Recall 23V392 affects 5 2023 Subaru Ascent SUVs for loose lower-control-arm ball joint nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 5 2023 Ascent vehicles because a front lower control arm ball joint castle nut was not tightened properly. If the ball joint separates while the vehicle is moving, the driver can lose control and crash; Subaru dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front lower control arm on the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a suspension arm that connects the front wheel assembly to the vehicle frame. Its ball joint lets the wheel move up and down with the road while still allowing steering movement. A castle nut and retention pin hold that ball joint in place, so the joint stays attached to the control arm.
On affected Ascents, the castle nut on the left or right front lower control arm was not tightened enough during assembly. The retention pin was installed while the nut was still loose. That looseness can damage the pin and let the ball joint separate from the lower control arm, which means the front suspension connection no longer holds the wheel assembly as designed.
Before that separation, the driver can notice abnormal noise or vibration from the front suspension. Treat new front-end clunks, rattles, or shaking as the warning sign and have the vehicle checked by a Subaru dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Subaru Ascent | lower control arm |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Subaru Ascent is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a lower ball joint separates while the vehicle is moving, the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Abnormal noise or vibration from the front suspension is a warning sign. Schedule the inspection soon and avoid extra driving if those symptoms appear. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Subaru Ascent is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free lower control arm inspection and replacement if needed.
- Tell the dealer this is recall number 23V392 and Subaru recall WRJ-23 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, but schedule the repair even without the letter.
- Limit driving until the dealer inspects the front lower control arm; ball joint separation can cause loss of vehicle control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the front lower control arm and the ball joint connection. If the control arm is affected, the technician replaces the lower control arm. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for a related lower control arm repair before the recall notice, Subaru's reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Ask Subaru customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit repair paperwork under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| June 2, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 27, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 30, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 30, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V392?
Recall 23V392 covers 5 2023 Subaru Ascent SUVs with a front lower control arm issue. An improperly tightened ball joint castle nut can lead to retention pin failure and ball joint separation. Subaru dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the lower control arm for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2023 Subaru Ascent is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ascent is included in recall 23V392. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the lower control arm inspection. Reference Subaru recall WRJ-23 when you call. The inspection and needed replacement are free.
Does the Subaru Ascent recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Subaru's remedy states that dealers will inspect and replace the lower control arm free of charge if replacement is needed.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V392?
The risk is loss of vehicle control if the ball joint separates while the Ascent is moving. Subaru tied this recall to the front lower control arm and ball joint castle nut. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection before continuing normal use.
When were Subaru owners notified about recall 23V392?
Subaru mailed owner notification letters on June 30, 2023. If you bought the Ascent used or never received a letter, the VIN check is still the right way to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V392000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V392 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V392000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →