Recall 22V907 affects 271,694 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs for a PTC heater ground-bolt fire risk. Park outside. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
A melting ground terminal increases fire risk. Park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete, and stay with the vehicle while the engine is running. If you smell burning or see smoke from the driver's side dash or footwell, stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 271,694 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs because the PTC heater ground terminal has a ground bolt that was improperly fastened, a condition tied to melting of the terminal and nearby parts. The defect increases the risk of a fire, so owners should park outside and away from structures until a Subaru dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent uses a Positive Temperature Coefficient heater, often called a PTC heater, to add electric heat inside the cabin. A ground terminal under the driver's side instrument panel completes the electrical path for that heater. A ground bolt is supposed to clamp that terminal tightly so current flows through a solid metal-to-metal connection.
On affected Ascents, the ground bolt was not tightened properly during assembly because access to the ground point was obscured. That loose connection reduces the contact area at the terminal. When the PTC heater runs, electrical resistance at that weak connection creates heat. The heat can melt the ground terminal and surrounding under-dash components.
The warning sign is a burning smell or smoke from under the driver's side instrument panel. Treat either one as the warning sign for this recall and have the vehicle checked through the recall repair path.
Who's affected?
Covers the Ascent across 4 model years, all tied to the same under-dash wiring component.
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | wiring |
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | wiring |
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | wiring |
| Units affected | 271,694 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 11 field incidents 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?
A melting ground terminal increases fire risk. Park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete, and stay with the vehicle while the engine is running. If you smell burning or see smoke from the driver's side dash or footwell, stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free PTC heater ground-bolt repair that fixes the melting ground terminal.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V907 and Subaru recall WRL-22 when you call.
- Park the vehicle away from structures until the repair is complete.
- Avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
- Stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to "Off" if you see or smell smoke from the dash or driver's footwell.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the PTC heater ground bolts and checks whether the ground wire or connector holder also needs replacement. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Until the repair is complete, park the vehicle away from structures and do not leave it unattended with the engine running. If you smell or see smoke from the dash or driver's footwell, stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition off. Subaru's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible prior paid repairs. Ask the service desk or Subaru customer service what documentation they need.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 8, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 12, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| December 12, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 25, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 6, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 6, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V907?
Recall 22V907 covers 271,694 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs with an improperly fastened PTC heater ground bolt. The loose ground connection can melt the terminal and nearby parts, increasing fire risk. Subaru dealers will replace the ground bolts and related damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ascent is included in recall 22V907. If it is, park outside and away from structures, avoid leaving the vehicle unattended with the engine running, and call a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Subaru to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Subaru dealer will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, when needed, replace the ground wire and connector holder free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Subaru Ascent before the recall repair?
Follow Subaru's fire-risk instructions until the repair is complete. Park outside and away from structures, and do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. If you notice or smell smoke near the dash or driver's footwell, stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition off.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for visible smoke or a smoke smell from the dash or driver's footwell area. Subaru identifies those signs as reasons to stop operating the vehicle immediately and turn the ignition off. Then contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall 22V907.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V907000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V907 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V907000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →