Subaru has announced a recall that could affect thousands of 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs. The recall, announced Friday, December 9, is for a high risk of fire involving the Subaru Ascent three-row SUV. Subaru is asking owners not to park in a garage or car port until their Ascent can be serviced. The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV and seats seven passengers.
Why is there a Subaru Ascent recall?
Subaru recalled Ascents from 2019 to 2022 due to an issue with a part called the positive temperature coefficient, or PTC, heater. Essentially, the wires connecting the PTC in the very hot engine bay could have been attached incorrectly when the SUV was built. It can melt the wires and cause a fire.
There have been no accidents, according to subaru. However, Subaru says owners should park their cars away from garages, carports or other structures, and avoid leaving an Ascent unattended while the engine is running. It also warns you smell smoke on the dash or driver’s footwell area so turn off the car immediately.
Subaru Ascent recall will be handled by dealers
Subaru dealers will replace the bolts and cables, if necessary, free of charge. Some will also need a new ground and connector. The owners will be contacted by mail. However, to find out if your vehicle is part of the recall, visit the Subaru recall site.
The recalls are common to all manufacturers. However, earlier this year, Subaru recalled some Impreza and Outback cars and SUVs for improper windshield installation. In January it issued a recall on Impreza headlights.
What are the disadvantages of a Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent has an “excellent” quality and reliability score from JD Power, and owners report the driving experience as “excellent” as well. It stands out for its great ride and its standard all-wheel drive. However, this midsize SUV has a few drawbacks. It’s the largest Subaru available and seats seven, but it only has a 2.4-liter engine that contributes to slow acceleration times.
The Ascent is big and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. But, its third row is mostly for children or small adults. The Ascent can hold a surprising amount of cargo when the seats are folded down. Behind the front seats it holds 72.8 cubic feet of cargo, which is about three cubic feet more than a Toyota RAV4.
How much does a fully loaded Subaru Ascent cost?
Subaru updated the Ascent for 2023, and newer models get a new 11.6-inch touchscreen. It now also comes standard with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an optional 360-degree camera and a Cabin Connect system that allows the first row to talk to the third row easily. The top-tier model, the Touring, starts at nearly $50,000. The base version, however, starts at around $35,000.
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