2021 SUBARU Ascent

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Subaru Ascent demonstrates a concerning reliability profile, primarily due to an electrical recall related to potential melting of the ground terminal. With a notable portion of complaints also centered on the electrical system, owners should remain vigilant, especially within the peak failure mileage range.

Key Factor:Electrical system vulnerabilities

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The recall affecting the electrical system is particularly alarming as it could lead to significant failures, including potential vehicle fires due to melting components. For families and individuals relying on the Ascent for daily transportation or long trips, such risks can undermine confidence in the vehicle's overall safety and reliability.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Crack
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.3)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Year-over-year, the Subaru brand has generally cultivated a reputation for durability and dependability; however, the challenges faced by the 2021 Ascent indicate a troubling divergence from these expectations. The extent of electrical issues and complaints suggests that this model may be grappling with quality assurance hurdles not typically associated with Subaru's legacy.

Safety & Reliability Score

88/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-4.35
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 SUBARU Ascent

Model Year2021
MakeSUBARU
ModelAscent
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug22
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

20 complaints (23% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 87 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
3(3%)
🟑Medium
15(17%)
🟒Low
69(79%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles is indicative of potential manufacturing defects or design flaws surfacing early in ownership. For current owners, this means being proactive about monitoring electrical systems and addressing any warning signs promptly. It highlights a critical phase where new vehicle owners should remain aware of their warranty coverage and seek dealership support if issues arise.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 29 of 87 complaints (33% coverage)
0-20k
17 reports (59%)
20k-40k
7 reports (24%)
40k-60k
2 reports (7%)
60k-80k
2 reports (7%)
80k-100k
1 reports (3%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Potential melting of ground terminal due to improper fastening.

βœ…

Inspect wiring immediately for signs of wear or damage.

πŸ”

Request service records detailing any previous electrical repairs or recalls.

Campaign:21V-123
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 22V907000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Summary

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.

Consequence

A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

87 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Ascent.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crack23%
Battery11%
Warning10%
Acceleration Issues8%
Noise8%
Dead Battery/Car8%
Jerk7%
Leak5%
Accident5%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN

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 burning odor when being driven. NYS inspection was conducted on 10/27/25. The transmission malfunction has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who has had the vehicle at their dealership since 11/5/25, 34 days as of today. Subaru Advocacy , whom I have had many calls and emails with, is unwilling to replace the transmission at their cost.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

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.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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 warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and informed the contact that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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 have my kids out on the road when it happened. I had to have it towed to the closest Subaru dealership (a $395 charge). Upon inspection, my transmission (the CVT model) was no longer working. My car was bought in December 2021 and it has around 80,000 miles on it. In researching, I saw that the 2019 and 2020 models with the CVT had been recalled (or had their warranties extended to 100,000 miles coverage) for the EXACT thing that happened to my car. If I am correct, my car was manufactured in November of 2020 from what I was told. I find it so hard to imagine that a transmission should fail due to "no reason" at this point, my car is not even 5 years old! The fact that this has happened on cars right in the timeframe of when mine was made, it's hard to imagine I should have to pay almost $10,000 for a new transmission when the history of these transmissions failing have been quite newsworthy! It was not fixable, the only choice I was given was to buy a new transmission. In today's economy, I just find this unacceptable.

OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

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 my car.

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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 refuses to remedy the issue. I question the safety and integrity of this windshield to protect from normal road debris strikes, allow normal visibility, and the integrity of the lamination of the from windshield in the event of a collision.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

Transmission needed to replaced at around 50k miles. Sister in law has the same year and her transmission went about the same mileage

Body/InteriorπŸ”΅ Low
STRUCTURE

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 had the windshield replaced twice so I am on my 3rd windshield. Each time the rock hits, it causes a large chip to form which distracts the driver momentarily. It also creates defects in the windshield which could lead to safety issues of the windshield shattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Common issues primarily revolve around the electrical system, specifically related to wiring under the dash that may lead to component failures and safety risks. Owners have reported concerns regarding malfunctioning features tied to these deficiencies.

Is it safe to buy a used 2021 Subaru Ascent?

'While many Ascent vehicles offer great versatility and comfort, prospective buyers should carefully review any outstanding recalls or service history focusing on electrical repairs. Ensuring that previous owners addressed these issues can help mitigate risks.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 75%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified SUBARU service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in SUBARU's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 1 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.