2021 Subaru Ascent: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Ascent? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 96 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Subaru Ascent trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 Subaru Ascent Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Subaru Ascent has 96 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Ascent
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 96
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Ascent Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Subaru Ascent
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery and wiring, for potential faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect lane departure and visibility systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery and wiring, for potential faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect lane departure and visibility systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Subaru Ascent, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 96 consumer complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent, issues are concentrated in electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and lane departure systems. A recurring theme appears to be electrical problems, which account for the highest number of complaints. Buyers may want to inspect these areas closely.
- Electrical faults are the most reported component with 17 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most common with 16 complaints.
- Lane departure and visibility/wiper problems each have 15 and 14 complaints respectively.
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Lane Departure
All 2021 Subaru Ascent Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2021 Subaru Ascent Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Subaru Ascent Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 96 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Ascent, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 96 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Subaru Ascent. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Ascent?▾
The 2021 Subaru Ascent shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.