Lawsuit Investigation into Subaru Ascent Transmission Problems

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who owns or leases a 2019 or 2020 Subaru Ascent and experienced problems with the transmission.

A number of drivers have come forward complaining that their transmissions can slip and that the vehicles have developed a tendency to shudder, jerk or hesitate. In light of these reports, attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed. Before they can even consider filing a lawsuit, however, they need to speak with drivers to learn more about the problem.

What Problems Have Drivers Reported?

Drivers have complained of shifting problems; a feeling the vehicle is hesitating, jerking or about to stall; and slipping of the continuous variable transmission (CVT). A sample of driver complaints posted online and submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can be found below [sic throughout]:

2019 Subaru Ascent

When trying to accelerate around a truck on a highway, the car refused, felt like it was going to stall and every light on the dashboard lit up.”
— Severna Park, MD, CarComplaints.com

Car was shaking while idling/ shifting hard/ studdering while trying to shift and not shifting while going up an incline. The transmission was damaged from the slack in the cvt belt and now has to be completely replaced.”
— Hadley, PA, CarComplaints.com

We are noticing periodic issues with the cvt in this new car. Occasionally we get a high-pitched whine, a sound like a belt slipping, a loss of power, and a sudden bump when the cvt seems to adjust to the situation and return power and normal driving. Internet is full of people reporting the issue. Took it to the dealer and got the usual deer-in-headlights response. They have a serious issue here.”
— Everett, WA, CarComplaints.com

2020 Subaru Ascent

CVT began slipping intermittently around 28000 miles. This usually occurs in the 55-65 mph range at 2000-3000 rpm. Slipping is indicated by approximately 300 rpm change and a noticable hesitation in vehicle motion.”
— Centreville, MD, NHTSA ID: 11378130

The transmission occasionally slips, resulting in a momentary rise in engine revs and a slight lurch.”
— Apple Valley, MN, NHTSA ID: 11375376

Jerky acceleration between 35-50 mph. CVT ‘switching gears’ up and down. Noticed at 600 miles. This happens sporadically, when it does happen the jolt snaps my head back. Brakes continue to squeal after 600 miles.”
—  Cherry Hill, NJ, NHTSA ID: 11318327

Wasn’t There a Recall for these Transmissions?

In December 2019, Subaru announced that it would be recalling more than 75,000 2019 Ascent SUVs over a faulty sensor in the transmission. According to the NHTSA, the sensor could inaccurately measure hydraulic fluid pressure, which could result in the car slowing down or hesitating and put the driver at an increased risk for a crash.

The affected vehicles were manufactured between February 22, 2018 and May 7, 2019 and were eligible for a software update under the recall. Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have reason to believe, however, that the update may not have truly fixed the cars and that those built after May 7, 2019 – and therefore left out of the recall – also suffer from the same transmission problem.  

How Could a Class Action Help Resolve the Issue?

A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could provide drivers with a true fix for the transmission problem. In addition, drivers could also seek compensation for repair costs, rental car expenses, loss of vehicle value and other related damages.

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