Complaint 2184644
2020 SUBARU ASCENT • POWER TRAIN • incident Feb 16, 2026
- Complaint ID
- 2184644
- Make
- SUBARU
- Model
- ASCENT
- Model Year
- 2020
- Component
- POWER TRAIN
- Incident Date
- Feb 16, 2026
- Date Received
- Mar 10, 2026
- Data As Of
- Jul 1, 2026
Complaint Summary
POWER TRAIN
Owner Narrative
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train â Automatic Transmission â Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at Lithia Reno Subaru. Diagnostic scan identified multiple transmission-related codes including P0137, P0700, P2096, P1867, P0867, P2723, and P0841. The technician documented the root cause as: "Found pressure sensor leaking oil through all harnesses." According to the dealership diagnosis, the transmission hydraulic pressure sensor failed and allowed transmission fluid to migrate into the vehicle's electrical wiring harness system. Fluid traveled through the transmission harness and continued into the bulkhead and engine harnesses, contaminating multiple electrical systems. Due to the extent of contamination, the dealership determined that all three harnesses must be replaced. The repair estimate is approximately $8,933. Transmission fluid entering the wiring harness can disrupt communication between the transmission control system and other powertrain components. This electrical contamination can cause erratic transmission operation or sudden loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion, increasing crash risk. Subaru has issued recalls and service bulletins involving CVT transmission and hydraulic pressure sensor failures in earlier Ascent vehicles using the same drivetrain. My March 2020 vehicle appears to have experienced the same failure pattern. Despite the documented component failure and extensive wiring contamination, the manufacturer declined to fully cover the repair. I request that NHTSA review this failure mode to determine whether hydraulic pressure sensor seal failures allowing transmission fluid to migrate into wiring harness systems represent a broader defect affecting Subaru Ascent vehicles.
Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.
Related
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