper and lower oil pan leak...

#11717930 — ENGINE — February 13, 2026 — Car has 82,000 miles, has been maintained and requires an engine replacement due to 'Sludge'. Reading a lot of forum...

#11717228 — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST — February 11, 2026 — I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and ...

#11717228 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — February 11, 2026 — I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and ...

#11714081 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER — January 28, 2026 — Although the NHTSA form does not include a transmission category, this complaint concerns a critical transmission-rel...