2023 Subaru Ascent Lower Control Arm Recall (23V392)

Recall 23V392 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2023 Subaru Ascent in recall 23V392?

The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Is it safe to drive a 2023 Ascent with recall 23V392?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the lower arm.

Which vehicles are included in recall 23V392?

Recall 23V392 covers 5 vehicles: 2023 Subaru Ascent.

NHTSA lists 5 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Ascent lower control arm recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.

When was recall 23V392 announced?

Subaru of America, Inc. reported recall 23V392 to NHTSA on June 1, 2023. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as June 30, 2023.

This recall was filed 40 months ago. If your Ascent was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Ascent is part of recall 23V392?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 23V392 is open on your Ascent, it will be listed there.

The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2023 Ascent vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.

What should Ascent owners do about recall 23V392?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 23V392000 applies to your Ascent.
2. Book the recall appointment with any authorized Subaru dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the lower arm happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Ascent owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 8 of them about the suspension, wheels and tires.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 45 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 8 of them involve the suspension, wheels and tires. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2023 Subaru Ascent: 45 complaints in total, 8 about the suspension, wheels and tires

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

I have owned the car new since July 1, 2023. About a month into ownership the TPMS light came on. My wife was close to a tire shop so they checked all the pressures and all were fine.

2023 Subaru Ascent owner, OR, NHTSA complaint 11544090, filed September 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: ZIEX, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: 1R8KH DM2R 0323. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was rubber flying from the vehicle.

2023 Subaru Ascent owner, NC, NHTSA complaint 11757791, filed August 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Ascent equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Ziex ZE001 A/S, Tire Size: 245/50/R20 102H, DOT Number: [XXX] Contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the front wheels turned outward, the contact became aware that there was severe inner-edge tire wear with missing rubber on the inner sidewall…

2023 Subaru Ascent owner, NY, NHTSA complaint 11765023, filed September 17, 2026

Can recall 23V392 make my Ascent a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this lower arm recall means their Ascent qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

If a suspension or wheel problem on the 2023 Subaru Ascent returns after the recall work, keep the repair orders. Repeat visits for the same defect are what California's lemon law looks at.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Ascent went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 23V392