The 2022 Ascent with the FA24 2.4L turbo represents Subaru's second-generation attempt at a three-row SUV, and while it's better than the early models, the FA24 engine still carries some serious baggage including catastrophic oil consumption and bearing failures that can grenade motors well before 100,000 miles.
FA24 Turbo Catastrophic Oil Consumption & Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure light during highway driving, Metallic knocking from engine bay, Extreme oil consumption (1qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Milky oil cap residue indicating coolant intrusion
Fix: This is the big one. The FA24 has known piston ring sealing issues and bearing tolerance problems that lead to oil starvation. When it goes bad, you're looking at a short block replacement or full engine rebuild. 18-24 labor hours for short block swap, more if internal damage requires machine work. Subaru has extended some warranties but coverage is inconsistent.
Estimated cost: $8,000-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Red ATF puddles under vehicle, Transmission overheating warning on dash, Burnt fluid smell near front of vehicle, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick check
Fix: The cooler lines that run to the front radiator corrode or crack at the crimped fittings. Sometimes just the lines, sometimes the cooler itself is weeping. Replace lines and flush the CVT. 2-3 hours labor if catching it early, more if the CVT was run low and needs internal inspection.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that changes when shifting to neutral, Excessive driveline movement visible under hard acceleration, Metallic tapping from under vehicle on rough roads
Fix: The rear transmission mount tears or the rubber separates from the metal bracket. It's a heavy CVT in a heavy vehicle and the mount just gives up. Replace the mount, inspect surrounding components for damage from the slop. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Boost Control Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that fades as engine warms, Check engine light with wastegate control codes (P0035, P0234), Lack of power under acceleration, Audible fluttering or chattering during boost
Fix: The wastegate actuator arm develops play or the electronic solenoid gets sticky. Sometimes cleaning and adjustment works, but often you're replacing the entire turbo assembly because Subaru doesn't sell the actuator separately in a practical way. 5-7 hours labor for turbo replacement.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500
Head Gasket Seepage (Yes, Still)
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell from engine bay, White residue around head gasket seam, Gradual coolant loss with no visible external leak, Overheating under load, Rough idle with misfire codes after sitting overnight
Fix: Subaru supposedly fixed the head gasket issue with the FA24, but I've still seen a handful develop external seepage or internal combustion gas intrusion. Both heads, timing components, resurface if needed. 16-20 hours labor, and you're doing water pump and timing while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Interior Wiring Harness Chafing (NHTSA Recall Zone)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent electrical gremlins (gauges cutting out, infotainment reboots), Airbag warning light, Burning plastic smell from under dash, Complete electrical failure in extreme cases
Fix: There's a recall for under-dash wiring that can chafe against metal brackets and short out. Dealer repair involves rerouting and adding protective sleeving. 2-4 hours depending on how much harness damage occurred. If caught before a fire starts, it's covered under recall at no cost.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $500-1,200 if outside recall scope
I'd be cautious buying a used 2022 Ascent—budget $2,000-3,000 for deferred engine or transmission issues, verify oil consumption history, and walk away if the seller can't document religious maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.