Subaru · Ascent · 2021
2021 Subaru Ascent
1
Recall
96
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 1 recall and 96 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: power train (14 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Subaru Ascent page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is power train with 14 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Subaru Ascent currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 96 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are power train (14), visibility/wiper (13), electrical system (12).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Subaru Ascent
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 96
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.0% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V907000December 08, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
96 totalPOWER TRAIN
Apr 8, 2026
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...
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Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
Apr 1, 2026
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 ...
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POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 24, 2026
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...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FIREDec 20, 2025
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...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Dec 18, 2025
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...
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POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
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...
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ENGINE
Nov 25, 2025
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
POWER TRAIN
Oct 31, 2025
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...
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SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 29, 2025
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)....
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WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Sep 3, 2025
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.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 96 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Subaru models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Subaru Ascent Years
2022 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r52c2020 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.4r311c2023 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.3r38c2019 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.8r431c2024 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.43c2025 Subaru AscentCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.8c
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA has received 96 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Subaru Ascent are power train (14 reports), visibility/wiper (13 reports), electrical system (12 reports).
Does the 2021 Subaru Ascent have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.