2021 SUBARU ASCENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. This model year has 96 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Subaru Ascent Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2021 Subaru Ascent?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
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.
Showing 96 most recent complaints
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Subaru Ascent that I purchased new from Herb Gordon Subaru in Maryland. The incident occurred while driving on I-95 at approximately 75 mph with my family, including children, in the vehicle. The vehicle experienced a sudden and com…
I had catastrophic transmission failure. The car was completely inoperable. Thankfully this only happened in a parking lot. If this were yo happen while merging into traffic it could have been very dangerous. This was the second cvt in this vehicle. The 1st transmission was repla…
Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. Fi…
I am a CPST. I use the Joie Mint Latch with my own child. On multiple occasions I have found on multiple occasions that when securing the lower rigid latch it will flip to green (secure) when it is not actually latched. It is during install when "jiggling" it into position. I am …
2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry).…
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 s…
The transmission on our 2021 Subaru Ascent is slipping and failing to accelerate, RPMs reving, and every issue indicator notification light is on. We took the car to our mechanic, then to the Subaru dealership service dept for diagnosis. A full transmission replacement is require…
I bought a 2021 Ascent - Touring , lately there was an ever increasing amount of wind noise. It sounded like it was coming from the sunroof, but I couldn't see anything from the inside that looked out of place and there were no signs of water leaking. I finally looked up on the r…
Vehicle smells of fuel inside the cabin and when parked in the garage. To date the dealer is unable to diagnose the problem. 60k miles
The transmission/CVT component on the vehicle, 2021 Subaru Ascent is malfunctioning. When being driven, the malfunctioning transmission will cause the vehicle to hesitate in traffic, as well as feeling the slippage of the transmission when in motion. The vehicle also has a burn…
Oil leak from engine constantly from FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, rec cvt pump reseal with new trans seal, pump is leaking causing drips ; drain plug is also leaking. Need to Replace Front and rear Pads & Rotors at 35k miles which is unheard of. Accessed by suberu dealership.
Trunk would not open. Only way to open was to pop open the internal latch access port and switch the latch open with a screw driver. Trunk would not open with key fob, rear handle, or buttons on driver side dashboard.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and failed to accelerate at intended. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No w…
On Friday, June 13, 2025, while (thankfully) in my driveway, the transmission broke on my 2021 Subaru Ascent in my driveway. I simply started my car, put it in reverse, and my car jerked and stopped. NO prior warning. I was on a slight slope. I thank my lucky stars I did not ha…
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 m…
I have a 2021 Subaru Ascent that falls under an extended warranty regarding the windshield due to a faulty windshield. My windshield has cracked, reduce visibility, and does not allow the forward collision warning to work properly. Subaru recognizes the faulty windshield and refu…
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.
Transmission needed to replaced at around 50k miles. Sister in law has the same year and her transmission went about the same mileage
The windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is dangerous because it chips extremely easily. I purchased the car new in 2021 and since then I have had 7 rock chips (in all different states (TX, CA, WA) and driving conditions/speeds/roads). In the 4 years since I have owned it I have …
Transmission needed a full replacement
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
Recalls for 2021 Subaru Ascent
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Subaru Ascent — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 96 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (17 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (17 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 96 total NHTSA complaints. 3 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The largest issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Ascent reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2021 Subaru Ascent
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.