2021 Subaru Ascent Safety Report
2021 Subaru Ascent: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Powertrain, Electrical, and Brake Reliability Issues with a Fire Recall
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Ascent receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Ascent:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure/Slippage Multiple reports of transmission slipping, hesitating, failing to accelerate, and requiring full replacement at relatively low mileage. |
High | Common | 30000-60000 miles |
| Electrical System Fire Risk (Ptc Heater) Recall issued for a melting ground terminal of the PTC heater, increasing fire risk. One complaint details an engine fire. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Premature Brake Wear/Warping Rotors Brakes shudder and fade, requiring frequent replacement of pads and rotors, with some dealers acknowledging undersized components. |
Medium | Common | 20000-40000 miles |
| Parasitic Battery Drain Battery repeatedly drains, even after replacement, indicating an underlying electrical draw. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Windshield Cracking/Chipping Windshields crack easily, often from the edge, reducing visibility and affecting driver-assist systems. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Lane Assist/Steering Issues Vehicle wanders, pulls to one side, or lane assist overcorrects, posing a collision risk. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Automatic Emergency Braking False Positives Vehicle's automatic braking system engages without obstacles, creating unexpected stops. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Ascent:
Frequent complaints about easily cracking windshields, wind noise, and water leaks through seatbelts.
Issues include parasitic battery drain, dead batteries, and the recall-related PTC heater ground bolt fire risk.
Numerous reports of CVT transmission slipping, hesitation, failure, and requiring full replacement.
Problems with premature wear, shuddering, warping rotors, and perceived undersized components.
Vehicle wandering, pulling to one side, and lane assist overcorrecting.
Includes reports of engine fires and fuel smells inside the cabin.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Subaru Ascent received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, with a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 92 complaints, including 1 fire and 3 injuries, and a recall for a fire risk related to the electrical system. While it performs well in crash tests, reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and brakes, raise concerns about long-term safety and ownership.
What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Subaru Ascent include CVT transmission failures (slipping, hesitation, requiring replacement), electrical system problems (parasitic battery drain, the PTC heater fire recall), premature brake wear and warping rotors, easily cracking windshields, and issues with lane assist and steering.
Has the 2021 Subaru Ascent had any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Ascent has had 1 recall. This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 22V-860) addresses a ground bolt for the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater that may have been improperly tightened, increasing the risk of a fire due to a melting ground terminal.
Are there fire risks with the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
Yes, there is a known fire risk. A recall was issued for an electrical system component (PTC heater ground bolt) that can melt and increase the risk of fire. Additionally, NHTSA complaint data includes at least one report of an engine compartment fire in a 2021 Ascent.
How reliable is the 2021 Subaru Ascent's transmission?
Based on NHTSA complaints, the 2021 Subaru Ascent's CVT transmission appears to have significant reliability issues. It is a common complaint pattern, with multiple reports of slipping, hesitation, failure to accelerate, and the need for full transmission replacement at mileages as low as 50,000 miles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant reported issues with the CVT transmission, electrical system (including a fire recall), and premature brake wear; consider an extended warranty and thorough pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Ascent
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The data includes 92 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Ascent an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.