2021 Subaru Ascent
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 104
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 104 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 441 |
| 2020 | 323 |
| 2021 | 104 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
19% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Trying to turn onto the street from a parking lot the vehicle wasn't accelerating as expected and I wasn't able to turn as expected. I am taking the car in soon to be diagnosed with an issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-24
My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission - per the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28
My 2021 Subaru Ascent (40,000 miles) suffered multiple major mechanical failures that pose ongoing safety concerns: 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
Also filed under Engine
Electrical system
17% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31
Lane departure
16% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing assist and warning.
Visibility/wiper
14% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Ascent in December 2020. In March 2025, at about 36,000 miles, I discovered water leaking into the cabin through the panoramic moonroof during rain and brought it to Lynnes Subaru (Bloomfield, NJ) immediately.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-14
Our windshield already has numerous chips and one crack that we repaired. We have only had this car since October but it seems like the windshield is very brittle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-04
Engine
12% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Oil leaking from upper and lower oil pan. Oil seeping from head gasket and CVT chain pump cover. RTV sealant failure. $4800 to repair. Subaru needs to solve these oil leak issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2021Complaint volume 104 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2023-01-25Electrical system22V907000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
-
R
2026-07-07Equipment26V436000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 25, 2026.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Lane departure: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V907000 · Electrical system
- Recall 26V436000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.