VehicleVerdict

2021 Subaru Ascent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 137 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ascent year — the 2021 model ranks #3 of 8 Ascent years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (25), electrical system (17), and visibility & wipers (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

137

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Ascent years?

Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted546 complaints2019: 546 complaints2020: 401 complaints2021: 137 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 64 complaints2025: 17 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Ascent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Ascent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2518%
Visibility & Wipers1712%
Electrical System1712%
Other1612%
Transmission1612%
Engine107%
Brakes97%
Steering75%
Body & Structure75%
Tires & Wheels54%
Speed Control21%
Fuel System21%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V907000Electrical SystemDecember 8, 2022 · 271,694 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The driver was driving into a parking lot preparing to park, when the vehicle accelerated and started going forward at a higher speed. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle, then travelled across the parking lot, over curbs, a grass median, landscaping, and struck a rock building at a high rate of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 6, 2024 · crash

“While driving my Subaru Ascent, a check engine warning light appeared on the dashboard. Shortly afterward, I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Within moments, flames began coming from under the hood. The fire spread rapidly, and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2025 · fire

“Three chips have showed up on my windshield. I called the dealer when I saw it. They said all customers pay out of pocket. Then I recently saw that there is an issue with the windshields. That Subaru corporate is now taking care of the issue. I am looking for information to move forward with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 26, 2021

“Every time I go out of park there is a massive clubking noise from under the car. It's actually a super common item with these cars I am seeing as well in other forums. I believe this could lead to sheared parking brakes in the future.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 3, 2025

“The lane assist failed by over correcting while I have my hands on the steering wheel. It over corrects to the center lane when you are driving with normal behavior. This can cause a collision if it were to over correct while a car was there, this is also easily reproducible in my car. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2025

2021 Subaru Ascent — common questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 137 complaints put the 2021 model at #3 of 8 Ascent years. It is one of the Ascent years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Ascent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (25 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), visibility & wipers (17 complaints).

Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Ascent years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ascent years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Ascent years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Subaru Ascent earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.