The head restraint system in the Subaru Ascent is an essential safety feature designed to reduce the risk of neck and spinal injuries during rear-end collisions. Proper adjustment and correct usage of head restraints in the Subaru Ascent significantly enhance occupant protection and overall driving safety.
WARNING
Never replace a head restraint in the Subaru Ascent with one from a different seating position. Each head restraint is specifically engineered for its designated seat — front, second-row, or third-row — and improper installation may reduce its effectiveness and compromise safety.
NOTE
In the Subaru Ascent, only the front seat head restraints support angle adjustment. When reinstalling front head restraints, ensure that the angle adjustment mechanism operates correctly and allows proper positioning.
Front seats
Both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats in the Subaru Ascent are equipped with adjustable head restraints. These can be customized to improve comfort while maintaining optimal safety positioning.
Height adjustment

To raise: Lift the head restraint upward until it reaches the desired height in the Subaru Ascent.
To lower: Press and hold the release button located at the top of the seatback while gently pushing the head restraint downward.
To remove: Press the release button and pull the head restraint completely out of the seatback guides.
To install: Insert the head restraint into the guide holes at the top of the seatback in the Subaru Ascent until it locks securely into place. Use the release button to fine-tune its height after installation.

For maximum protection in the Subaru Ascent, adjust each head restraint so that its center aligns as closely as possible with the top of the occupant’s ears. This positioning helps reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.
NOTE
If the head restraint in the Subaru Ascent cannot be removed or installed due to limited clearance with the roof, slightly recline or tilt the seatback to create sufficient space, then perform the operation safely.
Angle adjustment

The front head restraints in the Subaru Ascent allow multi-step angle adjustment for improved comfort and safety. While maintaining a proper driving posture, position the head restraint so that the back of your head is as close as possible to its surface.
To tilt: Manually adjust the head restraint forward to the desired position. A clicking sound will confirm that it has locked into place.
To return: Push the head restraint fully forward until it releases and automatically returns to the upright position. After that, readjust it to the preferred angle for optimal comfort in the Subaru Ascent.
Proper adjustment of head restraints in the Subaru Ascent not only enhances comfort but also plays a critical role in reducing injury risk during collisions, making it an essential part of everyday driving safety.
Second-row seats
In the Subaru Ascent, all second-row seats are equipped with head restraints designed to enhance passenger safety and comfort. These head restraints can be easily adjusted to ensure optimal positioning and максимальний захист під час руху.
Window side seating position

To raise: Pull the head restraint upward until it reaches the desired height in the Subaru Ascent.
To lower: Press and hold the release button located on the top of the seatback while gently pushing the head restraint downward.
To remove: Press the release button and pull the head restraint completely out of the seatback guides.
To install: Insert the head restraint into the mounting holes at the top of the seatback in the Subaru Ascent until it securely locks into place. Use the release button if further adjustment is needed.

For maximum protection in the Subaru Ascent, adjust each second-row head restraint so that its center aligns closely with the top of the occupant’s ears. This positioning significantly reduces the risk of neck injuries in the event of a collision.
After installation or adjustment, always verify that the head restraint in the Subaru Ascent is securely locked and stable.
Applicable only for eight seaters

CAUTION
In the Subaru Ascent, the head restraint should never be used in the fully retracted position.
Before occupying the seat, always raise the head restraint to its extended position to ensure proper head and neck support.

To raise: Lift the head restraint upward until it locks into position.
To lower: Press the release button and gently push the head restraint downward.
To remove: While holding the release button, pull the head restraint out of the seatback.
To install: Insert the head restraint into the guide holes and push it down until it locks securely. Adjust as needed for comfort and safety in the Subaru Ascent.
When the center seat of the second row in the Subaru Ascent is occupied, always raise the head restraint to its extended position. If the seat is not in use, lower the head restraint to improve rearward visibility for the driver.
Proper adjustment of second-row head restraints in the Subaru Ascent plays a critical role in passenger safety, ensuring optimal support and reducing the likelihood of injury during sudden stops or collisions.
Folding down the seatback
Third-row seatsInspection
LIGHTING SYSTEM > Ignition Switch IlluminationINSPECTIONSTEPCHECKYESNO1.CHECK THE IGNITION SWITCH ILLUMINATION.Make sure the ignition switch illumination illuminates when driver’s side door is open.Does the ignition switch illumination illuminate?Ignition switch illumination is normal. Igni ...
Selecting audible signal operation (models without "keyless access with
push-button start system")
Using an electronic chirp, the system will
give you an audible signal when the doors
lock and unlock. If desired, you may turn
the audible signal off.
Perform the following steps to deactivate
the audible signal. You can also use the
same steps to restore the function.
1. Sit in the drive ...
Models with "keyless access with push-button start system"
NOTE
For more details, refer to the Owner's
Manual supplement for the remote
engine start system.
Access key
Lock button
An access key can be used as the remote
engine start transmitter. Operate the lock
button to start or stop the engine as
follows.
Before starting the engine
Befo ...