Owners of 2019-2024 Subaru Ascents report excessive oil consumption and blue smoke caused by a faulty PCV valve drawing oil into the FA24F turbo engine's intake tract.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this problem ranks against the other documented Ascent failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.
| Problem | Years | Severity | Repair cost | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent PCV Valve Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption (this page) | 2019-2024 | Major | $0–$350 | 2/5 |
| Coolant Leak from RTV Sealant | 2019-2021 | Major | $1,200–$2,500 | 3/5 |
This is one of several documented Ascent problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Engine Guides guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
Under high-boost or high-vacuum conditions, the PCV valve sticks open or fails to seal. This creates a vacuum leak that sucks liquid oil from the crankcase into the intake system. The oil is then burnt in the combustion chamber, leading to carbon buildup on valves (LSPI risk), fouled plugs, and potential catalytic converter damage over time.
The FA24F turbocharged engine generates high crankcase pressures that the original PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve may fail to regulate. A sticking or failed valve allows atomized oil to be pulled directly into the intake manifold and turbocharger, where it is consumed during combustion.
The FA24F turbocharged engine generates high crankcase pressures that the original PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve may fail to regulate. A sticking or failed valve allows atomized oil to be pulled directly into the intake manifold and turbocharger, where it is consumed during combustion.
National average $0–$350. Free under recall WQP-99 for affected VINs; $95-$350 out of pocket otherwise for updated PCV valve + dealership labor. Add $300-$400 if fouled plugs need replacement.
Difficulty 2/5. Replacement of the original plastic-body PCV valve with the updated metal-body or reinforced design (Part #11810AA150 or latest supersession) and inspection of the PCV hose for softening or collapse.
Low oil level light illuminating before the next scheduled service.; Visible blue or grey smoke from the exhaust during cold starts or heavy acceleration.; Oily residue found inside the intercooler or throttle body.; Rough idling or 'stumbling' during deceleration.; Reduced fuel economy and spark plug fouling.
Owners typically pay $0–$350 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Head Gasket Replacement Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Coolant Leak from RTV Sealant. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Ascent hub.
Cross-check NHTSA campaign 19V-447, which covers PCV Valve Failure (FA24DIT) on 2019-2020 Ascent. Recall work is free at any Subaru dealer — always run your VIN before paying for the fix.
We rate it 2/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.
It's part of our Engine Guides cluster, which collects every article covering the same system as this failure.
Same failure mechanism documented on a different Subaru — shares components with this article.
Same failure mechanism documented on a different Subaru — shares components with this article.
EJ, FA, FB, and EZ boxer deep-dives — the engine background this failure sits inside.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.