Some 2019-2021 Ascent vehicles may develop an external coolant leak from improperly applied RTV sealant at the timing chain cover.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Leak from RTV Sealant (this page) | 2019-2021 | Major | $1,200–$2,500 | 3/5 |
| Subaru Ascent PCV Valve Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption | 2019-2024 | Major | $0–$350 | 2/5 |
This is one of several documented Ascent problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems 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.
The factory RTV sealant, used to seal the timing chain cover to the engine block, may have been improperly applied during assembly. This can create a small void or channel through which pressurized engine coolant can escape, leading to an external leak. Over time, this leak will worsen and can lead to low coolant levels and potential engine overheating if not addressed.
Improper application of RTV sealant during engine assembly at the factory, leading to an incomplete seal at the timing chain cover.
Improper application of RTV sealant during engine assembly at the factory, leading to an incomplete seal at the timing chain cover.
National average $1,200–$2,500.
Difficulty 3/5. Reseal timing chain cover with new RTV sealant (e.g., Three Bond 1282B or equivalent) and replace coolant and engine oil.
Sweet smell from engine bay; Visible coolant drips or stains under the front of the vehicle; Low coolant level in the expansion tank; Engine overheating (in severe cases)
Owners typically pay $1,200–$2,500 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Timing Belt Service Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Subaru Ascent PCV Valve Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption. 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 3/5 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.