What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2021 Subaru Ascent

No clear pattern

20.8% of complaints about the 2021 Subaru Ascent arrived in its first year of service. That is an unusual figure for a 2021 vehicle, but with only 144 complaints on record the sample is too small to call it a pattern — the margin of error covers the range where ordinary vehicles sit. The figures below are reported without a verdict. The most-reported system is power train (19 complaints), typically at 4.3 yr or about 101,541 miles.

Complaints
144
Median age at failure
2.6 yr
Median mileage
2,500 n=27
Crash / fire / tow
5.6% of reports
Safety recalls
2 1 do not drive

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Power train
19 reports · 101,541 mi
4.3 yr
5.3%
Electrical system
18 reports · 1,667 mi
2.1 yr
5.6%
Lane departure
17 reports · 1,500 mi
1.2 yr
0%
Other
16 reports
3.8 yr
6.2%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

22V907000 2022-12-08 Do not drive
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.

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

26V436000 2026-07-07
Equipment:other:labels

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

In owners’ own words

Electrical system 1,667 mi 3 mo in service
MY WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN SHE WENT TO START IT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AT ONLY 1667 MILES.
Electrical system 1,667 mi 3 mo in service
AT 1667 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU ASCENT THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED WHILE MY WIFE WAS OUT SHOPPING. THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO CHARGE TO ME, HOWEVER AT 1667 MILES THAT IS AN ISSUE. THERE IS A DEAD SUBARU ASCENT BATTERY CLUB THAT N FACEBOOK DEDICATED TO THIS ISSUE AND LAWYERS STARTING TO GET READY FOR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED.
Electrical system mileage not reported 9 mo in service
After leaving liftgate open for a while, battery was dead. Learned from website that this was known issue for Subaru’s with automated liftgate. As i was camping with no cell signal, it was super difficult to get help and this could lead to the really big issue. This is the known issue for a while and I was shocked to Leane that Subaru did nothing to fix this.
Lane departure 800 mi 5 mo in service
VEHICLE WANDERS ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE ROAD THE LANE CENTERING ASSIST TRIES TO HUG THE CENTERLINE AND THE DRIVER MUST KEEP PULLING HE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CENTER OF THE PASSING LANE. A SHORT LAPSE OF STEERING COULD PULL THE VEHICLE INTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEING PASSED. FULL TIME JOB TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM WANDERING WHEN VERY LIITLE WIND AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT FROM WANDERING WHEN THE WIND IS BLOWING 15-20 MPH. NOT A PLEASANT RELAXING DRIVE.

Other Ascent model years

2024202120202019

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