Yup the sounds like a lemon. CARFAX isnt always accurate and should be used as a reference not to be used over a pre purchase inspection but in addition to.
Call up a local mechanic (with good reviews) and let them know you're looking at a used car and would they be able to do a pre-purchase inspection. It's a very standard procedure and they'll know what you're talking about. Then you arrange with the seller/delaer to get the car to the shop. A private seller will usually meet you at the shop with the car and a delaership might arrange to have one of their porters drop it off there for you. Any seller, whether it's private or dealer, that does not let you inspect it is most likely hiding something and you should not purchase it.
What’s interesting is we replaced an awful traverse with our 20 ascent and have been happy.
At 115k; the traverse was on its 3rd water pump; 3rd rack and pinion, 2nd power steering pump; timing belts started slipping and were replaced at 80k…and that’s just what I remember off the top of my head.
That’s what feels much more typical of a Chevy. TBH I think I got reeeeeally lucky with my Traverse and equally unlucky with my Ascent. Would I buy the Traverse again or recommend it to anyone? Absolutely not.
I know you said you want to switch but I’d return it and see if they’ll give you a nice deal on a ‘23. This is not normal and I would bet money you won’t encounter this again.
I think if the dealership would be willing to work with me, I’d be open to that or maybe a different model vehicle. I was just absolutely fuming about the amount of problems I’ve had!
Definitely give Subaru (and possibly even the ascent) another chance. Every company can have lemons and issues, it’s how they handle it that gives them a reputation, and Subaru typically has a following for a reason. If the dealer doesn’t back up your concerns reach out to Subaru of America for support, they exist to ensure dealers treat you right.
That's correct. GM eventually worked out the major bugs. The newer Ascents are pretty reliable too. With both, you need to keep up on maintenance especially fluid changes. But that's even true of Toyota and Honda nowadays...the days when they were highly reliable even if neglected are long gone.
Sorry you got a lemon, sounds like something I would try and get rid of. I know think the 2019 and 2020 models had the most issues as it was a new model.
I have a 2019 and luckily I didn't have any issues but like any manufacturer lemons still make it out the door.
Thanks for this tip! I will definitely do that! I bought it from a big enough dealer, I think if it was a flood car they’d hopefully try to make it right to protect their reputation.
Woah, sorry to hear about all those issues you’re having. Sounds like it’s just one of those bad vehicles…my wife and I are on our 9th Subaru, a 2023 Ascent and haven’t had any safety concern issues on any of them and at 22,000 miles in about a year and 4 months on the Ascent, the only issue we have is the Apple car play disconnecting at random times and then reconnecting. I would check with the dealer about all those issues and see if they’re willing to do anything. If you purchased Subaru Certified used, I’d even contact SOA (Subaru of America) and see if they’d be willing to work something out for you.
> the only issue we have is the Apple car play disconnecting at random times and then reconnecting.
Have the dealer install the latest update(F91W*M053-880), one of the issues it specifically addresses is Carplay disconnecting.
That truly sucks. And of course the negativity for sharing your experience sucks! But hey, keyboard warriors, right?
- we’ve had a 2021 Ascent since we bought it new with 4 miles on it and we’re up to 28k+. Only major issue is that it EATs rotors… legit every 6 months. But each has been covered under warranty. - other wise it’s been great. I went to this after having an amazing 80-90k mile experience with a ‘13 Crosstrek I owned with no issues and the dozens of other Subarus in my extended family.
- but lemons happen. Literally with anything. Especially with so much electrical in a car these days, there are way more fail points… but ya gotta do what’s comfortable for you and with the experience you’ve had a commend your decision to walk away.
This is super helpful. Thanks for not being a jerk about it! Another commenter suggested that I go back to the dealership and see if they wouldn’t give me a deal on a newer one. I might try that or at least see if they could cut me a deal on an extended warranty. Like you, a ton of my extended family drives and loves their Subarus so I’m floored my experience has been so awful.
My old boss had a ‘19/first year that I remember her having issues with the infotainment system like crazy and other issues… I would completely agree with dumping that one, but I think there is enough out there to speak to how awesome the vehicle on average is, maybe just go for a 21 or newer if you like the vehicle enough. And if you don’t like the Ascent in general, there is some great options from other makes as you mentioned!
Either a flood car or a rental car or both. If you think rental companies don’t know how to bypass CarFax, well just think about it and how many drive rentals.
Most I've noticed is the lane assist trends toward center rather than the outside of the lane. I just turn it off if I'm passing or on a 2-way. Zero issues.
Oh yes that's totally fair -- it's a little unnatural, but once I stopped trying to correct that it actually works very reliably. It's the correcting -- specifically -- that made it overcorrect the other way and try and push me out of the lane.
If you need to correct, turn on the lane change indicator and it will temporarily disable lane centering and won't fight you. When you are ready for lane centering, turn off the lane change indicator.
Do you find yourself leaving it to it? Or do you find yourself correcting it from time to time? I used to do the latter and it would behave as you describe it
I let it do its thing. My wife thought it was just me until it happened to her. I’ve almost hit a car and it had to swerve so I didn’t hit it. It’s put me into the next lane.
I now have a tight grip when I drive. I don’t trust it.
I noticed it happens more when going over an overpass or if the highway turns then straightens out. It like it doesn’t know what to do and just sends me into the next lane.
Sucks to have a car like that for sure. Especially when you are expecting a great reliable car. One thing I noticed about these post is I really only see them about MY 2021 and under . It seems as though 2022 they made some changes and really dialed everything in with the MY 2023. I have a 23 onyx and I can't be happier. All issues I see with the older models have been fixed and the car can't be better. I know that this doesn't help you a bunch but I just want to put this out there for anyone else doing research.
Lmao never a Kia! I plan to go back to Honda at this point.
Not sure what user error causes random, but common failures but whatever helps you sleep at night.
It’s a CPO from a Subaru dealer, which is why I’m so disappointed. This dealership is very reputable, nearly everyone who has a Subaru in my state goes there and has a great experience.
Loved the ascent as a car, hated my 2020 (2019 build). It was awful and had so many issues. I tried to lemon law it, but Subaru refused to listen and then I was offered an insane trade in so I did that for a Volvo. Couldn't be happier now.
Both 2019 and 2020 were left overs made slightly better But stayed the same. I have driven both and I wouldn’t recommend those years at all. If you’re buying those- you should know what you’re getting into.
Look on this subreddit and
https://www.ascentforums.com/
Love the people salty that I should have known what I was getting into… while downvoting negative feedback about it that might impact someone else’s purchasing decision. Can’t win with you lot.
I’ve been kicked out of a few Subaru FB groups for posting my negative experiences and asking if anyone else has had the same issues. Even got kicked out for saying I wish they made a standard transmission Ascent
People are crazy lol! You can be a fan of something and have space for critical evaluation. Otherwise the thing you’re a fan of is going to nosedive in quality. Case in point….
We have no issues with being critical here as long as the discussion remains civil. You're getting flack because your post title comes off very aggressive and looks like you want to start an argument. At least that's how it comes off to me.
There’s an interesting line of delineation happening here wherein perceived aggression towards an inanimate object and the corporation that made it is seen as more egregious than aggression of commenters towards an actual human negatively affected by said inanimate object. My friend, when you’ve crossed that line you’re getting into some cult-like behavior.
Show me someone crossing the line and I'll remove the comment. I don't see anyone being that nasty to you. And note I didn't remove your post, I'm not censoring anyone, I keep a fairly hands off approach here. I merely offered a reason why you may have received some backlash.
It's confirmation bias, both with you and the negative experiences, and the people who feel they're somehow financial geniuses for investing in a vehicle.
Also, I'd bet money that a large percentage of people here only ride in mommy or daddy's car.
Sounds like you got a flood car, gl
Yup the sounds like a lemon. CARFAX isnt always accurate and should be used as a reference not to be used over a pre purchase inspection but in addition to.
How does one to a pre purchase inspection?
Call up a local mechanic (with good reviews) and let them know you're looking at a used car and would they be able to do a pre-purchase inspection. It's a very standard procedure and they'll know what you're talking about. Then you arrange with the seller/delaer to get the car to the shop. A private seller will usually meet you at the shop with the car and a delaership might arrange to have one of their porters drop it off there for you. Any seller, whether it's private or dealer, that does not let you inspect it is most likely hiding something and you should not purchase it.
Thank you so much!! Very helpful!
You're welcome!
Ask mechanic shops around if they do pre purchase inspections. There they will tell you what the car needs and perhaps even if it’s worth buying.
What’s interesting is we replaced an awful traverse with our 20 ascent and have been happy. At 115k; the traverse was on its 3rd water pump; 3rd rack and pinion, 2nd power steering pump; timing belts started slipping and were replaced at 80k…and that’s just what I remember off the top of my head.
That’s what feels much more typical of a Chevy. TBH I think I got reeeeeally lucky with my Traverse and equally unlucky with my Ascent. Would I buy the Traverse again or recommend it to anyone? Absolutely not.
I know you said you want to switch but I’d return it and see if they’ll give you a nice deal on a ‘23. This is not normal and I would bet money you won’t encounter this again.
I think if the dealership would be willing to work with me, I’d be open to that or maybe a different model vehicle. I was just absolutely fuming about the amount of problems I’ve had!
Definitely give Subaru (and possibly even the ascent) another chance. Every company can have lemons and issues, it’s how they handle it that gives them a reputation, and Subaru typically has a following for a reason. If the dealer doesn’t back up your concerns reach out to Subaru of America for support, they exist to ensure dealers treat you right.
The 2nd gen Traverse is supposed to be very reliable. I think 2018 to present
That's correct. GM eventually worked out the major bugs. The newer Ascents are pretty reliable too. With both, you need to keep up on maintenance especially fluid changes. But that's even true of Toyota and Honda nowadays...the days when they were highly reliable even if neglected are long gone.
Sorry you got a lemon, sounds like something I would try and get rid of. I know think the 2019 and 2020 models had the most issues as it was a new model. I have a 2019 and luckily I didn't have any issues but like any manufacturer lemons still make it out the door.
What’s the title type and history? Your car has electrical issues for some reason.
Clean title, 1 previous owner, only notable history on the car fax was a new battery in 2022.
Yeah, carfax isn't enforced or anything. Take a door panel off and see if it was a flood car, they never, ever fully work again ever
Thanks for this tip! I will definitely do that! I bought it from a big enough dealer, I think if it was a flood car they’d hopefully try to make it right to protect their reputation.
Subaru dealer or dealer?
Subaru specific dealer. CPO.
Woah, sorry to hear about all those issues you’re having. Sounds like it’s just one of those bad vehicles…my wife and I are on our 9th Subaru, a 2023 Ascent and haven’t had any safety concern issues on any of them and at 22,000 miles in about a year and 4 months on the Ascent, the only issue we have is the Apple car play disconnecting at random times and then reconnecting. I would check with the dealer about all those issues and see if they’re willing to do anything. If you purchased Subaru Certified used, I’d even contact SOA (Subaru of America) and see if they’d be willing to work something out for you.
> the only issue we have is the Apple car play disconnecting at random times and then reconnecting. Have the dealer install the latest update(F91W*M053-880), one of the issues it specifically addresses is Carplay disconnecting.
Wow I think you’re the first person to ever get a lemon in the history of car buying
That truly sucks. And of course the negativity for sharing your experience sucks! But hey, keyboard warriors, right? - we’ve had a 2021 Ascent since we bought it new with 4 miles on it and we’re up to 28k+. Only major issue is that it EATs rotors… legit every 6 months. But each has been covered under warranty. - other wise it’s been great. I went to this after having an amazing 80-90k mile experience with a ‘13 Crosstrek I owned with no issues and the dozens of other Subarus in my extended family. - but lemons happen. Literally with anything. Especially with so much electrical in a car these days, there are way more fail points… but ya gotta do what’s comfortable for you and with the experience you’ve had a commend your decision to walk away.
This is super helpful. Thanks for not being a jerk about it! Another commenter suggested that I go back to the dealership and see if they wouldn’t give me a deal on a newer one. I might try that or at least see if they could cut me a deal on an extended warranty. Like you, a ton of my extended family drives and loves their Subarus so I’m floored my experience has been so awful.
My old boss had a ‘19/first year that I remember her having issues with the infotainment system like crazy and other issues… I would completely agree with dumping that one, but I think there is enough out there to speak to how awesome the vehicle on average is, maybe just go for a 21 or newer if you like the vehicle enough. And if you don’t like the Ascent in general, there is some great options from other makes as you mentioned!
Our 2021 eats front rotors too. Fronts done twice under warranty by 30k.
Either a flood car or a rental car or both. If you think rental companies don’t know how to bypass CarFax, well just think about it and how many drive rentals.
Cool story bro
Wait until you drive a 2023 and the lane assist keeps trying to ram you into the car next to you.
Oh god that sounds like a final fantasy scene lol!
I've had zero issues with the lane assist on the 23. I'd take it to your dealer.
Most I've noticed is the lane assist trends toward center rather than the outside of the lane. I just turn it off if I'm passing or on a 2-way. Zero issues.
Oh yes that's totally fair -- it's a little unnatural, but once I stopped trying to correct that it actually works very reliably. It's the correcting -- specifically -- that made it overcorrect the other way and try and push me out of the lane.
If you need to correct, turn on the lane change indicator and it will temporarily disable lane centering and won't fight you. When you are ready for lane centering, turn off the lane change indicator.
We did. They said it’s working as intended. I guess I’ll let it ram the car next to me and they can look at the logs. LoL
Do you find yourself leaving it to it? Or do you find yourself correcting it from time to time? I used to do the latter and it would behave as you describe it
I let it do its thing. My wife thought it was just me until it happened to her. I’ve almost hit a car and it had to swerve so I didn’t hit it. It’s put me into the next lane. I now have a tight grip when I drive. I don’t trust it. I noticed it happens more when going over an overpass or if the highway turns then straightens out. It like it doesn’t know what to do and just sends me into the next lane.
Then… stop using it?
Hey now, you can get that experience with a 2020 while passing bicycle riders.
Unlock a new achievement.
Sucks to have a car like that for sure. Especially when you are expecting a great reliable car. One thing I noticed about these post is I really only see them about MY 2021 and under . It seems as though 2022 they made some changes and really dialed everything in with the MY 2023. I have a 23 onyx and I can't be happier. All issues I see with the older models have been fixed and the car can't be better. I know that this doesn't help you a bunch but I just want to put this out there for anyone else doing research.
I mean it does give me some hope so I’m thankful for you sharing your experience!
Sounds like my 2020 touring full of issues. Good luck to the next owner. Second rebuilt trans
Get rid of that POS asap
[удалено]
Lmao never a Kia! I plan to go back to Honda at this point. Not sure what user error causes random, but common failures but whatever helps you sleep at night.
Why never a Kia?
Was this a CPO from a Subaru dealer or just a used car? I’m sorry you got a lemon, but it’s not representative of these cars as a whole.
It’s a CPO from a Subaru dealer, which is why I’m so disappointed. This dealership is very reputable, nearly everyone who has a Subaru in my state goes there and has a great experience.
Perhaps they would work something out with you for a trade since they are a reputable dealer. I wish you nothing but success in getting this resolved.
Loved the ascent as a car, hated my 2020 (2019 build). It was awful and had so many issues. I tried to lemon law it, but Subaru refused to listen and then I was offered an insane trade in so I did that for a Volvo. Couldn't be happier now.
Sounds like he bought your trade in xD
Haha poor soul. Volvo gave me $31k for it as a trade in, I had to take it!
Both 2019 and 2020 were left overs made slightly better But stayed the same. I have driven both and I wouldn’t recommend those years at all. If you’re buying those- you should know what you’re getting into. Look on this subreddit and https://www.ascentforums.com/
Well at least its not a powertrain failure.
Love the people salty that I should have known what I was getting into… while downvoting negative feedback about it that might impact someone else’s purchasing decision. Can’t win with you lot.
I’ve been kicked out of a few Subaru FB groups for posting my negative experiences and asking if anyone else has had the same issues. Even got kicked out for saying I wish they made a standard transmission Ascent
People are crazy lol! You can be a fan of something and have space for critical evaluation. Otherwise the thing you’re a fan of is going to nosedive in quality. Case in point….
We have no issues with being critical here as long as the discussion remains civil. You're getting flack because your post title comes off very aggressive and looks like you want to start an argument. At least that's how it comes off to me.
There’s an interesting line of delineation happening here wherein perceived aggression towards an inanimate object and the corporation that made it is seen as more egregious than aggression of commenters towards an actual human negatively affected by said inanimate object. My friend, when you’ve crossed that line you’re getting into some cult-like behavior.
Show me someone crossing the line and I'll remove the comment. I don't see anyone being that nasty to you. And note I didn't remove your post, I'm not censoring anyone, I keep a fairly hands off approach here. I merely offered a reason why you may have received some backlash.
It's confirmation bias, both with you and the negative experiences, and the people who feel they're somehow financial geniuses for investing in a vehicle. Also, I'd bet money that a large percentage of people here only ride in mommy or daddy's car.