Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Towing

If towing your Subaru Ascent becomes necessary, it is strongly recommended to rely on an authorized SUBARU dealer or a professional towing service. Always follow the correct procedures to ensure safety and prevent drivetrain damage.

WARNING

Never tow AWD versions of the Subaru Ascent with only the front wheels or only the rear wheels lifted off the ground. Doing so may cause uncontrolled wheel rotation and severe damage to the center differential, potentially resulting in loss of control.

Towing hooks and tie-down hooks/holes

The towing hooks on the Subaru Ascent are intended strictly for emergency use and should not be used for prolonged or improper towing operations.

CAUTION

Always use only the designated towing hooks and tie-down points. Do not attach towing equipment to suspension components or other body parts, as this may cause damage.

Front towing hook

The front towing hook on the Subaru Ascent is located beneath the vehicle body on the front left side.

Rear towing hook

1. Remove the towing hook and screwdriver from the tool kit, and take the jack handle from the cargo area of your Subaru Ascent.

2. Protect the bumper surface by wrapping the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with tape or cloth. Carefully pry off the cover on the rear bumper to access the threaded mounting point.

3. Thread the towing hook into the mounting hole until it is fully seated and no threads remain visible.

4. Tighten the towing hook firmly using the jack handle and wheel nut wrench to ensure it is securely fastened.

After completing the towing process, remove the towing hook and store it back in the tool kit of your Subaru Ascent.

Reinstall the protective cover onto the bumper to restore its original appearance.

WARNING

• Use the towing hook only for towing your Subaru Ascent and for no other purposes.
• Always remove the towing hook after use. Leaving it installed may interfere with safety systems such as the fuel pump shutoff mechanism in the event of a rear impact.

CAUTION

• To avoid deformation or structural damage, do not apply excessive force to the towing hook.
• For Subaru Ascent models equipped with BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert), disable the "Rear Vehicle Detection (BSD/RCTA)" system when towing.

  The radar signals may be obstructed during towing, which can lead to improper system operation. Refer to "Car settings" for instructions on enabling or disabling this feature.

Front tie-down hooks

The front tie-down hooks are positioned between each front wheel and the front bumper of the Subaru Ascent.

Rear tie-down holes

1. Rear tie-down hole

The rear tie-down holes are located close to the reinforced jack-up points on each side of the Subaru Ascent.

Each rear tie-down hole is protected by a removable plug.

To use these anchoring points, remove the plugs carefully. Once finished, reinstall the plugs to maintain proper protection and appearance.

WARNING

Use the rear tie-down holes strictly for downward securing of the Subaru Ascent. Using them for pulling or securing in other directions may cause cables to slip out, creating a hazardous situation.

For improved safety and durability, always follow correct towing and recovery procedures for your Subaru Ascent, as improper handling may result in costly drivetrain damage and compromised vehicle stability.

Using a flat-bed truck

Transporting your Subaru Ascent on a flat-bed truck is considered the safest and most reliable method, as it prevents unnecessary stress on the drivetrain and suspension components. To ensure maximum safety and avoid potential damage, always follow the correct loading and securing procedures.

1. Shift the selector lever of your Subaru Ascent into the "P" (Park) position to prevent unintended movement.

2. Firmly engage the parking brake to stabilize the vehicle during loading and transportation.

3. Secure the Subaru Ascent to the carrier using high-quality safety chains or straps. Each chain should be tightened evenly to maintain balance, but avoid excessive tension that could compress the suspension system or cause structural strain.

CAUTION

• If your Subaru Ascent is equipped with an optional bumper under guard, take extra care to avoid scraping or damaging it while loading onto or unloading from the flat-bed truck.
• Transportation on a flat-bed truck may occasionally affect headlight alignment. After transport, it is advisable to have the headlight aim checked and adjusted by an authorized SUBARU dealer if necessary.

Towing with all wheels on the ground

1. Release the parking brake completely and place the transmission of your Subaru Ascent into the neutral position before towing.

2. Ensure that the ignition switch remains in the "ON" position during towing so that the steering system remains unlocked and controllable.

3. Gradually remove slack from the towing rope or cable to prevent sudden jerks that could damage the vehicle or towing equipment.

WARNING

• Never turn the ignition switch of your Subaru Ascent to the "LOCK"/"OFF" position while it is being towed. Doing so will lock the steering wheel and may lead to loss of directional control.
• Keep in mind that when the engine is not running, both the brake booster and power steering systems are inactive.

  As a result, significantly more force will be required to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel, which can affect handling and stopping performance.

CAUTION

• If your Subaru Ascent experiences transmission failure, it must always be transported using a flat-bed truck to prevent further mechanical damage.
• Severely damaged vehicles may not be suitable for towing with all wheels on the ground. In such cases, always choose flat-bed transport for safety.
• When towing your Subaru Ascent with all wheels on the ground, limit the speed to below 20 mph (32 km/h) and restrict the distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For longer distances or higher speeds, flat-bed transportation is mandatory.
• Use a flat-bed truck when traveling through steep declines or long downhill sections. Since engine braking is not available while towing, prolonged use of the brake pedal may lead to overheating and reduced braking efficiency.
• Operate the vehicle smoothly and avoid sudden starts to prevent shock loads on the towing rope or attachment points.
• Always use a dedicated towing rope or strap designed for vehicle recovery. If metal chains or wire ropes must be used, protect the bumper area with cloth or padding to avoid scratches and damage to your Subaru Ascent.

Electronic parking brake - if the electronic parking brake cannot be released

If the electronic parking brake on your Subaru Ascent cannot be disengaged, do not attempt to force it manually. Instead, contact an authorized SUBARU dealer for professional assistance to safely release the system and prevent damage.

For optimal safety and preservation of your Subaru Ascent, always choose proper towing methods and follow manufacturer recommendations, as incorrect handling may result in costly repairs and compromised vehicle performance.