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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 440 |
| 2020 | 321 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20260828
My 2021 Subaru Ascent (40,000 miles) suffered multiple major mechanical failures that pose ongoing safety concerns: 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
Also filed under ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the transmission failed to properly operate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260724
18% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20260831
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17% of complaints: lane departure — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing assist and warning.
14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20210104
12% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20260711
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 22V907000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V436000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Subaru Ascent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for lane departure issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V907000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V436000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.