2019 Subaru Ascent
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2019 Subaru Ascent maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Ascent.
For oil changes, the 2019 Subaru Ascent takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Ascent, torque the lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent have reported 5 common issues including "PTC Heater Ground Bolt Fire Risk", "Premature Brake Rotor Warping" and "CVT Transmission Shuddering and Lurching". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 8 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 89 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
Common problems reported by 2019 Subaru Ascent owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
PTC Heater Ground Bolt Fire Risk
The ground bolt securing the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, potentially causing melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components. This creates a fire risk and affects up to 271,694 vehicles.
Subaru issued a recall for 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles to inspect and properly fasten or replace the PTC heater ground bolt and terminal. Dealers perform the inspection and repair free of charge.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall)Premature Brake Rotor Warping
Brake rotors warp as early as 8,000 miles, causing severe brake pedal pulsation and steering wheel vibration during braking. A Subaru dealer employee acknowledged the brakes were under-engineered for the vehicle's 4,500+ lb curb weight.
Rotor and pad replacement with upgraded components. Some owners have found success with aftermarket drilled/slotted rotors rated for heavier vehicles. Proper break-in procedure after replacement is critical.
Est. Cost: $400 - $1,000CVT Transmission Shuddering and Lurching
The CVT transmission shudders and the vehicle jerks and lurches forward, particularly during low-speed maneuvers and when accelerating from a stop. Some owners are unable to accelerate smoothly after stopping, creating unsafe traffic situations.
CVT fluid replacement and TCM software update at the dealer. A TSB may address CVT calibration for improved low-speed behavior. In severe cases, the CVT torque converter or complete CVT assembly requires replacement.
Est. Cost: $200 - $6,000Front Strut Rumbling and Rattling Over Bumps
A rumbling or rattling noise comes from the front undercarriage when driving over bumps. Subaru made a design change to the front strut assemblies to address this issue, indicating it was a known engineering concern.
A Subaru TSB addresses this with replacement of the front strut assemblies with redesigned units. Surface rust treatment on the strut mount retaining nut area is also recommended.
Est. Cost: $300 - $800Windshield Cracking Without Impact
The windshield develops cracks spontaneously without any impact or stone chip, similar to complaints across the Subaru lineup. The large windshield area and steep rake angle may contribute to stress cracking.
Full windshield replacement with OEM glass. EyeSight recalibration is required after replacement. Subaru goodwill coverage may apply within the warranty period if no impact point is visible.
Est. Cost: $500 - $1,300 (includes EyeSight recalibration)8 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Park OutsideSubaru 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.
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
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 "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
FUEL 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.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.
