2020 Subaru Ascent Transmission Fails at 40,000 Miles, Replacement Leaks Oil

A 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring owner has shared a frustrating reliability experience after their crossover’s transmission failed at roughly 40,000 miles. According to the owner, writing under the username talkinggoat on Subaru Forums, the warranty covered a used replacement transmission valued at about $15,000. However, an update revealed that the replacement unit has already started leaking oil after roughly 10,000 miles. Another forum user, Woolly, noted that the leak appears to originate from the differential, though the exact source could not be independently confirmed.

The original failure highlights ongoing discussions surrounding Subaru Ascent reliability and transmission durability. For 2019 and 2020 models, CVT failures have faced considerable scrutiny. In 2022, Subaru launched recall WRK-21 after discovering that a transmission control program could cause the CVT chain to slip, potentially leading to a complete loss of power. The recall repair involves software reprogramming, a chain guide inspection, and a CVT replacement if damage is found. For vehicles where the CVT is not replaced during the recall, a powertrain warranty extension covers chain slip for 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date, allowing for one CVT replacement.

Separately, a CVT class action settlement extends warranty coverage for qualifying repairs up to a complete CVT replacement on 2019 and 2020 Ascents for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Subaru has not admitted wrongdoing in the settlement, and the deadline for vouchers and reimbursement claims for past repairs passed on April 15, 2024. Additionally, Subaru announced another family hauler recall regarding a transmission defect, prompting owners to check their VINs for open safety campaigns.

Forum members remain divided regarding Subaru’s overall reliability. While some point to J.D. Power dependability studies showing Subaru finishing above the industry average for three-year-old vehicles, others highlight lower marks. A Consumer Reports roundup lists a predicted reliability score of 41 out of 100 for the Ascent, contrasting sharply with an 80 score for the Impreza.

Experts and forum participants suggest specific steps for owners facing potential CVT issues: provide your VIN to a dealer to check if recall WRK-21 was completed, verify whether the CVT chain slip warranty extension or class action settlement applies, obtain written confirmation of which warranty is paying for repairs, and ask detailed questions about the warranty coverage of any used replacement transmission. Owners dealing with leaks are advised to secure immediate diagnosis, documentation, and photos.