Recall 18V508 affects 293 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles for missing B-pillar spot welds. Inspection and replacement are free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 293 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs because spot welds on or around the B-Pillar are missing, which can compromise vehicle strength in a crash. The defect raises the risk of injury, and Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The B-pillar on the 2019 Subaru Ascent is the vertical body post between the front and rear doors. It ties the roof, floor, and side body together and helps the passenger compartment keep its shape under load. Spot welds are small fused metal joints that hold those body panels in place.
On affected Ascents, welding robots missed some spot welds on or around the B-pillar because of improper software programming. Those missing welds leave parts of the body structure with less strength than Subaru designed into it. The concern is not a loose trim piece or a noise problem; it is reduced body strength in the area that helps protect the cabin.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not expected to hear, feel, or see a symptom that confirms the missing welds before the vehicle is inspected.
Who's affected?
The listed SUVs came from a July 16-25, 2018 build window tied to the body structure.
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | body structure |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 293 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, missing spot welds can compromise vehicle strength and increase injury risk. There is no owner warning sign listed for this structural issue, so if your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon and follow Subaru's dealer instructions. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Subaru Ascent is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free inspection for missing B-Pillar spot welds.
- Ask whether the inspection shows missing welds; if it does, Subaru replaces the vehicle free of charge.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, and reference recall number 18V508 when you call.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about Subaru recall WTU-80.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the vehicle for missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar. If those welds are missing, Subaru replaces the vehicle instead of repairing the body structure. The inspection and any recall replacement are free. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file, so owners who already paid for a related repair should ask Subaru customer service how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 31, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 2, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 2, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 31, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V508?
Recall 18V508 covers 293 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles that have missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar. In a crash, that defect can compromise vehicle strength and increase injury risk. Subaru dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace it for free if welds are missing.
What should I do if my 2019 Subaru Ascent is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ascent is included in recall 18V508. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the inspection for missing spot welds. Reference Subaru recall number WTU-80 when you call. The inspection and required replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Subaru to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 18V508, Subaru dealers inspect the vehicle for missing spot welds, and Subaru replaces the vehicle free of charge if the welds are missing.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced crash protection. Missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar can compromise the Ascent's body strength during a crash, increasing injury risk. The recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but affected owners still need the free Subaru inspection.
When did Subaru start this recall?
Subaru began recall 18V508 on July 31, 2018. Because that date has passed, owners who never received a notice should check the VIN and call a franchised Subaru dealer with recall number WTU-80.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V508000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V508 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V508000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →