Recall 19V855 affects 76,842 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles for inaccurate transmission pressure sensing. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 76,842 2019 Ascent vehicles because the transmission hydraulic sensor can read fluid pressure higher than the actual pressure. That incorrect reading can reduce hydraulic pressure, leave the transmission drive chain without proper tension, and lead to loss of drive power; Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission hydraulic sensor on the 2019 Subaru Ascent is part of the automatic transmission control system. It reads hydraulic fluid pressure inside the transmission and sends that signal to the transmission control unit, the computer that tells valves how much pressure to apply. That pressure helps keep the drive chain tight so power moves smoothly from the engine to the wheels.
On affected Ascents, a joint in the sensor harness uses tinplate and copper together. That mix can form an oxide film, which raises electrical resistance in the circuit. When resistance rises, the sensor reads pressure higher than it really is. The transmission control unit then tells a valve to lower pressure, which reduces drive-chain tension and lets the chain slip.
Owners can notice irregular noise, vibration while driving, or a warning lamp before the condition worsens. If those signs appear, describe them to a Subaru dealer as transmission noise, vibration, or warning-light illumination.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 76,842 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Subaru Ascent is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect fluid pressure readings can reduce hydraulic pressure in the transmission. That leaves the drive chain without proper tension, which can cause loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Irregular noise, vibration while driving, or a warning lamp are signs to schedule service promptly. 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 transmission-control-unit reprogramming that corrects the faulty hydraulic pressure reading.
- Ask the dealer whether your Ascent needs the hydraulic sensor harness replacement or transmission assembly replacement after diagnostic trouble codes and drive-chain tension are checked.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V855 and Subaru recall WUV-07 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if the Ascent loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician reprograms the transmission control unit. If the vehicle has the stored diagnostic trouble codes covered by the recall, the hydraulic sensor harness is replaced. If inspection confirms low drive chain tension, the transmission assembly is replaced. All recall repairs are free of charge. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related transmission repair before the recall notice, bring repair orders, receipts, and payment records to the service desk or contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 2, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 3, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 3, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 24, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 24, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 31, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V855?
Recall 19V855 covers 76,842 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles with a transmission hydraulic sensor that can measure fluid pressure incorrectly. If pressure is reduced, the transmission drive chain can lose proper tension, causing loss of drive power and increasing crash risk.
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 19V855. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for recall WUV-07. The dealer will reprogram the transmission control unit and complete any needed sensor-harness or transmission work for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Subaru's remedy for recall 19V855 says all repairs are free of charge. That includes the transmission control unit reprogramming, hydraulic sensor harness replacement when required, and transmission assembly replacement when required.
Is it safe to drive my 2019 Subaru Ascent?
The official risk is loss of drive power, which increases crash risk. Recall 19V855 does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but loss of power in traffic is serious. Check your VIN, then schedule the free Subaru dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When did Subaru begin this recall repair?
Subaru began recall 19V855 repairs on January 31, 2020. If your VIN is included, the repair path is open now. Call a franchised Subaru dealer with recall number WUV-07, or contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V855000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V855 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V855000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →