2021 Subaru Ascent Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent.

20202022
Complaints
133
per 10K Sold
17.8
US Sales
74,650
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2021 Subaru Ascent Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#117 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:1,111 mi
Fires:1
#214 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#314 complaints

Wipers & Visibility

Avg mileage:3,672 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Ascent.

Electrical Faults
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
1,111
Transmission / Drivetrain
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
3,672
Lane Departure: Assist
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
1,988
Engine Problems
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
300
Brakes
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
3,360
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Rack And Pinion
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tether, Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 Subaru Ascent

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~271,694 vehicles.

22V907000Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
~271,694 affected

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.

Other Subaru Ascent Years

2021 Subaru Ascent — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 133 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 17 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (17 complaints, avg 1,111 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (14 complaints); Wipers & Visibility (14 complaints, avg 3,672 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 2,017 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent include 4 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 271,694 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Ascent reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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